Name: Hearty Beef Stew and Dumplings That Warm Your Soul
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 tablespoon Butter; 750 g Beef Braising Steak (Cut into chunks); 2 tablespoons Plain Flour (For coating beef); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced); 175 g Baby Onions (Or 1 large onion); 150 g Celery; 150 g Carrots; 200 g Leeks; 200 g Swede; 150 ml Red Wine (Substitute with beef stock if avoiding alcohol); 500 ml Beef Stock (Low-sodium preferred); 2 leaves Bay Leaves; 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme (Or 1 teaspoon dried); 3 tablespoons Fresh Flat-leaf Parsley (Plus 1 tablespoon for serving); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce; 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar; Salt; Freshly Ground Black Pepper; 125 g Dumpling Flour (Self-raising flour can also work); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1 pinch Salt; 60 g Suet (Or cold butter)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As the chill of winter sets in, nothing feels quite as satisfying as a steaming bowl of rich beef stew bubbling away in the oven. This hearty dish marries tender chunks of beef with a colorful array of vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a symphony of comforting flavors. Topped with fluffy dumplings that seem to float in the luscious gravy, this beef stew and dumplings recipe is not only an egg-free and nut-free delight but also a fantastic option for family dinners. With quick prep and slow-cooked perfection, it’s the kind of meal that brings warmth and nostalgia into every bite. Are you ready to dive into a culinary adventure that will surely elevate your home cooking?

Why Is This Beef Stew Unforgettable?

Rich, Hearty Comfort: The luscious meat and savory vegetables combine for a comforting meal perfect for chilly nights.
Fluffy Dumplings: These light, airy dumplings add a delightful texture that elevates the entire dish.
Easy Prep: With simple steps and a few basic ingredients, you can create this masterpiece with minimal fuss.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for family gatherings, this stew will have everyone returning for seconds, just like my Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice or Cheesy Steak Rice.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Whip it up in advance and enjoy hearty leftovers—a true lifesaver for busy weeknights!

Beef Stew and Dumplings Ingredients

For the Stew

Olive Oil – Adds fat for cooking and enhances flavor.
Butter – Enhances richness and depth in the stew.
Beef Braising Steak (750g/1lb 10oz) – This is your main protein source; cook it until tender for maximum deliciousness.
Plain Flour (2 tbsp) – Used to coat beef for browning and contributes to thickening the stew’s gravy.
Garlic (2 cloves) – Provides an aromatic kick that elevates the overall flavor.
Baby Onions (175g/6oz) or Large Onions – Adds sweetness and depth; shallots can be a great substitute.
Celery (150g/5oz) – Contributes both flavor and texture to the stew.
Carrots (150g/5oz) – Brings sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
Leeks (200g/7oz) – Offers a mild onion flavor; use more onions if needed.
Swede (200g/7oz) – Provides heartiness; feel free to swap with parsnips or squash.
Red Wine (150ml/5fl oz) – Infuses a rich depth; use beef stock or strong black tea if avoiding alcohol.
Beef Stock (500ml/18fl oz) – The stew’s liquid base; opting for low-sodium is a balanced choice.
Bay Leaves (2) – Imparts a lovely herbal flavor; remember to remove them before serving.
Fresh Thyme (1 tbsp) or Dried Thyme (1 tsp) – Earthy notes that enhance the dish; dried is convenient.
Fresh Flat-leaf Parsley (3 tbsp, plus 1 tbsp for serving) – A fragrant garnish that adds freshness to each bowl.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami; adjust according to your taste preferences.
Balsamic Vinegar (1 tbsp) – Brings a touch of acidity and depth; adjust to taste.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

For the Dumplings

Dumpling Flour (125g/4½oz) – The key base for light and fluffy dumplings; self-raising flour could also work.
Baking Powder (1 tsp) and Salt (pinch) – Essential for providing lift and texture in the dumplings.
Suet (60g/2½oz) – Traditional fat for dumplings; you can replace it with cold butter for a lighter alternative.

These delightful ingredients come together to create a comforting beef stew and dumplings that your whole family will adore! Each bite is a warm hug on those chilly nights.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Beef Stew and Dumplings

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. This ensures that it’s ready for the stew to cook evenly. While the oven warms up, gather your equipment, including an ovenproof casserole dish, which will hold your delicious beef stew as it simmers.

Step 2: Sear the Beef
In your ovenproof casserole, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the beef braising steak diced into chunks and brown it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a rich golden-brown color, which enhances the flavor of your beef stew.

Step 3: Add Flour for Thickness
Once the beef is nicely browned, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of plain flour over it, stirring well to coat each piece. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the fats and form a base for a thick, flavorful stew. The mixture should look a little dry but coated.

Step 4: Incorporate the Aromatics
Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves along with the chopped baby onions, celery, carrots, and leeks to your pot. Sauté the vegetables for 1-2 minutes, letting them mingle with the beef and develop a fragrant aroma that signals the rich flavors to come.

Step 5: Build the Stew’s Flavor
Pour in 150ml of red wine and 500ml of beef stock. Then, add 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried), 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients.

Step 6: Oven Cooking for Tender Meat
Cover the casserole with its lid and transfer it to your preheated oven. Let the stew cook for approximately 2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender and easily pulls apart, creating a rich and aromatic flavor throughout the beef stew.

