Name: Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings: A Hearty and Cozy Meal for Any Day
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-484240H43M50S
Total time: PT-484240H43M50S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or similar cut); 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups beef broth (or stock); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh); 1 tsp rosemary (dried or fresh); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening); 2 tsp baking powder (for dumplings); 1/4 cup milk (or buttermilk); 1/4 cup butter (cold and cubed); Salt and pepper, to taste

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Nothing says comfort like a big bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings. Picture tender chunks of beef, vegetables cooked to perfection in a rich, savory broth, and fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings floating on top—this meal is the epitome of cozy, hearty goodness. The best part? It’s made in the slow cooker, so it’s incredibly easy to prepare and takes very little effort. You can just set it and forget it, and hours later, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is like a big, warm hug in a bowl. The beef becomes so tender that it practically falls apart, while the vegetables soak up all the savory flavors of the broth. And those dumplings? They’re soft, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices in the stew. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for chilly nights, lazy weekends, or any time you want a comforting, filling dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients that will make this dish come to life. The full list is below, but these are the key players:

Beef stew meat (chuck or similar cut)
Carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic
Beef broth (or stock)
Tomato paste
Bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Milk
Butter

The combination of these ingredients creates the heartiest, most comforting stew with dumplings that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

To start, heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef stew meat on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. This step helps develop the flavor of the beef, so don’t skip it. Once browned, transfer the meat to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Broth

Now, chop the carrots, potatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker with the beef. Throw in the minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary for added flavor. Stir in the tomato paste, and then pour in the beef broth until everything is just covered. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Set It and Forget It

Cover the slow cooker and cook the stew on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and the vegetables are cooked through. If you’re in a bit of a rush, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but I recommend going low and slow for the best flavor and texture.

Step 4: Make the Dumplings

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, it’s time to make the dumplings! In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and butter. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.

Step 5: Add the Dumplings to the Stew

Once the stew is ready and the beef is tender, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the stew. Be sure to space them out a bit so they have room to puff up. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings have risen and are cooked through. Don’t peek during this time, or the dumplings might not rise as nicely!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are fluffy and golden, it’s time to serve! Ladle a generous portion of stew into bowls, ensuring each one gets a few of those irresistible dumplings. Enjoy the comforting, rich flavors in every bite!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Searing the Beef: Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds an extra depth of flavor to the stew. Don’t skip this step, even though it adds a few minutes.
Make Sure the Dumplings Are Fluffy: For the fluffiest dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough. You want it to be just combined, not too smooth.
Check the Stew Consistency: If the stew is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water towards the end. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to thicken up.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Meat Substitutes: If beef isn’t your thing, you can swap it for lamb or even chicken. Chicken thighs would work really well in this stew and give a slightly different flavor.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms instead of beef, vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add some extra veggies like parsnips or peas for more flavor and texture.
Herb Variations: While I love the classic bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme, you could experiment with other herbs like parsley, sage, or even a touch of oregano for a different flavor profile.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This stew and dumpling combo is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness. If you’re looking for a drink pairing, a hearty red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, would be perfect. For a lighter option, try an ice-cold cider to complement the warmth of the stew.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? You bet! This stew and dumplings keep really well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. If you have leftover dumplings, you can reheat them by gently steaming them or placing them in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef stew meat? Yes, frozen beef stew meat works just as well. Just be sure to thaw it before browning, or skip the browning step if you’re in a rush.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew? Absolutely! Root vegetables like turnips or parsnips are great additions. You can also throw in some frozen peas in the last hour of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time? While the stew itself can be made ahead, I recommend waiting to make the dumplings until right before serving so they stay fresh and fluffy.
What can I serve with the stew? The stew is hearty enough on its own, but a side of roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or a fresh salad would make a great accompaniment.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food that’ll warm you up from the inside out. It’s packed with tender beef, flavorful veggies, and soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all that rich broth. The best part? It’s practically foolproof, thanks to the slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a cozy night in, this stew and dumpling combo is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings: A Hearty and Cozy Meal for Any Day

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours (Low) / 4-5 hours (High)
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes (Low) / 4 hours 20 minutes (High)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

This comforting Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is a cozy, hearty meal that’s easy to make and packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. Perfect for chilly nights or lazy weekends, this dish delivers warm, savory goodness with minimal effort.

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and brown the beef stew meat on all sides (about 4-5 minutes). Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Add the Veggies and Broth: Add chopped carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs to the slow cooker with the beef. Stir in tomato paste and pour beef broth over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Stew: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours (or on high for 4-5 hours) until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Make the Dumplings: About 30 minutes before serving, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk to form a soft dough.
Add the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the stew. Cover and cook on high for 30-40 minutes until the dumplings rise and are cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the stew into bowls, ensuring each portion gets some dumplings. Serve hot and enjoy!