Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of beef stew on a chilly evening—rich gravy, tender beef, and hearty vegetables that warm you from the inside out. Add in fluffy homemade dumplings, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl.

This Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings recipe is simple, cozy, and perfect for family dinners. It uses easy-to-find pantry staples and walks you step by step through creating a dish that’s just as good as grandma’s.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef
   Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in batches until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Veggies
   In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Build the Base
   Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well, scraping up browned bits.
4. Simmer the Stew
   Return beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
5. Make the Dumplings
   In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk and parsley to form a sticky dough.
6. Cook the Dumplings
   Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering stew. Cover tightly and cook for 15–20 minutes (do not lift the lid) until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
7. Serve & Enjoy
   Ladle stew into bowls, top with dumplings, and enjoy warm.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Thicker Gravy: If you like a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes.
• Make Ahead: The stew can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Add fresh dumplings just before serving.
• Dumpling Texture: Keep the lid closed while dumplings cook—steam is the secret to fluffy perfection!

Recipe Variations

• Protein Swap: Try lamb or chicken instead of beef for a different flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Add peas, mushrooms, or parsnips for extra heartiness.
• Lighter Option: Use low-sodium broth and replace some potatoes with turnips or cauliflower.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the gravy.
• A simple green salad or roasted veggies balances the richness.
• Pair with a cozy mug of hot tea.

Conclusion

This Tasty Beef Stew and Dumplings is everything comfort food should be—warm, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect dish to gather loved ones around the table, especially on chilly nights. Make a pot, share it with family, and enjoy every spoonful of this classic favorite.