Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings is the perfect dish for cozy nights and gatherings. This hearty meal combines tender beef with flavorful vegetables and fluffy dumplings, making it a satisfying choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or during a family dinner, this recipe is sure to warm your heart and delight your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: The combination of beef, fresh herbs, and vegetables creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious stew in no time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—perfect for busy days!
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust seasonings based on what you have on hand.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weeknight meal, this stew fits the bill.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the stew evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware and helps create a rich flavor as you sauté ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts, leading to consistent results every time.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Stew

• 2 pounds stew meat (chuck meat)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 large onion
• 4 to 5 carrots
• 3 cups golden potatoes
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 2 quarts beef stock
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

For the Dumplings

• 1 cup flour (for dumplings)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for dumplings)
• 1 tablespoon butter (room temperature)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup milk

Optional Fresh Herbs

• Fresh herbs (parsley and chives)

How to Make Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by chopping the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion, slice carrots, and cube the golden potatoes. Mince the garlic as well.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In your large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add stew meat coated in flour. Brown it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Once browned, add onions, carrots, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and thyme. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Add Stock

Pour in beef stock until it covers all ingredients. Bring it to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 90 minutes.

Step 5: Make Dumpling Dough

In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, sea salt, butter, and milk until a soft dough forms.

Step 6: Cook Dumplings

After the stew has simmered for 90 minutes, drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the stew. Cover tightly and let cook for another 15-20 minutes until they are fluffy.

Enjoy your Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings hot from the pot!

How to Serve Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings

Serving Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this hearty dish.

Family Style

• Large Serving Bowl: Pour the stew into a large bowl and place the dumplings on top. This encourages everyone to help themselves.
• Individual Bowls: Ladle the stew and dumplings into individual bowls for a more personal touch at the table.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping into the rich gravy.

Accompaniments

• Side Salad: A simple green salad can balance the richness of the stew.
• Pickled Vegetables: Offer a small dish of pickled veggies to add a tangy contrast.

How to Perfect Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings

Perfecting your Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process.

• Use Quality Meat: Choose well-marbled beef for tenderness and flavor. Chuck meat works best here.
• Brown Your Meat: Searing the beef first builds a rich flavor base before adding liquids.
• Thicken Wisely: Gradually stir in flour for a smooth consistency without lumps.
• Simmer Gently: Letting the stew simmer allows flavors to deepen while keeping the meat tender.
• Dumpling Consistency: Ensure dumpling dough is thick but not dry. Adjust milk as needed for texture.

Best Side Dishes for Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings

Pairing side dishes with Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent choices.

1. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky taste complements the stew’s flavors perfectly.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or squash add color and nutrition.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create an extra layer of comfort alongside the stew.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw gives a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty stew.
5. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with savory flavors, perfect for soaking up broth.
6. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add vibrant color and nutrients to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the beef first can lead to a less flavorful stew. Always brown your meat well to enhance the taste.

• Overcooking vegetables: Adding all vegetables at once might result in mushy textures. Add them in stages, starting with harder vegetables like carrots and potatoes.

• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoned stew can be bland. Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process, especially before serving.

• Using cold ingredients: Adding cold stock or ingredients can slow down cooking. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even cooking.

• Rushing the dumpling process: If you overwork the dumpling dough, they can become tough. Mix just until combined for light and fluffy dumplings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover stew with foil and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over low-medium heat, stirring often until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings:

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken, lamb, or turkey for beef if desired. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the meat used.

What can I add to make it spicier?

To add spice, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preference.

How do I know when the beef is tender?

The beef should be fork-tender when it’s fully cooked. This usually takes about 2 hours of simmering but may vary depending on the size of your meat pieces.

Can I make Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge after it cools down, then reheat when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings is a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a favorite among many. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste!

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Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings is your go-to comfort food for chilly evenings and cozy gatherings. This hearty dish features tender beef simmered to perfection with a medley of vegetables, accompanied by fluffy dumplings that soak up the rich flavors. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that not only warms your heart but also delights your taste buds. Ideal for family dinners or meal prepping, this recipe allows for easy customization with your favorite veggies or seasonings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds stew meat (chuck)
• 1 large onion
• 4 to 5 carrots
• 3 cups golden potatoes
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 quarts beef stock
• 1 cup flour (for dumplings)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon butter (room temperature)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

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Instructions

1. Chop the onion, carrots, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Coat the beef with flour and brown it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add onions, carrots, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and thyme to the pot. Stir well.
4. Pour in the beef stock until it covers the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer covered for about 90 minutes.
5. For dumplings: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sea salt, butter, and enough milk to form a soft dough.
6. After the stew has simmered for 90 minutes, drop spoonfuls of dough into the stew. Cover tightly and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until fluffy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 110 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 450g)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute chicken or lamb for beef if desired. Adjust seasoning according to taste throughout cooking.