Mom’s Hearty Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe On Allrecipes

Total Time Breakdown

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the beef stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the dumplings:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions with Time

1. Prepare the Ingredients (20 minutes)

   • Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes, chop vegetables, and mince garlic. Toss the beef in flour, seasoning with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Beef (10 minutes)

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables (5 minutes)

   • In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

4. Add the Broth and Simmer (2 hours)

   • Return the beef to the pot, and stir in beef broth, red wine (optional), diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until the beef is tender.

5. Make the Dumplings (10 minutes)

   • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in milk and parsley to form a soft dough.

6. Add Dumplings and Finish (20-30 minutes)

   • Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough on top of the simmering stew. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

7. Serve (5 minutes)

   • Remove bay leaves and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the stew in deep bowls with the dumplings on top for a comforting presentation.
• Pair with crusty bread or a side of green beans for a complete meal.
• A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the rich stew.

Tips for Success

• Sear the beef: Browning the beef adds a deeper, richer flavor to the stew.
• Don’t peek!: Once the dumplings are on top of the stew, avoid lifting the lid to ensure they rise properly.
• Use cold butter: Cold butter in the dumplings makes them light and fluffy.
• Substitute wine: If you prefer not to use wine, simply replace it with additional beef broth.

How to Customize Your Beef Stew with Dumplings

• Add different veggies: Try adding parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for a heartier stew.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Herb variations: Swap thyme and rosemary for fresh herbs like sage or oregano for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the stew ahead of time, then reheat it and add the dumplings just before serving.

2. Can I freeze beef stew with dumplings?
You can freeze the stew without the dumplings. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat, then make fresh dumplings when ready to serve.

3. What cut of beef works best for stew?
Beef chuck is the best cut for stew due to its marbling, which makes the meat tender after slow cooking.

4. How do I thicken the stew?
To thicken the stew, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water, and stir it in 10 minutes before adding the dumplings.

This hearty beef stew with dumplings is perfect for cold nights and special family meals. Enjoy a comforting bowl of this timeless dish!