You will find a recipe guide below.
What is the Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings?
This dish is a hearty meal made in a slow cooker.
The beef stew cooks slowly with vegetables and broth.
The herbed dumplings sit on top and absorb the flavors.
The dish gives a warm and satisfying taste. It is simple to prepare and works well for family dinners.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings
- Beef stew meat
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Celery
- Onions
- Garlic
- Beef broth
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dried thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt
- Black pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Milk
- Fresh parsley
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Beef stew meat | 2 pounds |
| Carrots | 4, medium |
| Potatoes | 4, medium |
| Celery | 3 stalks |
| Onions | 2, large |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Beef broth | 4 cups |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
Directions for Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings
Step 1
Gather all ingredients and tools. Prepare the beef by cutting it into cubes. Chop the carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions into equal pieces. Mince the garlic. Place the beef in the slow cooker.
Step 2
Mix the broth and seasonings. Add beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir the ingredients well. Add the chopped vegetables and minced garlic. Ensure that all parts mix well.
Step 3
Cover the slow cooker. Set it to low heat. Let the stew cook for 7 to 8 hours. Check the meat and vegetables to see if they are tender. This long cook time helps the flavors blend well.
Step 4
Prepare the dumpling batter. In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the milk until the mixture forms a soft dough. Add fresh parsley to the dough and stir gently.
Step 5
Place spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the hot stew. The dumplings should sit on the stew surface. Cover the slow cooker again. Let the dumplings cook for an additional 30 minutes. They should become soft and fluffy.
Step 6
Remove the bay leaves from the stew. Stir gently to mix the dumplings with the stew. Serve the dish while it is hot. Each serving contains beef, vegetables, and dumplings in a rich broth.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings
Keep the meat cubes uniform in size. This action helps them cook evenly.
Brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker if you have extra time.
Browning adds extra flavor. Do not overmix the dumpling batter; mix until the ingredients combine. This keeps the dumplings light.
Check the stew in the last hour of cooking to adjust seasoning.
Simple steps and careful monitoring lead to a tasty meal.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings Variations
- Use lamb instead of beef
- Add green beans
- Include parsnips
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika
Things that I can serve with Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings
- Crusty bread
- Steamed rice
- Mixed greens salad
- Buttered noodles
- Fresh vegetable medley
Topping Options for Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings
A topping of chopped fresh parsley gives the dish a clean look and fresh taste.
A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds extra flavor. A drizzle of olive oil on top brings extra richness. Each topping option adds a distinct note to the stew without changing the base flavor.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings
Let the stew cool completely before storing.
Use an airtight container to store leftovers in the fridge. The stew stays fresh for up to three days.
To freeze, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers.
Label the containers with the date. Freeze for up to one month. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat the stew in a pot on low heat until warmed through.
If you reheat in a microwave, use medium power and stir every few minutes to ensure even heat distribution.
Ways to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings
- Use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time
- Prepare the stew on the stove if a slow cooker is unavailable
- Use an oven-safe pot in a low-temperature oven
- Try a dual-cooker that switches from slow cook to steam mode
- Simmer on the stovetop for a shorter time with a tight lid
Faq
What is the best cut of beef for this stew?
Use beef stew meat that has some fat. This cut makes the stew rich and soft.
How long does the stew cook in a slow cooker?
Cook the stew on low heat for 7 to 8 hours. The dumplings need an extra 30 minutes.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, add more vegetables if you wish. Green beans and parsnips work well.
Do I need to brown the meat before slow cooking?
Browning the meat is optional. It adds flavor but is not required.
How do I make the dumplings light?
Mix the dumpling ingredients until just combined. Overmixing makes them heavy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the stew in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
What liquid can replace beef broth?
You can use vegetable broth if you want a lighter taste. This change also works for dietary reasons.
Is the dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, freeze the stew in portions. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This dish is a hearty meal. The recipe is clear and direct. Enjoy your meal.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings
Equipment
- 1 large slow cooker (6-7 quart capacity)
- 1 Dutch oven or large skillet (for browning meat)
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 set of measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Knife and Cutting Board
- 1 mixing bowl (for dumpling mixture)
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- For the Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 carrots sliced
- 3 potatoes cubed
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine optional
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
- For the Herbed Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef cubes on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add carrots and celery, sautéing for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Combine in Slow Cooker
- Place browned beef in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add sautéed vegetables on top of the beef.
- Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using).
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour and 1/4 cup water to create a slurry. Pour over the stew.
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the herbed dumplings.
- Prepare Dumplings
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, parsley, and chives.
- Add milk and mix until just combined.
- Add Dumplings
- Drop dumpling mixture by tablespoonfuls onto the surface of the stew.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-25 minutes, until dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread if desired.
Notes
-
For a thicker stew, mix an additional tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
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This stew freezes well for up to 3 months.
-
For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
-
The stew will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
-
Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips or turnips if desired.
