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Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings is a hearty, comforting meal that simmers to perfection in your crock pot. Tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions are simmered in a rich broth until fall-apart tender, then topped with fluffy herbed dumplings for an extra special touch.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Irish
Servings 6 serving
Calories 400 kcal

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.
  • 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.
Keyword beef stew, slow cooker, herbed dumplings, comfort food, dinner