How can I tell when dumplings are fully cooked in beef stew?

Dumplings are done when they have expanded in size and feel firm but tender to the touch. Typically, after adding them to the simmering stew, cook for about 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid, as steam helps them cook evenly. You can check by inserting a toothpick or skewer into a dumpling—if it comes out clean without raw dough, they’re ready. Avoid overcooking to prevent the dumplings from becoming soggy.

What’s the best way to store leftover beef stew and dumplings?

Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. If storing dumplings separately, keep them in a sealed container to prevent drying out. For longer storage, freeze the stew without dumplings for up to 3 months; reheat thoroughly and add fresh dumplings if desired.

Can I make beef stew and dumplings in a slow cooker?

Yes, beef stew and dumplings can be prepared in a slow cooker. Brown the beef beforehand for added flavor, then add all stew ingredients except the dumplings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the dumplings during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from overcooking. Cover the slow cooker with a lid to trap steam, which helps the dumplings cook evenly.

What cuts of beef work best for stew with dumplings?

Tougher cuts like chuck, brisket, or round are ideal for beef stew because they become tender and flavorful after slow cooking. These cuts have enough connective tissue that breaks down during simmering, enriching the stew’s texture and taste. Avoid lean cuts as they can become dry or tough. Cubing the beef into uniform pieces helps ensure even cooking.

How can I make my beef stew and dumplings thicker?

To thicken beef stew, use a flour or cornstarch slurry by mixing equal parts starch and cold water, then stir it into the simmering stew until it reaches the desired consistency. Alternatively, mash some of the cooked vegetables or potatoes directly into the stew. For thicker dumplings, increase the flour slightly or reduce the liquid in the dough. Thickening improves the stew’s body and helps the dumplings hold their shape.

Beef Stew And Dumplings Recipe For Hearty Comfort

Name: Beef Stew And Dumplings
Prep time: 2 h 50 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; – 1.5 pounds chuck roast cut into cubes; – 0.25 cup all-purpose flour; – 2 ribs celery sliced; – 3 large carrots sliced; – 0.5 cup frozen peas; – 5 Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cubed; – 1 large yellow onion chopped; – 1 teaspoon minced garlic; – 2 bay leaves; – 0.5 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves; – 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves; – 2 tablespoons tomato paste; – 1 teaspoon kosher salt; – 1 teaspoon pepper; – 3 cups beef broth; – 0.5 cup red wine; – 1 cup sour cream; – 0.5 cup whole milk; – 2 large eggs at room temperature; – 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves; – 2 cups all-purpose flour; – 3 teaspoons baking powder; – 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Description

🥘 This Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe offers a nourishing and satisfying meal with tender beef and flavorful vegetables.
🍲 Enjoy the comforting combination of herbal, soft dumplings and rich stew, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

– 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

– 1.5 pounds chuck roast cut into cubes

– 0.25 cup all-purpose flour

– 2 ribs celery sliced

– 3 large carrots sliced

– 0.5 cup frozen peas

– 5 Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cubed

– 1 large yellow onion chopped

– 1 teaspoon minced garlic

– 2 bay leaves

– 0.5 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

– 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt

– 1 teaspoon pepper

– 3 cups beef broth

– 0.5 cup red wine

– 1 cup sour cream

– 0.5 cup whole milk

– 2 large eggs at room temperature

– 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 3 teaspoons baking powder

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1-Gathering: Gathering everything for this beef stew and dumplings starts with a bit of prep, which I find makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. I always begin by chopping my veggies and cubing the beef, just like I do when I’m in a hurry on weekdays. This way, you can focus on the fun part building those rich flavors step by step.

2-Cooking the Beef: Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the beef cubes over medium heat to lock in that savory goodness. Once browned, set the beef aside so it stays tender. This step is key for a great beef stew and dumplings texture that makes it worth the wait.

3-Browning and Sautéing: After browning the beef, sauté the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots in the same pot until they’re soft and aromatic. Add in the herbs like thyme to infuse more flavor, which really elevates the base of your stew. It’s one of those tricks I learned from years of cooking that makes everything come together nicely.

4-Simmering: Return the beef to the pot and stir in the tomato paste, salt, pepper, beef broth, and red wine. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for about 1.5 hours until the beef is perfectly tender. For variations, like vegan swaps, use the appropriate ingredients here to keep it adaptable.

5-Adding Dumplings: While the stew simmers, mix up the dumpling dough by combining the sour cream, milk, eggs, thyme, flour, baking powder, and salt until just blended don’t overmix! Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the simmering stew, cover, and let it cook for 20 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy.

6-Final Touches: Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning before serving it hot. If you’re interested in more hearty recipes, try my crockpot steak and potato bake for a similar cozy meal. This approach ensures your beef stew and dumplings is easy to customize at every stage.

Notes

🌿 Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in both stew and dumplings.
🍲 Let the stew simmer gently to keep the meat tender and the flavors rich.
🍽️ Serve with a green salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Simmering time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering, Browning
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Beef Stew, Dumplings, Comfort Food, Hearty Meal