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- 2 lbs beef chuck - 4 medium carrots - 3 medium potatoes - 1 large onion - 3 cloves garlic - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 2 teaspoons salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 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 These ingredients create a warm and hearty beef stew. The beef chuck gives a rich flavor as it cooks. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and texture. The onion and garlic enhance the overall taste, making it cozy. For flavor, we use tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. These add depth and umami. Thyme, salt, and pepper balance the dish well. The fluffy dumplings are easy to make. Flour, baking powder, and salt form the base. Adding dried parsley gives them a fresh taste. Milk and melted butter keep them moist and fluffy. Gather these items to create a meal that warms the soul. You will enjoy the blending of flavors and the comfort they bring. To make this stew, start by adding the beef cubes, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic into your slow cooker. Next, pour in the beef broth. Then, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. Now, cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The beef will become tender and flavorful. If you want a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. About 30 minutes before serving, it’s time to make the dumplings. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried parsley. Create a well in the center of the dry mix. Pour in the milk and melted butter. Stir until just combined; make sure not to overmix. Now, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the bubbling stew. Cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes on high. This will help the dumplings become fluffy and fully cook. Once your dumplings are fluffy, stir in the frozen peas. Let them heat through for about 5 minutes. For serving, ladle the beef stew into deep bowls. Place the fluffy dumplings on top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a colorful touch. Enjoy your hearty meal! - Best cuts of beef for slow cooking I recommend using beef chuck. It has good fat, making the stew rich. Other cuts like brisket work too. - Substituting fresh herbs for dried If you have fresh herbs, use them! Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried. They add a bright taste. - Adjusting seasoning for personal taste Taste your stew before serving. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Every cook has their own flavor preferences. - Importance of not overmixing the batter Mix the dumpling batter gently. Overmixing makes them tough and dense. You want them light and fluffy. - Cooking techniques to avoid soggy dumplings Place the dumplings on top of the stew. Don’t stir them in. This keeps them from getting soggy. - How to check for doneness After 15-20 minutes, poke a dumpling with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready! - Using a slow cooker effectively Keep the lid on during cooking. This helps maintain heat and moisture. It ensures your stew cooks evenly. - Importance of resting time before serving Let your stew sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps flavors meld together. Plus, it cools it slightly. - Using leftovers creatively Use leftover stew for a quick lunch. Serve it over rice or pasta. You can also make a savory pie with it! {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your stew. One fun way is to add red wine. It gives the stew a rich and deep flavor. Just add a cup of red wine when you mix the broth and other ingredients. You can also try using different vegetables. Instead of just carrots and potatoes, think about adding parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes. Each veggie adds its own unique taste. Get creative and use what you have! Dumplings can also be changed up for fun. Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to your dumpling mix. This will give a nice burst of flavor. You can also make cheese-stuffed dumplings. Just add small pieces of cheese in the center of your dumpling dough before you drop them in the stew. They will melt and make every bite cheesy and delicious. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour for the dumplings. Just make sure the baking powder is also gluten-free. You might also want to use different meats. Chicken works well in this recipe. Just cut chicken into chunks and follow the same steps. It will add a lighter taste but still be very tasty! Store your leftover beef stew in a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can refrigerate it for up to four days. Make sure the stew cools down first before sealing it. To freeze the beef stew with dumplings, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. In the fridge, your beef stew will last about four days. If it smells sour or has a strange color, it’s best to throw it out. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. Cooking beef stew in a slow cooker takes about 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. This long, slow cook helps make the beef tender and tasty. The low heat allows flavors to mix well and create a rich stew. Yes, you can prepare the stew the night before. Just chop the veggies and meat, then add them to the slow cooker. Cover it and put it in the fridge. In the morning, add the broth and seasonings, then cook. This saves time and makes mornings easier. If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth. Water can work too, but it won’t add as much flavor. For a richer taste, try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Absolutely! You can add many other veggies. Consider mushrooms, green beans, or peas. Just chop them up and toss them in. Make sure to add heartier vegetables, like carrots and potatoes, early so they cook well. To reheat, place the stew in a pot on the stove. Heat it over medium heat and stir often. You can also use a microwave. Put the stew in a bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For dumplings, heat them gently so they stay fluffy. Beef stew with dumplings is a hearty meal perfect for any time. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to nail this dish. Remember to pick the right beef and avoid overmixing your dumpling batter. You can also play with flavors or adjust for dietary needs. Enjoy your cooking, and don’t forget to store leftovers properly. This beef stew will warm your heart and fill your belly. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew & Fluffy Dumplings

Warm up with a cozy slow cooker beef stew and fluffy dumplings that make the perfect comfort food! This hearty recipe combines tender beef, fresh veggies, and delicious dumplings, all effortlessly cooked in your slow cooker. With easy preparation and mouth-watering flavors, it’s a must-try for family dinners. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to create this delicious meal for your loved ones!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 medium carrots, chopped

3 medium potatoes, 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 black pepper

1 cup frozen peas

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)

For Fluffy Dumplings:

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

Instructions
 

In the slow cooker, add the beef cubes, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.

    Pour in the beef broth, and stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

      Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

        If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

          About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the dumplings. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and dried parsley.

            Create a well in the center and add milk and melted butter. Stir until just combined; don’t overmix.

              Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the bubbling stew. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on high, until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

                Once done, stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through for about 5 minutes.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the beef stew in deep bowls with fluffy dumplings on top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.