Get ready to transport your taste buds to a world of pure culinary comfort! This Old Fashioned Beef Stew with Dumplings is not just a meal—it's a warm hug in a bowl that will make your family beg for seconds. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef chunks swimming in a rich, hearty broth, accompanied by perfectly cooked vegetables and pillowy dumplings that will make your heart sing. Whether you're battling a cold winter night or craving a nostalgic home-cooked meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to comfort food sensation.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by patting the chuck cubes dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add beef broth, thyme, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer the stew for approximately
- 5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
- For the dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and butter in a bowl. Gradually add milk to create a soft dough.
- Drop dumpling dough by spoonfuls onto the simmering stew surface. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has beef, vegetables, and a dumpling.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose beef chuck with good marbling for the most tender and flavorful results. Pat the meat dry before browning to ensure a perfect golden crust.
- Browning Technique: Don't rush the browning process. Cook meat in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of proper caramelization.
- Low and Slow: The key to tender beef is gentle, slow cooking. Keep the stew at a low simmer to break down tough muscle fibers.
- Dumpling Secrets: Don't overmix the dumpling dough—this can make them tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined for light, fluffy dumplings.
- Seasoning Tip: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the last hour of cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth and complete your comfort food experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
