You’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor, and our slow cooker beef stew & dumplings recipe is just the ticket. This centuries-old classic has evolved over time, incorporating new spices and ingredients, and we’ve perfected it for your slow cooker. Browned beef, tender veggies, and fluffy dumplings come together in a satisfying meal that’s easy to customize and perfect for family gatherings – and we’re about to share our secrets to making it unforgettable.
History
Beef stew and dumplings have a long, comforting history that dates back to medieval Europe. You’ll find ancient origins in the Roman cookbook “Apicius,” which features a dish called “Patina,” made with beef, vegetables, and pastry. As cultures evolved, so did the recipe. In medieval Europe, cooks added dumplings to stretch meat and make meals more substantial. This cultural evolution continued as explorers brought new spices and ingredients back from their travels. You can still taste the rich history in every spoonful of slow-cooked beef stew and dumplings.
Recipe
This slow cooker beef stew and dumplings recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. The tender beef and vegetables, combined with the fluffy dumplings, make for a hearty and filling dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
The best part of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner. This recipe is also very versatile, so feel free to customize it to your taste by adding or substituting different vegetables or spices.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
To start, add the chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the flour to thicken the stew. Then, in a small bowl, combine the flour, butter, and warm water to make the dumplings. Drop the dumpling mixture by spoonfuls onto the top of the stew, then cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
Once the stew and dumplings are done, serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired. You can also serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.
When cooking this recipe, make sure to not overmix the dumpling mixture, as this can make them tough and dense. Also, be gentle when dropping the dumpling mixture onto the stew, as you want to avoid breaking up the dumplings. Finally, if you prefer a thicker stew, you can add more flour to the stew before cooking, or simmer the stew for an additional 30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
The Full Ingredient List
You’ll need a variety of ingredients to make this slow cooker beef stew and dumplings recipe. Don’t worry, you can always adjust the quantities or substitute ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For instance, you can use leaner beef or add more vegetables for added nutrition.
Feel free to adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
Here are some key ingredients to get started:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 2 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 large onion
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
Cooking Steps
You’ll start by browning the beef in oil, which will add a richness to your stew. Next, you’ll add aromatics to the pot, which will infuse your dish with flavor. Then, you’ll add the stock, herbs, potatoes, carrots, and finally, the beef, which will all come together to create a delicious slow cooker beef stew and dumplings.
Step 1. Brown Beef in Oil
Heat a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat, then add 2 tablespoons of oil, letting it shimmer before adding the beef. You can choose from various oil options, such as olive, canola, or avocado oil, depending on your personal preference. Make sure to adjust the heat level according to your stovetop, as high heat may scorch the oil or burn the beef. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches if necessary, to prevent overcrowding. Let the beef brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the browned beef from the pot, leaving the oil behind.
Add Aromatics to Pot
Add the diced onion to the oil and sauté until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
| Aromatic Ingredient | Nutritional Value/Cultural Use |
|---|---|
| Onion | Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants; used in many cuisines for its flavor and medicinal properties |
| Garlic | Rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese; has antibacterial and antiviral properties, used in many cultural dishes |
| Fresh Thyme | Rich in vitamin C and potassium; used in soups, stews, and sauces for its flavor and medicinal properties |
| Fresh Rosemary | Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium; used in roasted meats, soups, and sauces for its flavor and medicinal properties |
| Bay Leaves | Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium; used in soups, stews, and braises for its flavor and medicinal properties |
Step 3. Add Stock and Herbs
Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all the flavorful brown bits. You can use stock variations like low-sodium or organic beef broth depending on your preference. Add two sprigs of fresh rosemary and one sprig of thyme. If you don’t have these herbs, you can substitute with dried alternatives like dried thyme and bay leaves. Make sure to adjust the amount according to your taste. As you add the stock and herbs, give the mixture a quick stir to combine. Now, let the slow cooker do its magic, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beef to tenderize to perfection.
Step 4. Add Potatoes and Carrots
Peel and chop 2-3 medium-sized potatoes into 1-inch cubes, depending on your desired chunkiness. Add them to the slow cooker, ensuring they’re submerged in the flavorful stock. Next, peel and slice 4-5 medium-sized carrots into 1-inch thick rounds. Add them to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer for ideal visual appeal. The potatoes and carrots will add natural sweetness, but they’ll also provide a nutrient boost, as they’re rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can have positive health effects when consumed regularly. Now, let the slow cooker do its magic, allowing the ingredients to simmer together in harmony.
Step 5. Add Beef Back In
As the vegetables simmer, you’re ready to reintroduce the browned beef into the slow cooker, allowing the rich flavors to meld. Add the browned beef back into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine with the tender vegetables. This step not only adds protein but also boosts the dish’s nutritional impact. Now, you’re just a few hours away from a hearty, comforting meal. For serving suggestions, consider crusty bread, a side salad, or a simple green salad to round out the meal. With the beef back in, let the slow cooker work its magic, blending the flavors into a rich, satisfying stew.
Final Thoughts
With your slow cooker beef stew and dumplings recipe now under your belt, you’re all set to impress family and friends with a hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to become a staple in your household. I still remember the first time I made this recipe for my family; they devoured it in no time, asking for seconds (and thirds!). My advice is to not be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the recipe truly unique. Also, don’t overthink it – the beauty of slow cooker recipes lies in their simplicity. Just throw all the ingredients in and let the magic happen!
