Nutritious Slow Cooker Beef Stew & Fluffy Dumplings

Are you craving comfort food that’s easy to make? My Nutritious Slow Cooker Beef Stew & Fluffy Dumplings checks all the boxes. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and soft dumplings, this dish warms the soul. You’ll love how simple it is to create a filling meal that satisfies your family. Let me guide you through each step to enjoy a bowl of this delicious stew tonight.

Ingredients

Beef Stew Ingredients

– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

– 4 medium carrots, chopped

– 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

– 1 large onion, chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 4 cups beef broth

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 2 teaspoons dried thyme

– 2 teaspoons salt

– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

– 1 cup frozen peas

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)

Fluffy Dumplings Ingredients

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 tablespoon dried parsley

– 3/4 cup milk

– 1/4 cup melted butter

When making this stew, each ingredient plays a special role. The beef chuck gives a rich flavor. The carrots and potatoes add sweetness and heartiness. Onions and garlic bring depth to the dish. Beef broth forms a savory base that ties everything together.

I love using Worcestershire sauce. It boosts the umami taste in the stew. Dried thyme adds a fragrant touch. The peas bring a pop of color and texture at the end.

For the dumplings, all-purpose flour forms the base. Baking powder makes them rise and stay fluffy. Dried parsley adds a hint of freshness. Milk and melted butter keep the dumplings tender.

These ingredients work together to create a warm, cozy meal. Each bite of beef and fluffy dumpling feels like a hug.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef Stew

1. Combine beef and vegetables in the slow cooker

First, take 2 lbs of beef chuck. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. Add the beef to your slow cooker. Next, chop 4 medium carrots and 3 medium potatoes. Peel and dice the potatoes. Then, chop 1 large onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic. Add these vegetables to the slow cooker.

2. Add broth and seasoning ingredients

Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. This will add flavor and moisture. Next, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.

3. Stir gently to mix

Use a large spoon to stir the ingredients. Ensure everything mixes well. This will spread the flavors evenly.

Cooking the Stew

1. Set slow cooker to low or high depending on time availability

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. If you have time, set it to low for 6-8 hours. If you need it sooner, set it to high for 4-5 hours.

2. Monitor cooking time for fork-tender beef

Check the stew as it cooks. You want the beef to become fork-tender. This means it should break apart easily when you poke it with a fork.

Making the Fluffy Dumplings

1. Prepare dry ingredients in a mixing bowl

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. Whisk these dry ingredients together.

2. Mix wet ingredients to create dumpling batter

Make a well in the center of the dry mixture. Pour in 3/4 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Stir everything together until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps the dumplings light and fluffy.

3. Drop dumpling batter into the stew

When the stew is ready, use a spoon to drop the dumpling batter on top. Cover the slow cooker again. Cook for an extra 15-20 minutes on high heat. The dumplings should rise and cook through.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Tender Beef

To make the beef tender, cooking time is key. Cook the stew on low heat for 6-8 hours. This slow cook breaks down the beef fibers. If you’re short on time, use high heat for 4-5 hours. The right cut of beef matters too. I recommend using beef chuck. It has enough fat to keep the meat juicy and tender.

Perfecting Fluffy Dumplings

Dumplings need care while mixing. Overmixing makes them tough. Stir until the batter just comes together. This keeps them light and fluffy. For cooking, drop the batter on top of the stew. Cover the slow cooker while they cook for 15-20 minutes on high. They will rise and become soft.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost flavor, consider extra herbs. Try rosemary or bay leaves for depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth. For garnishing, use freshly chopped parsley. It adds color and a fresh taste. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil for shine. These tweaks make your stew even more delicious.

Variations

Vegetable Additions

You can add many extra vegetables to your beef stew. Try including:

– 1 cup of sliced mushrooms

– 1 cup of chopped celery

– 1 bell pepper, diced

– 1 cup of green beans, trimmed

Seasonal vegetables work great too! In fall, add squash or pumpkin. In spring, use asparagus or fresh peas. These veggies boost nutrition and flavor.

Protein Alternatives

If you want a change from beef, use chicken or pork. Chicken thighs work best for tenderness. For pork, use a shoulder cut. Both meats cook well in the slow cooker.

For a vegetarian twist, try using chickpeas or lentils. This keeps your dumplings fluffy and light. You can also use vegetable broth for added flavor.

Different Flavor Profiles

You can switch up the flavor of your stew easily. For an Asian twist, add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Use bok choy or shiitake mushrooms for extra flair.

If you prefer classic tastes, stick with thyme and bay leaves. You can also explore modern herbs like rosemary or tarragon. These choices give your stew a fresh feel.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftover beef stew, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you made dumplings, store them separately. This keeps them from getting soggy. You can keep dumplings in the same container or in their own. Just cover them well.

Freezing Instructions

For freezing, put the beef stew in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the stew will expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. For dumplings, flash freeze them first. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. This helps keep their shape.

When you want to eat them, thaw the stew and dumplings in the fridge overnight. This keeps the flavor and texture nice.

Reheating Tips

To reheat beef stew, use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, pour the stew into a pot. Heat it on low, stirring often. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

For dumplings, you want to keep them fluffy. Reheat them in the microwave with a damp paper towel over them. This helps keep them moist. You can also add them back to the stew to warm them through. This keeps the dumplings soft and tasty.

FAQs

How long can I store slow cooker beef stew in the fridge?

You can store your slow cooker beef stew in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool first before putting it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat. If you won’t eat it in that time, consider freezing it instead.

Can I prepare the stew the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the stew the night before. Just chop the veggies and meat, then put them in your slow cooker. Cover it and store it in the fridge. In the morning, add broth and seasonings, then set it to cook. This saves time and makes dinner easy.

What is the best way to thicken my beef stew?

To thicken your beef stew, use a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into your stew in the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also use flour or mashed potatoes for thickening if you prefer.

How can I make my dumplings larger/smaller?

To make larger dumplings, use a bigger spoonful of batter. For smaller dumplings, use a smaller spoon. Just remember, cooking time may change a bit. Larger dumplings might need a few extra minutes to cook through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they’re fluffy and fully cooked.

This article covered the ingredients and steps for making beef stew and fluffy dumplings. You learned how to prepare, cook, and store each part while offering tips to enhance flavors. Whether you’re adding veggies or exploring different proteins, the possibilities are endless. Finally, remember that with practice, you can make this dish perfect for your family. Enjoy creating a warm and hearty meal!