WOULD YOU EAT THIS SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW AND DUMPLINGS

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking each batch for about 3-4 minutes until nicely seared on all sides. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

2. Prepare the Stew Base:

In the same skillet, add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, then transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.

Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

3. Make the Dumpling Batter:

While the stew is cooking, it’s time to prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and beaten egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If you like, fold in some chopped fresh parsley for added flavor.

4. Add the Dumplings:

When the stew is nearing the end of its cooking time, give it a quick taste to check for seasoning and adjust as necessary. If you’d like the stew to be thicker, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the stew.

Once the stew is ready, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the stew. Depending on the size of your dumplings, you should have about 8-10 dumplings. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the dumplings are fully cooked through and have puffed up.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the dumplings are cooked, serve your Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings hot, ensuring each bowl gets a generous portion of beef, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings. You can garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings:

• Comfort in Every Bite: The combination of tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with hearty vegetables and fluffy dumplings creates a warm, filling meal that’s perfect for colder months or any time you need a comforting dish.
• Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does most of the work for you. Simply brown the beef, throw everything in the slow cooker, and let it cook while you go about your day.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in different vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or peas. You can even use chicken or pork if beef isn’t your preference.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This stew holds up well as leftovers and only gets better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.

Tips for Success:

• Browning the Beef: While you can skip this step, browning the beef first adds depth of flavor to the stew. If you’re in a hurry, you can simply skip this step and add everything directly to the slow cooker.
• Dumpling Texture: If you prefer a denser dumpling, add a little more flour. For lighter, fluffier dumplings, make sure not to overmix the batter, and add just enough liquid to form a soft dough.
• Wine Substitute: If you’re not a fan of red wine or prefer a non-alcoholic version, feel free to substitute the wine with extra beef broth or even water. The wine adds richness, but the stew will still be delicious without it.
• Freezing the Stew: This stew freezes wonderfully! Simply allow it to cool before transferring to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Why You Should Definitely Try It:

Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food—tender beef, savory gravy, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings all come together in a way that makes each bite feel like a warm hug. It’s a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even as a meal prep option for the week ahead.

So, the real question is: Would you eat this Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings? If you love rich, flavorful stews and soft, satisfying dumplings, the answer is a resounding yes! This recipe will soon become your go-to for satisfying meals that bring comfort and joy to the table.