Julia Koch
Craving something cozy, rich, and deeply satisfying? This Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings recipe might just be the warm hug your dinner table needs. Slow-cooked beef, tender root vegetables, and fluffy golden dumplings come together in one pot to create a soul-warming comfort dish that’s perfect for colder evenings or family gatherings.
Whether you’re nostalgic for classic home-style meals or trying something hearty and filling for the first time, this stew hits all the right notes. The savory beef broth builds deep flavor while the dumplings soak it all up like delicious little sponges. Each spoonful is a rustic celebration of slow food done right.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this stew, it helps to prep the kitchen right. Here are the must-haves:
- Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Crucial for evenly distributing heat during long simmers. It retains warmth and allows for deep caramelization of the beef.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: Makes chopping root vegetables like carrots and potatoes a breeze. A clean cut means even cooking.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These are ideal for stirring without scratching the pot. Perfect for scraping up those flavorful browned bits.
- Mixing Bowl: Needed to mix your dumpling batter until just right.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision helps balance the rich flavors in both stew and dumplings.
Getting these tools ready beforehand will streamline your cooking process and ensure consistent, flavorful results.
Ingredients for the Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings
Let’s break down what makes this stew so rich and irresistible. Each ingredient has a purpose:
- Chuck Beef (stewing beef): This cut becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when slow-cooked. It’s the protein backbone of the dish.
- Carrots: They add sweetness and color, softening beautifully as they simmer.
- Potatoes: Their starch thickens the stew slightly, while providing substance and comfort.
- Celery: Adds aromatic depth and a touch of bitterness to balance the flavors.
- Yellow Onion: Essential for that savory base layer in the stew.
- Garlic Cloves: Provide sharp, earthy flavor to deepen the stew’s complexity.
- Tomato Paste: Brings umami and a rich color to the broth.
- Beef Stock: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a punch of tang and richness.
- Thyme & Bay Leaf: The herbal notes that lend the stew a classic, comforting aroma.
- Salt & Pepper: Foundational seasonings to enhance every other flavor.
For the dumplings:
- Self-Rising Flour: Gives the dumplings their light, fluffy lift.
- Butter: Adds richness and tenderness.
- Milk: Helps form the soft dough.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh, herbaceous finish on the dumplings.
How To Make the Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings
Step 1: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor
Heat your Dutch oven with a splash of oil. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each side gets caramelized. This step builds a rich flavor base.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base
In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and let it cook briefly to intensify its flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
Add the beef back in, followed by beef stock, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings
In a mixing bowl, combine self-rising flour and cold butter. Use your fingers to rub until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in milk until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Add Dumplings and Cover
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the surface of the stew. Cover with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15–20 minutes. They should puff up and cook through without stirring.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dumplings before serving hot. Enjoy the aroma and the comfort in every bite.
Serving and Storing This Hearty Dish
Beef stew and dumplings is best served piping hot, straight from the pot. Dish out generous portions, making sure each bowl gets plenty of tender beef, rich gravy, and at least one or two dumplings. A side of buttered crusty bread never hurts either.
If you’re planning for leftovers (which reheat beautifully), allow the stew to cool completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The dumplings will soak in more broth, becoming even more flavorful. For longer storage, freeze the stew without the dumplings for up to 3 months. Make fresh dumplings when reheating for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure the dumplings are fully cooked?
Keep the lid on during the steaming time to trap moisture and heat. Avoid peeking! After 15–20 minutes, insert a toothpick in one – it should come out clean.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the beef and sauté the veggies first for flavor, then transfer everything (except the dumplings) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add dumplings in the final 30 minutes.
What other herbs can I use besides thyme?
Rosemary or oregano work well, though they are a bit stronger. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.
Can I use store-bought biscuit dough for dumplings?
Yes! It’s a time-saver. Just drop small pieces on top of the stew and steam as you would with homemade dough.
How can I thicken the stew further?
Mash a few of the cooked potatoes into the broth, or make a slurry with cornstarch and water to stir in during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Is it okay to use another cut of beef?
Yes, but try to stick with tougher cuts like brisket or bottom round. These become beautifully tender when slow-cooked, just like chuck.
Want More Comfort Food Ideas?
If this Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings warmed your soul, there are plenty more comforting meals waiting to be explored. Try the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup for a rustic, veggie-packed bowl that satisfies without meat. Or go for the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup — it’s cheesy, velvety, and pure comfort in a spoon.
Looking for a heartier pasta-style meal? The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta blends tender beef with bowtie noodles in a tomato-rich sauce that’s quick and cozy. Another crave-worthy beef dinner is the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce—creamy, garlicky, and weeknight-friendly.
One more can’t-miss: Wendy’s Chili Recipe — a fan favorite for meal prep and freezer stock.
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
You can save this recipe to your cozy meal boards for later. Just click the Pin button.
And if you give it a go, let me know how it went! Did your dumplings puff just right? Did you switch up the herbs? Drop your tips and twists in the comments below — I love seeing what you create.
Looking for more daily inspiration? I post new recipe pins all the time over on Pinterest @LadyPlate. Follow along and let’s keep the comfort food flowing!
Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This comforting one-pot meal features tender chunks of beef slow-simmered in a savory broth with hearty vegetables, topped with fluffy, buttery dumplings. It’s the ultimate cozy dinner—perfect for chilly nights or relaxed Sunday meals.
Ingredients
600g chuck beef (stewing beef)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 potatoes, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef stock
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups self-rising flour
3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
¾ cup milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Brown beef cubes in batches until all sides are seared. Set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes.
3. Return beef to the pot. Add potatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the dumplings: In a bowl, combine self-rising flour and butter. Rub together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in milk to form a soft dough. Avoid overmixing.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the simmering stew. Cover and steam the dumplings for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid.
6. Once the dumplings are puffed and cooked through, sprinkle with parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread if desired.
Notes
Don’t lift the lid while the dumplings are steaming—it will release necessary moisture and affect their rise.
If you want a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end.
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top enhance both flavor and appearance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: beef stew, dumplings, one-pot meal
