Beef Stew & Dumplings
why make this recipe
Beef Stew & Dumplings is a cozy and hearty dish perfect for cold days. The tender stewing beef combined with flavorful vegetables creates a warm meal that fills the belly and warms the heart. The fluffy dumplings on top add a delightful texture, making this dish a favorite among families. If you’re looking for comfort food that is easy to prepare and satisfies hunger, this recipe is a must-try.
how to make Beef Stew & Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 12 oz self-rising flour
- 6 oz butter
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- Water (as needed)
- Stewing beef
- 1 tin of oxtail soup
- 1 tin of tomato soup
- Worcestershire sauce
- 2 oxo cubes
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Onion (chopped)
- Carrots (sliced)
- Swede (diced)
- Parsnips (diced)
- Water (enough to cover ingredients)
Directions:
To make the dumplings, begin by mixing the self-rising flour, butter, salt, and pepper together. Work the mixture until it looks like breadcrumbs. Gradually add water until the mixture feels light but not overworked.
Next, for the stew, gather a pot and combine the stewing beef, oxtail soup, tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, oxo cubes, salt, pepper, chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced swede, and parsnips. Pour in enough water to cover all these ingredients. Allow the stew to simmer for an entire day until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
how to serve Beef Stew & Dumplings
Serve the beef stew hot in deep bowls, placing a generous scoop of the fluffy dumplings on top. This dish goes wonderfully with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
how to store Beef Stew & Dumplings
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The stew will stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze the stew and dumplings in portions for later use. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving again.
tips to make Beef Stew & Dumplings
- For even more flavor, sear the beef pieces in a pan before adding them to the stew.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like potatoes or peas for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more or less water, depending on your preference.
variation
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the stewing beef with chunks of hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tempeh. Use vegetable soup instead of oxtail and tomato soup for a delicious twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef for the stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to thaw it properly before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How long does it take to cook the stew?
Cooking the stew for a day allows the flavors to develop and the beef to become tender. However, you can simmer it for a shorter time if you prefer.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
It’s best to make the dumplings fresh just before serving, as they can become dense if made too early.
Beef Stew & Dumplings
Ingredients
For the dumplings
- 12 oz self-rising flour
- 6 oz butter
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- as needed water Water Add until mixture feels light
For the stew
- 1 lb stewing beef
- 1 tin oxtail soup
- 1 tin tomato soup
- to taste Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cubes oxo cubes
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 1 swede (diced)
- 1 parsnips (diced)
- enough to cover ingredients water Water
Instructions
Dumpling Preparation
- Mix the self-rising flour, butter, salt, and pepper together until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add water until the mixture feels light but not overworked.
Stew Preparation
- Combine the stewing beef, oxtail soup, tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, oxo cubes, salt, pepper, chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced swede, and parsnips in a pot.
- Pour in enough water to cover all ingredients.
- Allow the stew to simmer for an entire day until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Serving
- Serve the beef stew hot in deep bowls with a generous scoop of fluffy dumplings on top.
- Enjoy with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