Step 7: Prepare the Dumplings
While your beef stew is cooking, sift 125g of dumpling flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt into a mixing bowl. Incorporate 60g of suet or cold butter and gradually mix in water until the mixture forms a thick, soft dough that’s not too sticky.

Step 8: Shape the Dumplings
Lightly flour your hands and roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Aim for uniformity so that the dumplings cook evenly during their time on top of the beef stew, absorbing all those wonderful flavors.

Step 9: Cook the Dumplings
After 2 hours of simmering, carefully remove the lid from the casserole and place the dumpling balls gently on top of the bubbling stew. Cover again and return it to the oven for an additional 20 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed and tender. For a golden touch, leave the lid off for the last few minutes.

Step 10: Serve Your Hearty Meal
When finished, remove the stew with dumplings from the oven and serve it on plates. A spoonful of creamy mashed potatoes makes an excellent side, topped with the savory beef stew and fluffy dumplings. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Expert Tips for Beef Stew and Dumplings

Avoid Stew Lumps: Mix flour thoroughly with the beef to prevent lumps when adding liquids. A smooth stew base makes all the difference.
Customize Thickness: If your stew thickens too much during cooking, simply add extra beef stock in small increments until you reach your desired consistency.
Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs like thyme pack more flavor, so add them towards the end if you’re using dried to prevent bitterness.
Dumpling Freshness: For the best texture, prepare dumplings fresh; freeze uncooked stew if needed, but make dumplings just before serving.
Flavor Variations: Try using seasoned flour for the beef or adding rosemary for a twist on your beef stew and dumplings.

Make Ahead Options

These hearty beef stew and dumplings are perfect for busy weeknights when you want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the beef stew up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For optimal results, allow the stew to cool before refrigerating, which helps maintain its rich texture. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the stew on the stovetop, then prepare the dumplings fresh for the best fluffy texture—combine dumpling flour, baking powder, and suet, add water to form the dough, and cook them on top of the stew for 20 minutes in the oven. This way, you’ll enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Rich Beef Stew with Fluffy Dumplings

Nothing enhances a cozy meal quite like perfectly paired sides and drinks that round out the comforting essence of a classic stew.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Silky and smooth, these potatoes soak up the rich gravy from the stew, enhancing every bite.
Fresh Crusty Bread: Ideal for mopping up the flavorful broth, crusty bread provides a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the stew.
Steamed Green Beans: Bright and crisp, they add a fresh note to balance the hearty beef stew while introducing a pop of color to your plate.

A delightful salad can elevate this meal. Consider a simple arugula salad with a splash of vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the richness of stew.

Buttery Corn on the Cob: Sweet, tender corn kernels can bring a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the savory elements of the stew.
Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine, like Merlot, complements the deep flavors of the beef stew, making each sip feel indulgent.
Chocolate Lava Cake: For dessert, a warm, gooey lava cake delivers the perfect contrast, providing an exquisite finish with its rich and decadent flavor.

How to Store and Freeze Beef Stew and Dumplings

Fridge: Store your beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked beef stew (without dumplings) for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for best results.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef stock if needed. Cook dumplings fresh when ready to serve for optimal texture.
Leftover Dumplings: If you have leftover dumplings, freeze them uncooked for future meals. They can be added directly to the stew in the last 20 minutes of cooking without thawing.

Beef Stew and Dumplings Variations

Feel free to make this comforting dish your own by exploring some delightful variations!

Vegetable Swap: Replace swede with parsnips or root vegetables for a new flavor profile. Each option will bring its unique sweetness and earthiness to the stew.
Alcohol-Free: Substitute red wine with more beef stock or strong black tea if you prefer to skip the alcohol but still desire richness.
Flavored Flour: Use seasoned flour to coat the beef for an added layer of flavor. It subtly enhances the savory essence of the overall dish.
Herb Infusion: Try incorporating other herbs like rosemary or sage for varied flavor profiles. These aromatic additions can imbue your stew with comforting warmth and complexity.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a touch of heat. This twist can make your comforting dish exciting and vibrant.
Dumpling Twist: Mix in herbs or cheese into the dumpling dough for extra flavor. A hint of cheese can provide a delightful surprise with every bite.
Shorter Cooking Time: For a quicker dinner, use cubed beef instead of braising steak. It cooks faster, and you can still achieve a tender and delicious result.
Comforting Sides: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, like my Cheesy Steak Rice, to soak up the stew’s delicious gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort combo for chilly nights!

Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best beef for stew?
Absolutely! Look for beef braising steak or chuck roast, as they have more connective tissue and fat, which makes for tender, flavorful stew after slow cooking. Choose pieces that are deep red with good marbling; avoid any with dark spots or an off odor.

What’s the best way to store leftover beef stew?
The beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the stew cool completely before sealing it, as this will help prevent excess moisture from forming due to condensation.

Can I freeze beef stew and dumplings?
Yes, you can! However, it’s best to freeze the beef stew without the dumplings. Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it will last for up to 3 months. For reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove. Cook fresh dumplings right before serving for the best texture!

My stew turned out too thin, how can I thicken it?
If your stew is thinner than you’d like, don’t worry! A quick fix is mixing 1 tablespoon of plain flour with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering stew and allow it to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Are these dumplings suitable for a nut allergy?
Absolutely! This recipe for beef stew and dumplings is nut-free. Just be sure to check all the ingredients you use, as some packaged products might contain traces of nuts. If you’re using suet, check that it’s pure and free from any additives.