Description
Cozy, rich, and full of classic flavor, Beef Stew and Dumplings is the perfect easy dinner idea for cold nights or Sunday family meals. This one-pot recipe features tender chunks of beef simmered with root vegetables in a savory, thick gravy, topped with fluffy dumplings that soak up all the flavor. Whether you’re after comfort food, weeknight meals, or hearty food ideas, this quick beef stew with dumplings delivers soul-warming satisfaction in every spoonful.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds stewing beef, cut into chunks
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups beef stock
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1 cup diced potatoes or parsnips (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cold butter, diced
¾ cup milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Season beef with salt and pepper, and brown in batches. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, cook onion for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until slightly softened.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add flour and stir well to coat vegetables.
4. Pour in beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and beef. Bring to boil.
5. Reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 1½ to 2 hours until beef is tender.
6. Meanwhile, make dumplings: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk and herbs gently.
7. When stew is thickened and beef is ready, drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface.
8. Cover tightly with a lid and steam dumplings for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
9. Test a dumpling—if a toothpick comes out clean, they’re done. Garnish stew with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Sear the beef in batches to develop a deep, flavorful base.
For best dumplings, don’t overmix the dough and keep the lid on during steaming.
The stew tastes even better the next day—make it ahead and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British-style
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with dumplings
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: beef stew, dumplings, easy dinner, one pot meals, comfort food