Beef Stew with Dumplings

Introduction

Welcome to a culinary journey that promises to warm your heart and fill your home with the comforting aroma of homemade goodness. Today, we delve into a classic recipe that has been a staple in many cultures for centuries: Beef Stew with Dumplings. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, designed to bring satisfaction and joy to anyone who tastes it. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is tailored for everyone looking to bring a touch of warmth to their dining table.

Who Should Try This Recipe?

If you find yourself yearning for a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace, this recipe is for you. It’s perfect for families seeking a satisfying dinner, friends gathering over a meal, or anyone looking to impress their guests with a dish that speaks volumes of love and care. It’s also an excellent choice for culinary enthusiasts looking to expand their repertoire with a classic comfort food dish.

Why This Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe is a Must-Try

This Beef Stew with Dumplings is not your average stew. It embodies the essence of comfort food with its rich, flavorful broth, tender chunks of beef, and fluffy dumplings that are a cloud of delight in every bite. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that come together to create a dish that’s both nourishing and immensely satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce your palate to the joys of slow-cooked meals that are worth every minute spent in their preparation.

Ingredients:

For the Stew:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds chuck roast, cut into cubes
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 ribs celery, sliced
• 3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 5 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups beef broth
• ½ cup red wine (Cabernet recommended)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, brown the beef cubes on all sides, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle flour over beef and stir to coat.
2. Add celery, carrots, peas, potatoes, onions, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, tomato paste, salt, pepper, beef broth, and red wine. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-1½ hours, or until beef is tender. Remove bay leaves.
4. For the Dumplings: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, eggs, and thyme. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture into the stew. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Browning the beef well adds depth to the stew’s flavor.
• Don’t overmix the dumpling dough to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
• Adjust the thickness of the stew with additional broth or water as needed.

Variations and Swaps

This recipe is versatile. Feel free to substitute chicken or lamb for beef, or use gluten-free flour for the dumplings. Vegetables can also be varied according to preference or seasonality.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently, adding a bit of water or broth if the stew has thickened too much.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker? Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the beef as instructed, then transfer it along with the other stew ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the dumplings about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, ensuring the slow cooker is set to high for them to cook through properly.
2. Are there any shortcuts for busy weeknights? For those hectic evenings, you can prep the vegetables and beef the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Using a slow cooker can also save time, allowing the stew to cook throughout the day without supervision. Alternatively, opt for pre-cut vegetables from the store to cut down on prep time.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Easily turn this stew into a vegetarian delight by substituting the beef with a hearty vegetable, such as mushrooms or eggplant, and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add additional beans for protein and texture.
4. Can I prepare the dumplings ahead of time? It’s best to make the dumpling dough fresh when you’re ready to cook them to ensure they remain light and fluffy. However, you can measure out the dry ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
5. What are the best ways to thicken the stew if it’s too thin? If your stew is looking a bit more like soup than you’d like, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and then stirring this mixture into the stew. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, mashing a few of the cooked potatoes in the stew can also naturally thicken it.

Conclusion

Crafting a hearty meal that comforts and satisfies is a true art form. This Beef Stew with Dumplings recipe is a testament to the simple joy that cooking can bring into our lives, offering a delicious way to gather friends and family around the table. With each spoonful, we’re reminded of the power of good food to warm our bodies and souls. So, whether you’re looking to refine your culinary skills or simply searching for the perfect dish to warm up a chilly evening, this recipe promises to deliver in both taste and heartiness. Remember, cooking is not just about the food; it’s about the memories and experiences we create with each meal. So, go ahead, give this recipe a try, share it with those you love, and continue to explore the endless possibilities that cooking has to offer.

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