Description

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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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

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

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

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

Step 3: Add Liquid and Simmer

Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir in thyme and bay leaves.
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

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

Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough

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

Step 6: Add Dumplings to the Stew

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

Step 7: Final Touches

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

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Cuisine: American Comfort Food