Beef Stew & Dumplings
Why Make This Recipe
Beef Stew & Dumplings is a classic comfort food that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for cold days or whenever you need a hearty meal. This dish combines tender beef, flavorful veggies, and fluffy dumplings, making it a satisfying choice for family dinners.
How to Make Beef Stew & Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 12 oz self-raising 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
- Worcester sauce (to taste)
- 2 oxo cubes
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Onion (chopped)
- Carrots (chopped)
- Swede (chopped)
- Parsnips (chopped)
- Water (to cover)
Directions:
- Start with the dumplings. Lightly breadcrumb the flour and butter in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper. Gradually mix in water until the mixture is just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- For the stew, take a large pot and combine the stewing beef with the oxtail soup, tomato soup, Worcester sauce, oxo cubes, salt, pepper, onion, carrots, swede, and parsnips.
- Add enough water to cover all the ingredients in the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer.
- Let it cook all day until the meat and vegetables are nice and tender.
- Serve the beef stew with the fluffy dumplings on top.
How to Serve Beef Stew & Dumplings
Beef Stew & Dumplings is best served hot. Ladle the stew into bowls and place the dumplings on top. You can enjoy it with a slice of fresh bread for dipping or on its own for a complete meal.
How to Store Beef Stew & Dumplings
If you have leftovers, let the stew cool down completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate the dumplings if freezing, as they do not freeze well.
Tips to Make Beef Stew & Dumplings
- Choose good quality stewing beef for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or peas to your stew.
- If you like it spicy, add some chili flakes to the stew.
- Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce. It adds a nice depth of flavor to the stew.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version of this dish by replacing the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu and using vegetable broth instead of soups.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can use lamb or chicken, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. Just combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the dumplings towards the end.
How can I make the dumplings fluffier?
Make sure not to overmix the dough and let it rest for about 10 minutes before cooking. Adding a little extra flour can also help them stay light.
Beef Stew & Dumplings
Ingredients
For the Dumplings
- 12 oz self-raising flour Lightly breadcrumbed with butter
- 6 oz butter Use cold butter for best results
- 1 pinch salt To taste
- 1 pinch pepper To taste
- as needed water Water To combine the dough
For the Stew
- 1 lb stewing beef Choose good quality for best flavor
- 1 tin oxtail soup
- 1 tin tomato soup
- to taste Worcester sauce Don't skip, it adds depth of flavor
- 2 oxo cubes Oxo cubes For added flavor
- to taste pinch salt
- to taste pinch pepper
- 1 large onion, chopped Adds sweetness
- 2 medium carrots, chopped For sweetness and color
- 1 large swede, chopped
- 2 medium parsnips, chopped Adds sweetness
- as needed water Water to cover ingredients
Instructions
Prepare Dumplings
- Lightly breadcrumb the flour and butter in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Gradually mix in water until the mixture is just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Cook Stew
- In a large pot, combine the stewing beef with the oxtail soup, tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, oxo cubes, salt, pepper, onion, carrots, swede, and parsnips.
- Add enough water to cover all the ingredients in the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Let it cook all day until the meat and vegetables are nice and tender.
Serve
- Ladle the stew into bowls and place the dumplings on top.
- Enjoy with a slice of fresh bread for dipping or on its own.
