Beef Stew with Dumplings

Beef Stew with Dumplings is one of those classic comfort foods that brings back a whirlwind of memories from chilly evenings spent around the dinner table. Picture this: the smell of savory beef and rich gravy wafting through your home, making it feel all warm and inviting. This recipe is where deep, satisfying flavors meet the joy of pillowy dumplings. It’s perfect for making on a Sunday when you want to cozy up with the family or impress friends at a casual gathering. Plus, there’s something surprisingly satisfying about slow cooking—watching the ingredients meld and transform into a hearty meal. So, gather around as we rediscover the magic of making this Beef Stew with Dumplings together. Trust me, once you serve this up, you’ll see smiles all around.

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Why This Recipe Works

This Beef Stew with Dumplings recipe combines the deep flavors of slow-cooked beef with a rich, velvety sauce, delivering a dish that feels both comforting and indulgent. The addition of dumplings creates a textural contrast, making each bite a joy to savor. The slow cooking allows the beef to become tender while soaking up all the savory goodness of the stew. It’s simple but oh-so-satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew with Dumplings

Not only is this dish a feast for the senses, but it also brings the warmth of home cooking to your table. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again, inviting nostalgia with every serving. The smell alone will transport you to a cozy kitchen, making it feel like everyone is wrapped in a warm hug. Trust me; this recipe is ultimately comforting and a great way to create lasting memories with loved ones.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 pounds stewing beef, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups water or beef stock, divided
• 1 can (440ml) Guinness or other stout (you can use non-alcoholic beer)
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 2 medium carrots, cut into large chunks
• 1/2 small butternut squash, cut into large chunks
• 1 pound baby potatoes, or 4 large waxy potatoes like red potatoes
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or kefir
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dumplings)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparing the Beef Stew

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 160°C / 300°F, getting it ready for the slow-cooking magic. A cozy oven makes for a cozy meal!

Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or cast iron pot over medium heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot; this way, the beef gets that lovely caramelization. Once browned, shuffle the beef to one side of the pot, letting it rest.

Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat a bit and add chopped onions and thyme. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until the onions soften. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until it fills the air with that addictive aroma.

Coat the Beef

Sprinkle flour over the beef and onions, stirring to coat everything evenly. Now, pour in the water or beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to release those flavorful brown bits stuck there.

Add the Stout and Bay Leaves

Pour in the Guinness and toss in one or two bay leaves, then increase the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Add Vegetables

After an hour has passed, take the pot out of the oven carefully. Next, add the carrots, butternut squash, and potatoes. Stir in 1 cup of water, cover it back up, and return it to the oven for an additional hour. The vegetables will become tender and flavorful.

Making the Dumplings

Mix the Dumpling Batter

While the stew is bubbling away, let’s whip up the dumplings! In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, olive oil, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until you have a smooth, sticky batter resembling waffle batter. Easy peasy!

Spoon the Dumplings onto the Stew

When the stew is done, carefully remove it from the oven. Using two spoons or an ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter directly over the surface of the hot stew. The dumplings will puff up beautifully while they cook.

Bake the Dumplings

Cover the pot with a lid and pop it back into the oven for 10 minutes. After that, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the dumplings turn golden brown. You’ll be tempted to take a peek halfway through, and I won’t blame you!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Beef Stew with Dumplings in deep bowls. A garnish of fresh thyme or parsley adds a lovely touch! Pair it with crusty bread for soaking up that mouthwatering sauce or offer a fresh green salad for a bit of refreshing contrast. Every bite will be pure comfort!

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Go for tough cuts like chuck roast. These become melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked slowly.
• Don’t Rush the Browning: Taking your time to brown the beef thoroughly enhances the depth of flavor in the stew.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Simple tweaks lead to delicious changes!

Variations

• Add Extra Vegetables: If you feel adventurous, pile in other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added variety.
• Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or parsley to create a unique twist on this classic dish.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your hearty meal, store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, move everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

2. Is there a non-alcoholic option for the stout?
Sure thing! You can replace the Guinness with non-alcoholic beer or straightforward beef stock for similar richness.

3. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Simply use plain yogurt or milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a quick substitute.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your beef stock fits the bill.

5. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! Prepare the stew ahead of time and add the dumplings only right before serving for fresh, fluffy goodness in every bite.

Enjoy this hearty Beef Stew with Dumplings as a perfect family meal, embracing comfort and flavor in every taste. The combination of tender beef and fluffy dumplings is sure to become a favorite at your table. Cooking this dish not only warms your kitchen but also brings loved ones together, creating cherished memories. With great ingredients and a dash of love, you’ll create an unforgettable meal worth sharing.

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