If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is exactly what you need! With tender beef, flavorful veggies, and pillowy dumplings all made effortlessly in a slow cooker, it’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening. This dish is full of rich flavors that only get better as it simmers away, filling your home with the most irresistible smells.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after simmering for hours, while the dumplings cook to perfection on top, absorbing all the savory flavors of the stew. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug. Plus, it’s so easy to make — just throw everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it!

Ingredients (Full list below)

Beef stew meat
Carrots
Celery
Onion
Potatoes
Garlic
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Tomato paste
Flour
Baking powder
Milk
Butter
Fresh parsley

Full list of ingredients below

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by browning the beef stew meat in a skillet over medium-high heat. This step is optional, but it really helps to enhance the flavor of the stew. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Chop up the carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Add all of the vegetables to the slow cooker along with the garlic.

Step 3: Add the Liquid
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a dollop of tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Stew
Cover the slow cooker and cook the stew on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough
While the stew is cooking, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add the milk and melted butter, then stir until just combined. You want the dough to be a little thick.

Step 6: Add the Dumplings
Once the stew is ready, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the stew. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for another 30 minutes to steam the dumplings.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the dumplings are cooked, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and serve hot.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Brown the beef for extra flavor: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. It adds depth to the flavor of the stew.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the stew before adding the dumplings and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add extra Worcestershire sauce for more umami or a pinch of thyme for an herbal kick.
Don’t overmix the dumpling dough: When making the dumpling dough, be sure not to overwork it. Stir just until combined to ensure the dumplings stay light and fluffy.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegetable options: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like parsnips, turnips, or even mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings.
Herb variations: If you’re not a fan of parsley, try fresh thyme or rosemary for a lovely herbal touch.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this stew with a warm crusty bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal. A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be a perfect contrast to the richness of the beef stew.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The stew will keep well, and the flavors will continue to develop. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot on the stove or in the microwave. If the dumplings become a bit dense after storing, you can add a splash of broth when reheating to bring back some moisture.

4 FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can substitute beef chuck or even brisket if you prefer. Both cuts will work well in the slow cooker and will become tender over time.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can easily make this on the stovetop by simmering the stew in a large pot over low heat for 2-3 hours, adding the dumplings about 20 minutes before the stew is done.
Can I skip the dumplings?
Yes, you can! If you prefer, serve the stew as a simple beef and vegetable dish, or you can make mashed potatoes to go along with it instead of the dumplings.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort meal that takes minimal effort and rewards you with maximum flavor. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings is simply irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a cozy gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy the warmth and comfort that comes with every bite!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings: A Cozy Comfort Meal

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is the perfect hearty, comforting meal made effortlessly in a slow cooker. With tender beef, flavorful veggies, and pillowy dumplings, it’s the ultimate cozy dish for a chilly evening, filled with rich flavors that only get better as they simmer.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours (slow cooker stew) + 30 minutes (dumplings)
Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Brown the beef stew meat in a skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
Prepare the Vegetables: Chop carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Add the vegetables and garlic to the slow cooker.
Add the Liquid: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Stew: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Make the Dumplings: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter, stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Add the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough on top of the stew. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes until dumplings are cooked.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.