This hearty beef stew with dumplings is the perfect dish for cold winter days. Slow-cooked to perfection, it combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, making it a comforting meal for the whole family.
Using a crockpot, this recipe allows for easy preparation and rich flavors. It’s ideal for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying dinner waiting for you.
Warmth in a Bowl
On chilly winter evenings, nothing beats the comfort of a steaming bowl of Cozy Winter Beef Stew with Dumplings. This dish is a true embodiment of warmth, featuring tender chunks of beef simmered with hearty vegetables and topped with fluffy dumplings.
Using a slow cooker, or Crockpot, this recipe simplifies the cooking process while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The result is a rich, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Picture a rustic ceramic bowl filled with this delightful stew, garnished with fresh parsley, and served on a wooden table. The inviting aroma wafts through the air, promising a cozy dinner for family and friends.
Ingredients That Matter
The magic of this Crockpot Stew with Dumplings lies in its ingredients. A combination of beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, and onions creates a robust base.
Adding garlic, herbs, and beef broth enhances the savory notes, while optional peas provide a pop of color and flavor. The dumplings, made from flour, baking powder, and milk, are the crowning glory, adding a fluffy texture that complements the stew perfectly.
Every ingredient plays a role in crafting a meal that is not only delicious but also nourishing.
Effortless Preparation
One of the best aspects of this Beef Stew and Dumplings Slow Cooker recipe is its straightforward preparation. Start by prepping the ingredients: cut the beef, slice the carrots, and chop the onions.
Next, combine everything in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld over several hours. This method ensures that the meat becomes tender and infused with savory goodness.
After the stew has cooked, simply drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture on top and let them steam until fluffy.
Cooking Time and Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Dumplings requires a total cooking time of about 8 hours and 50 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
Prep time is just 20 minutes, allowing you to set it and forget it while you go about your day.
Once ready, serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Benefits
This hearty dish serves about six bowls, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, with a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
With 30 grams of protein per serving, this stew is not only filling but also provides the energy needed to keep you warm during those cold winter nights.
The combination of vegetables adds essential vitamins and minerals, making this a wholesome choice for any dinner table.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
To truly enjoy your Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings, consider the setting. Soft, warm lighting can create a cozy ambiance, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Gather around the table with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter as you savor each bite of this comforting dish.
With its inviting aroma and rich flavors, this stew is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for those cold winter nights.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Dumplings
This cozy winter beef stew features chunks of beef simmered with carrots, potatoes, and onions, topped with fluffy dumplings. The slow cooker method ensures the meat is tender and infused with savory flavors. This recipe serves about 6 people and takes approximately 8 hours to cook.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Cut the beef into chunks, slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, and chop the onion.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Make the Dumplings: In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined.
- Add Dumplings: After the stew has cooked for 8 hours, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture on top of the stew. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g