Hearty Beef and Dumplings Recipe
Beef and dumplings is a time-honored comfort food classic that has warmed the hearts and bellies of families for generations. This beloved dish combines tender chunks of beef, simmered in a rich, savory broth, with fluffy, heavenly dumplings that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re seeking a cozy weekend meal or a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers an unbeatable combination of flavor and nostalgia.
What makes this beef and dumplings recipe so special? The secret lies in the slow-cooked beef, which becomes incredibly tender and infuses the broth with its deep, meaty essence.
And the dumplings? They’re light, airy, and perfectly complementary to the savory stew, creating a textural contrast that’s simply irresistible.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This beef and dumplings recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, beloved for its comforting flavors and ease of preparation. The combination of succulent beef, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will have your family and friends raving. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences, making it a go-to option for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy family meal or impressing guests at a dinner party, this beef and dumplings dish is sure to leave a lasting impression.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Hearty Beef and Dumplings ❓
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the dumplings:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
The beauty of this hearty beef and dumplings recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth creates the comforting, soul-warming flavor profile that has made this dish a perennial favorite.
📝 How to Make Hearty Beef and Dumplings Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re softened and starting to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
• Step 3: Add the beef back to the pot, along with the beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, or until the beef is very tender.
• Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a thick, sticky dough forms.
• Step 5: Using a spoon or small scoop, gently drop the dumpling dough into the simmering beef stew, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Cover the pot and continue to simmer for 20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
• Step 6: Season the beef and dumplings with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 120 minutes
• Total time: 135 minutes
Compared to traditional beef stew, which can take up to 3 hours to prepare, this hearty beef and dumplings recipe saves you over 30% of your cooking time while delivering similar comforting flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 37g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 845mg
These hearty beef and dumplings provide approximately 70% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with almond flour or coconut flour, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or potatoes.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in the dumplings, and omit the butter, or substitute a dairy-free alternative.
• Added protein: Stir in 1-2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken or turkey to the beef stew for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add 2-3 cups of chopped kale, spinach, or other leafy greens to the stew during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the hearty beef and dumplings.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, well-balanced meal.
• Complement the beef and dumplings with a side of mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
• For a heartier meal, serve the beef and dumplings alongside a cup of creamy vegetable or barley soup.
• Create a comforting autumn platter by arranging the beef and dumplings with roasted root vegetables and a dollop of cranberry sauce.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overworking the dumplings: Be gentle when mixing the dumpling dough and dropping it into the stew, as overworking the dough can result in tough, dense dumplings.
• Simmering the dumplings for too long: Once the dumplings have been added to the stew, resist the urge to lift the lid and check on them frequently, as this can cause them to become waterlogged and dense.
• Skipping the sear on the beef: Taking the time to sear the beef before simmering it in the stew helps develop a rich, caramelized flavor that can’t be achieved by simply boiling the meat.
• Forgetting to season: Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning of the stew and dumplings, as the right balance of salt and pepper is crucial for bringing out the full flavor of the dish.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These hearty beef and dumplings retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the stew and dumplings up to the point of adding the dumplings. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop and add the fresh dumplings. Simmer until the dumplings are cooked through.
• Freezing baked: Allow the completed dish to cool completely, then transfer the beef and dumplings to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the dumplings.
• Reheating: Whether refrigerated or frozen, the beef and dumplings can be reheated on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be mindful of the dumplings, as they may become rubbery if overcooked.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the beef and dumplings ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish actually benefits from being made in advance. The beef stew can be prepared up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the stew on the stovetop, then add the fresh dumplings and simmer until cooked through. You can also freeze the entire dish, either before or after adding the dumplings, for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Yes, you can absolutely swap out the beef for other proteins in this recipe. Chicken thighs or drumsticks would work beautifully, as would pork shoulder or even cubed lamb. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins may require more or less simmering. You can also try a combination of proteins, such as beef and pork, for an even more robust flavor profile.
Is there a way to make this recipe more diet-friendly?
Certainly! For a lower-carb version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with almond flour or coconut flour. You can also use low-sodium broth and leaner cuts of beef to reduce the overall fat and sodium content. Additionally, adding extra vegetables, like mushrooms, kale, or spinach, can boost the nutritional value without compromising the flavor.
What should I do if the dumplings aren’t cooking through?
If your dumplings are taking longer than 20 minutes to cook through, it’s likely because the stew isn’t simmering at a high enough temperature. Make sure the stew is at a gentle, consistent simmer before adding the dumplings, and avoid lifting the lid too frequently, as this can cause the temperature to drop. If the dumplings still aren’t cooked after 25 minutes, you can try covering the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam, which will help them cook more quickly.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This beef and dumplings recipe is highly versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Some great additions could include mushrooms, peas, corn, or even diced potatoes. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, parsley, or a dash of paprika. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time and liquid levels as needed to accommodate any additional ingredients.
Conclusion
These hearty beef and dumplings represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy family dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, they’re sure to impress with their tender beef, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these beef and dumplings demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
So gather your loved ones, ladle up a steaming bowl, and savor the comforting goodness of this timeless classic.
Print
Hearty Beef and Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 135 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the dumplings:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat until they’re nicely seared on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
• Step 2: In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re softened and starting to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
• Step 3: Add the beef back to the pot, along with the beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, or until the beef is very tender.
• Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a thick, sticky dough forms.
• Step 5: Using a spoon or small scoop, gently drop the dumpling dough into the simmering beef stew, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Cover the pot and continue to simmer for 20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
• Step 6: Season the beef and dumplings with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 523
- Sodium: 845mg
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 37g
Keywords: Hearty Beef and Dumplings Recipe
