Beef Stew & Dumplings is a warm, filling dish that brings simple comfort to any table.
- Beef Stew & Dumplings introduction
- Beef Stew & Dumplings why make this recipe
- Beef Stew & Dumplings how to make Beef Stew & Dumplings
- Beef Stew & Dumplings Ingredients
- Beef Stew & Dumplings Directions
- Beef Stew & Dumplings how to serve Beef Stew & Dumplings
- Beef Stew & Dumplings how to store Beef Stew & Dumplings
- Beef Stew & Dumplings tips to make Beef Stew & Dumplings
- Beef Stew & Dumplings variation (if any)
- Beef Stew & Dumplings FAQs
Beef Stew & Dumplings introduction
Beef Stew & Dumplings blends tender beef, soft vegetables, and pillowy dumplings in a rich broth.
This dish cooks slowly to let flavors deepen and meat become very tender.
For a fun serving idea, try this take on beef stew served in bread bowls: beef stew in bread bowls.
Beef Stew & Dumplings why make this recipe
Beef Stew & Dumplings makes a full, one-pot meal that fills you up and soothes the soul.
It uses basic ingredients you likely have on hand and needs only a bit of time to cook.
Beef Stew & Dumplings how to make Beef Stew & Dumplings
Follow simple steps and let the pot do the work for a rich, homey stew.
Brown the beef, simmer the stew until the meat is tender, then add dumplings to finish.
Beef Stew & Dumplings Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
Beef Stew & Dumplings Directions
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
- Return beef to the pot, add broth, carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, until beef is tender.
- For the dumplings: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and egg. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture onto the stew, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve warm.
If you want a mushroom twist, see ideas from a hearty beef mushroom stew: hearty beef mushroom stew.
Beef Stew & Dumplings how to serve Beef Stew & Dumplings
Serve Beef Stew & Dumplings hot in deep bowls so the dumplings sit on top of the stew.
Garnish with chopped parsley or a splash of cream if you like. For a creamy, coconut twist on serving, check this hearty coconut beef stew idea: hearty coconut beef stew.
Beef Stew & Dumplings how to store Beef Stew & Dumplings
- Cool the stew to room temperature before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Beef Stew & Dumplings tips to make Beef Stew & Dumplings
- Brown the beef well for more flavor.
- Simmer low and slow so the meat becomes tender.
- Don’t stir after you add dumplings; keep the pot covered so they steam.
- Adjust salt at the end after the stew reduces.
Beef Stew & Dumplings variation (if any)
- Add mushrooms for an earthy taste.
- Use parsnips or turnips instead of potatoes for a different root flavor.
- Make dumplings with herbs or cheese for a twist.
Beef Stew & Dumplings FAQs
-
Q: How long does the stew take to cook?
A: Beef Stew & Dumplings needs about 1.5–2 hours of simmering for tender beef, plus 15 minutes for the dumplings. -
Q: Can I make the stew in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the beef first, then add all stew ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add dumplings in the last 30 minutes so they cook through. -
Q: What pot should I use for best results?
A: Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat and good browning. Buy it Buy it here

Beef Stew & Dumplings
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 pieces bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
- Return beef to the pot, add broth, carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, until beef is tender.
Making Dumplings
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture onto the stew, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
Serving
- Serve Beef Stew & Dumplings hot in deep bowls so the dumplings sit on top of the stew.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or a splash of cream if desired.

