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Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Dumplings

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Dumplings
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Warm up with this hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Dumplings recipe featuring tender beef, rich flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings. Perfect for cozy dinners, this comforting classic combines slow-cooked beef and vibrant vegetables with simple, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stew:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 3 large carrots, chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil (for browning beef)

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 3 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef and Vegetables: Cut beef chuck into bite-sized cubes, trimming excess fat as desired. Chop carrots, celery, and onion into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a hot skillet and brown beef cubes on all sides until deep golden crust forms, enhancing flavor.
  3. Build the Stew Base: Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker. Add chopped vegetables, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables softened.
  5. Make the Dumpling Dough: Nearing the end of cooking, mix flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter until just combined. Dough should be soft but not sticky.
  6. Add Dumplings and Finish Cooking: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto stew surface. Cover and cook for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove bay leaves and thyme stems. Serve stew hot, topped with fluffy dumplings, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Brown Meat First: Enhances stew’s flavor profile.
  • Don’t Overmix Dumplings: Keep dumplings tender and fluffy.
  • Adjust Liquid: Add broth if slow cooker reduces too much liquid before adding dumplings.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley brightens the dish.
  • Check Dumpling Doneness: Toothpick should come out clean when inserted in dumplings.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, slow cooker, dumplings, comfort food, easy dinner, homestyle meal, hearty stew

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/slow-cooker-beef-stew-with-dumplings/