Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings

Description:

Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is a cozy, comforting dish that combines tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth. The stew is cooked slowly in a slow cooker until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Topped with fluffy, buttery dumplings, this dish is perfect for a cold day and makes a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

For the Beef Stew:

• Beef stew meat: 2 lbs (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• Carrots: 3 medium, peeled and chopped
• Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and diced
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Beef broth: 4 cups
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Dried rosemary: 1 teaspoon
• Bay leaves: 2
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (for browning the beef)

For the Dumplings:

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, for a slightly sweet touch)
• Milk: 1 cup
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon (optional, for extra fluffiness)

Optional Ingredients:

• Parsnips: 1–2, peeled and chopped (for added flavor)
• Mushrooms: 8 oz, sliced (for a richer stew)
• Red wine: ½ cup (optional, for depth of flavor)

Tips for Success:

1. Brown the beef first: Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds depth of flavor to the stew.
2. Don’t overwork the dumpling dough: Stir the dumplings until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
3. Adjust the consistency: If the stew is too thick after slow cooking, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.
4. Cooking time: Avoid opening the slow cooker while cooking, as this will release heat and increase cooking time.

Steps to Make It:

1. Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended):

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat in batches and brown it on all sides. This will take about 5–7 minutes.
3. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

2. Prepare the Stew:

1. Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

3. Make the Dumplings:

1. About 30 minutes before the stew is done cooking, prepare the dumplings.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
3. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined. The dough should be thick but slightly sticky.
4. If you’re using fresh parsley, stir it into the dough for added flavor.

4. Add the Dumplings:

1. When the stew is ready, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the stew.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the dumplings have risen and are cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook properly.

5. Serve:

1. Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the bay leaves from the stew.
2. Ladle the stew into bowls, making sure to include some of the tender beef, vegetables, and dumplings.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Recommendations:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the rich broth or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: The stew and dumplings can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, the dumplings may lose some of their fluffiness upon freezing, so they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 6 servings):

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg

Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings that will keep you warm and satisfied on a chilly day!