There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty bowl of stew, especially Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings. This delightful recipe combines tender chunks of beef that are slow cooked to perfection with an assortment of fresh root vegetables. The rich, savory gravy envelops every ingredient, while the fluffy dumplings on top soak up all the delicious flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and convenience, making it a go-to option for busy families and anyone in search of a satisfying meal.
With Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings, you can sit back and let your slow cooker do all the work. Imagine coming home after a long day to the mouthwatering aroma of this dish wafting through your house. It’s an easy dinner recipe that allows you to enjoy a warm, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Moreover, it’s an excellent option for meal prepping or when you want to treat your loved ones to a cozy dinner without any fuss. What more could you ask for!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings
- Rich in flavor: The blend of beef, vegetables, and herbs creates a savory experience that warms the soul.
- Convenient: Simply prepare ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do its magic while you carry on with your day.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and vitamins from the vegetables, this meal nourishes both body and mind.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients or seasonings to fit dietary needs or personal preferences.
- Perfect for gatherings: Serving a warm stew with dumplings fosters a sense of hospitality and warmth.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process for your Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and gather all necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Start by setting up your slow cooker in a space with ample counter room and ensuring that it’s plugged in and ready for operation.
You will also need a large skillet for browning the beef and a sturdy cutting board for chopping the vegetables. A sharp knife is essential for this task, and measuring cups and spoons will come in handy when preparing your ingredients. Don’t forget mixing bowls for combining the sauce and the dumpling dough. Having everything organized will make the process effortless and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cubed
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for coating beef)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Coat the Beef
Start by seasoning the beef cubes generously with salt and black pepper. Then, take 1/3 cup of flour and toss it into a bowl with the beef, ensuring every piece is well coated. This step will help create a nice crust when you sear the beef, enhancing the overall flavor of the stew.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Once hot, add the seasoned beef cubes to the skillet, ensuring they are spread out and not overcrowded. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and provides deeper flavor that will enhance your stew.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef is browning, take this opportunity to chop the carrots and potatoes into sizable chunks. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. The uniformity of the cuts will ensure that everything cooks evenly and fits nicely in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Now, it’s time to load up the slow cooker! Start with the chopped vegetables: carrots, potatoes, and onion at the bottom. This helps to create a base that will become infused with all the rich flavors as it cooks. Place the browned beef on top of the vegetables.
Step 5: Make the Flavorful Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, low-sodium beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. This mixture is what you’ll pour over the beef and vegetables, providing that deliciously hearty gravy.
Step 6: Set and Forget!
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. This is the magic of slow cooking; it allows the ingredients to meld perfectly while you go about your day.
Step 7: Prepare the Dumplings
About an hour before serving, it’s time to make the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the mixture until you achieve a crumbly texture. Gradually stir in the milk to form a soft dumpling dough.
Step 8: Add the Dumplings to Cook
Spoon small amounts of the dumpling dough over the bubbling stew. Make sure they have space to expand, so don’t overcrowd them. Close the lid and let them cook on HIGH for 45 minutes to an hour, or until they are puffed up and thoroughly cooked.
Step 9: Finish and Serve
Once the dumplings are ready, carefully remove the bay leaves from the stew. Garnish your savory concoction with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot. Enjoy!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the beef with chicken for a lighter variation or use a mix of beans for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite seasonal vegetables, such as parsnips, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms, to enrich the stew.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as smoked paprika or cumin, to provide a unique twist.
Cooking Notes
- For a thicker gravy, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate.
- Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to suit your palate.
- If preparing ahead of time, consider omitting the dumplings and adding them fresh when you’re ready to reheat and serve.
Serving Suggestions
- This stew pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread to soak up the lovely gravy.
- Serve with a simple green salad or sautéed greens to add some freshness to your meal.
Tips
- To save time, chop and prepare your vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for a future meal.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours on LOW or 5 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 9 hours
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 480 per serving
- Protein: 32 grams
- Sodium: 850 milligrams
FAQs
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew is a fantastic meal prep option. You can prepare it a day ahead of time, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat before serving!
What can I substitute for beef?
If you prefer not to use beef, chicken works well in this recipe or even a combination of beans and lentils for a vegetarian alternative.
Can I cook this stew on the stovetop instead?
Yes! You can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Simply bring all the ingredients to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer shelf life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food that satisfies cravings and nourishes the soul. The culmination of juicy beef, hearty vegetables, and tender dumplings creates a fulfilling dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy family dinner or prepping it for upcoming weeknight meals, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences and variations in the comments below! Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings
- Total Time: 9 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food that satisfies cravings and nourishes the soul.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cubed
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for coating beef)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the beef cubes generously with salt and black pepper. Then, take 1/3 cup of flour and toss it into a bowl with the beef, ensuring every piece is well coated. This step will help create a nice crust when you sear the beef, enhancing the overall flavor of the stew.
- Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Once hot, add the seasoned beef cubes to the skillet, ensuring they are spread out and not overcrowded. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and provides deeper flavor that will enhance your stew.
- While the beef is browning, take this opportunity to chop the carrots and potatoes into sizable chunks. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. The uniformity of the cuts will ensure that everything cooks evenly and fits nicely in the slow cooker.
- Now, it’s time to load up the slow cooker! Start with the chopped vegetables: carrots, potatoes, and onion at the bottom. This helps to create a base that will become infused with all the rich flavors as it cooks. Place the browned beef on top of the vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, low-sodium beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. This mixture is what you’ll pour over the beef and vegetables, providing that deliciously hearty gravy.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. This is the magic of slow cooking; it allows the ingredients to meld perfectly while you go about your day.
- About an hour before serving, it’s time to make the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the mixture until you achieve a crumbly texture. Gradually stir in the milk to form a soft dumpling dough.
- Spoon small amounts of the dumpling dough over the bubbling stew. Make sure they have space to expand, so don’t overcrowd them. Close the lid and let them cook on HIGH for 45 minutes to an hour, or until they are puffed up and thoroughly cooked.
- Once the dumplings are ready, carefully remove the bay leaves from the stew. Garnish your savory concoction with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot. Enjoy!
Notes
For a thicker gravy, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to suit your palate. If preparing ahead of time, consider omitting the dumplings and adding them fresh when you’re ready to reheat and serve.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours on LOW or 5 hours on HIGH
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Protein: 32 g