Print

Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

This hearty Beef Stew and Dumplings recipe combines tender seared chuck meat simmered in a rich beef stock with aromatic herbs, root vegetables, and fluffy herb-studded dumplings. Perfect for a comforting meal, the stew simmers slowly to develop deep flavors while the fluffy dumplings add a satisfying texture. You can choose to steam the dumplings on the stovetop or finish them off in the oven for a crispy top.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Stew Ingredients

  • 2 tsp tomato paste (Muir Glen organic preferred)
  • 2 qt beef stock
  • 2 lb chuck meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 4–5 carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick

Dumpling Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • Fresh parsley and chives, diced (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sear the Meat: Season 2 pounds of chuck meat generously with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Coat the meat evenly with 2 tablespoons of flour. Heat a pot with butter or oil, then sear the meat on both sides for 2 to 3 minutes each, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Once browned, remove the meat and set it aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add more oil if needed and sauté a large chopped onion until softened. Add peeled and chopped carrots and potatoes along with finely chopped fresh rosemary. Season with 2 teaspoons of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Add 4 crushed garlic cloves and 2 teaspoons of tomato paste to enhance the flavor.
  3. Combine Ingredients and Begin Stewing: Return the seared meat to the pot and pour in 2 quarts of beef stock until all ingredients are covered. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Add 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors meld.
  4. Prepare the Dumpling Batter: While the stew simmers, dice fresh parsley and chives if using. In a bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Mix in the diced herbs, then add 1 tablespoon room temperature butter and incorporate until crumbly. Gradually add 1/3 cup milk by hand until a sticky, airy dough forms. Avoid over-kneading. Cover with a towel and set aside.
  5. Add Dumplings to the Stew: After 2 hours, remove thyme sprigs from the stew. Scoop golf-ball-sized or smaller portions of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering stew without shaping into balls. For crispy dumplings, transfer the pot to a 350°F (175°C) oven uncovered and bake until dumplings are cooked through. Alternatively, cover the pot and steam the dumplings on the stove over low heat for about 20 minutes.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Once dumplings are cooked, serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for brightness and extra flavor. Enjoy your hearty and delicious homemade beef stew with dumplings!

Notes

  • Use chuck meat for the best tenderness after long simmering.
  • Do not overcrowd the pot when searing the meat to ensure even browning.
  • Fresh herbs greatly enhance the flavor, but dried can be substituted if needed (adjust quantities accordingly).
  • When making dumplings, avoid over-kneading to keep them light and fluffy.
  • Dumplings can be steamed on stove or baked in the oven; baking gives a crispy top.
  • Add extra milk a tablespoon at a time if the dumpling dough feels too dry.
  • This stew is best made in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even cooking.

Keywords: beef stew, dumplings, comfort food, hearty stew, homemade stew, chuck beef stew, slow simmer, herb dumplings

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/tasty-beef-stew-and-dumplings-recipe/