Irresistible beef stew with dumplings is the taste of home, a warm hug on a chilly day. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to cozy kitchens and cherished family meals. This recipe isn’t just about following instructions; it’s about creating a memory, a feeling of comfort in every spoonful. This irresistible beef stew with dumplings is a dish that’s been passed down in my family, tweaked and perfected over generations, and now I’m thrilled to share it with you. So pull up a chair, grab a spoon, and let’s get cooking!
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Why You Will Love This irresistible beef stew with dumplings Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling pot of beef stew, especially when it’s crowned with fluffy, tender dumplings. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and forget about the world outside. What makes this stew special? For starters, the beef is incredibly tender, falling apart at the touch of a fork. The vegetables are perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of bite. And the dumplings? Oh, the dumplings! They’re light, airy, and absolutely divine.
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy and comforting recipes like this one!It’s also surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up a batch of this irresistible beef stew with dumplings. In fact, it’s a great recipe for beginner cooks who want to impress their friends and family. It’s also perfect for busy weeknights, because it can be made ahead of time and reheated later. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can always have a comforting meal on hand. If you are looking for another great comforting recipe, consider our Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe For Cozy Days 2.
Ingredients Needed for This irresistible beef stew with dumplings Recipe
For the Beef Stew:- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons shortening, chilled
- 1 cup milk
How to Make This irresistible beef stew with dumplings Recipe
- 1. Sear the Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- 2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3. Deglaze the Pot: If using, pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- 4. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
- 5. Simmer the Stew: Return the beef to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be.
- 6. Add the Potatoes: Add the potatoes and cook for another 30 minutes, or until they are tender.
- 7. Make the Dumplings: While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 8. Form the Dumpling Dough: Gradually add the milk, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 9. Add the Peas and Dumplings: Stir in the frozen peas. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew.
- 10. Cook the Dumplings: Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center.
- 11. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the irresistible beef stew with dumplings into bowls and enjoy! Consider serving with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Our Soft Gingerbread Cookies With Maple Glaze 3 and Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe With Homemade Jam 2 are also great for sharing with friends!
How to Serve This irresistible beef stew with dumplings Recipe
This irresistible beef stew with dumplings is a complete meal in itself, but there are a few things you can do to elevate the experience.
- Serving Tips: Serve the stew hot, straight from the pot. Ladle generous portions into bowls, making sure each serving has a good mix of beef, vegetables, and dumplings.
- Pairing Ideas: Serve with a side of crusty bread or rolls for soaking up the delicious gravy. A simple green salad also pairs well with the richness of the stew.
- Topping Recommendations: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream adds a touch of freshness and creaminess.
- Plating Ideas: For a rustic presentation, serve the stew in earthenware bowls. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a fancy touch.
How to Store This irresistible beef stew with dumplings Recipe
Storing and reheating this irresistible beef stew with dumplings is easy.
- Refrigeration Instructions: Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Guidelines: For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer safe containers. The dumplings will become slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
- Shelf Life Information: Refrigerated stew will last for 3-4 days. Frozen stew will last for 2-3 months.
Tips to Make This irresistible beef stew with dumplings Recipe
Want to make the best irresistible beef stew with dumplings? Here are a few tips and tricks.
- Ingredient Swaps: You can use different types of beef, such as stew meat or short ribs. You can also substitute other vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips.
- Success Tips: Searing the beef before simmering is key to developing rich flavor. Don’t skip this step! Also, be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough or they will be tough.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the dumplings is a common mistake. Cook them just until they are cooked through.
- Pro Tips for Best Results: For an even richer flavor, use homemade beef broth. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Helpful Notes for This irresistible beef stew with dumplings Recipe
A few extra notes to help you customize this irresistible beef stew with dumplings.
- Ingredient Details: Look for beef chuck with good marbling for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Equipment Recommendations: A Dutch oven is ideal for making stew, but any large, heavy bottomed pot will work.
- Dumpling Texture: For lighter dumplings, use less milk. For denser dumplings, use a bit more.
Variation of This irresistible beef stew with dumplings Recipe
This recipe can be easily adapted with different ingredients or cooking methods.
- Seasonal Twists: In the fall, add butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the stew. In the spring, add asparagus or green beans.
- Optional Versions: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef with mushrooms.
- Creative Modifications: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Stir in some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, just before serving.
How do I keep my beef stew from being watery?
To prevent a watery beef stew, ensure you brown the beef adequately to seal in the juices. Also, avoid adding too much liquid at the beginning and consider using cornstarch or flour as a thickening agent towards the end of cooking.
What’s the best type of beef for beef stew?
Chuck roast is generally considered the best beef for stew. It’s well-marbled with fat, which renders during cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Other suitable options include brisket or round roast.
How do I make sure my dumplings are fluffy and not gummy?
For fluffy dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough, as this can develop the gluten and make them tough. Gently drop spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering stew and prevent lifting the lid too much during cooking to allow the dumplings to steam properly.
Can I freeze leftover beef stew with dumplings?
Yes, beef stew without dumplings can be frozen. However, dumplings tend to become mushy after freezing and thawing. It’s best to freeze the stew separately and make fresh dumplings when you reheat it.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this irresistible beef stew with dumplings as much as my family does. It’s a recipe that truly warms the soul and brings people together. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Let me know in the comments how it turns out! And remember, even if your irresistible beef stew with dumplings isn’t perfect, it’s the love and effort that counts.
