Easy Beef Stew And Dumplings Recipe

12 min read Oct 18, 2024

A Cozy Comfort: Easy Beef Stew and Dumplings Recipe

A hearty bowl of beef stew and dumplings is a true comfort food, offering a warm and satisfying meal that's perfect for chilly evenings. It's a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in, and best of all, it's surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and comforting stew that will impress your loved ones.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

The key to a flavorful and tender stew is choosing the right cut of beef. Chuck roast, brisket, or short ribs are ideal choices, as they're naturally tough but become incredibly tender when cooked slowly. Look for cuts that have good marbling (streaks of fat), which adds flavor and keeps the meat moist. You'll need about 2 pounds of beef for a large pot of stew, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many servings you need.

The Essential Ingredients: A Breakdown

The Vegetables: A classic beef stew is packed with vegetables that complement the richness of the meat. Here's a typical list:

2 Large Carrots: Choose carrots that are firm and bright orange for the best flavor and texture.
2 Celery Stalks: Look for celery that is crisp and has fresh green leaves.
2 Medium Onions: Yellow onions are a good choice for their mild flavor and distinct aroma.
2 Cloves of Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a potent punch of flavor to the stew.
2 Cups of Beef Broth: This forms the base of your stew, adding both flavor and moisture.
1/2 Cup of Red Wine (Optional): Adding a splash of red wine enhances the depth of flavor, especially if you are using a red wine vinegar.
Salt and Pepper to taste: Don't forget to season generously with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.

The Dumplings:

1 Cup of All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the dough.
1/2 Cup of Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough.
1 Teaspoon of Baking Powder: Provides a light and airy texture to the dumplings.
1/4 Teaspoon of Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

How to Make Easy Beef Stew and Dumplings

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

Brown the Beef: Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and brown the beef on all sides. This step helps create a rich and flavorful stew.
Remove Beef and Set Aside: Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

Add Veggies: Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot with the remaining oil. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. This step adds a layer of flavor to the stew.

Step 3: Simmering the Stew

Return Beef: Add the beef back to the pot along with the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 4: Making the Dumplings

Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Drop Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering stew. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.

Step 5: Serving the Stew

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle the stew and dumplings into bowls and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks

Slow Cooker: For a hands-off approach, you can brown the beef and vegetables on the stovetop then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Thickening the Stew: If the stew is too thin, remove some of the liquid and thicken it with a slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and cold water).
Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, to enhance the flavor.
Variations: Get creative with your ingredients by adding potatoes, mushrooms, or other vegetables you enjoy.
Leftovers: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.