Savory Beef Stew and Dumplings

Warm, hearty, and full of old-fashioned comfort, this Savory Beef Stew and Dumplings is the ultimate cold-weather meal. With tender chunks of beef, rich broth, soft vegetables, and fluffy herb dumplings, this stew is satisfying, flavorful, and completely comforting. Perfect for cozy family dinners or lazy Sundays, it’s a dish that feeds both the stomach and the soul.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort in a Bowl – Rich, meaty broth and pillowy dumplings make every bite feel like a hug.
One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup and deeper flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Stew tastes even better the next day.
Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables and herbs.
Perfect for Cold Days – Hearty enough to warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Stew:
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
6 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
3 large carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp garlic powder
¾ cup milk
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Tools You’ll Need
Large Dutch oven or stew pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl
Ladle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Toss in flour to coat lightly.
3. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
4. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 1–2 minutes.
3. Add the browned beef back into the pot.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Simmer

1. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Stir in thyme and bay leaves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ hours or until beef is tender.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

1. Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes.
2. Simmer uncovered for another 25–30 minutes until vegetables are soft.

Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, parsley, and garlic powder.
2. Stir in milk and melted butter just until combined—don’t overmix.

Step 6: Add Dumplings to the Stew

1. Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1½ tbsp each) on top of the simmering stew.
2. Cover with a lid and simmer on low for 15 minutes—don’t lift the lid during this time!
3. Dumplings should be puffed and cooked through.

Step 7: Final Touches

1. Remove bay leaves and stir in frozen peas, if using.
2. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew and Dumplings
Use Chuck Roast – It becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender with slow cooking.
Brown the Beef – Adds rich, caramelized flavor to the stew base.
Don’t Peek on the Dumplings – Keep the lid on so they steam and rise properly.
Cut Veggies Evenly – Helps everything cook at the same rate.
Let It Rest – A few minutes after cooking lets the flavors settle and intensify.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the stew.
Pair with a light green salad or roasted green beans.
Top with a dollop of sour cream or grated Parmesan for extra indulgence.
Enjoy with apple cider or hot tea for the perfect cozy meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Microwave: Warm in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:
Freeze stew (without dumplings) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and add fresh dumplings when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   Yes! Brown the beef first, then transfer everything (except dumplings) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7–8 hours. Add dumplings in the last 30–45 minutes.
2. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
   Sure—use boneless thighs for best results and reduce simmer time.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free flour blend for the stew and dumplings.
4. Can I make this ahead?
   Yes—stew can be made a day in advance. Add dumplings fresh when reheating.
5. Can I add wine?
   Absolutely! Add ½ cup red wine after sautéing the onions for a richer depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts
This Savory Beef Stew and Dumplings is everything you want in a comfort food meal—tender beef, hearty vegetables, a rich broth, and fluffy, buttery dumplings to soak it all up. It’s cozy, nourishing, and the kind of dish that turns a simple dinner into something special.

Try it for your next family meal or Sunday supper, and don’t forget to share your steaming bowls of stew—I’d love to see how yours turns out!

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 36g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 710mg

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