Description

Comforting, hearty, and full of flavor, this Easy Delicious Beef Stew and Dumplings is the perfect meal for a cozy dinner. Tender chunks of beef simmer slowly with vegetables in a rich, savory broth, all topped with soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up the delicious flavors. It’s a timeless dish that brings warmth to the table and satisfies everyone around it. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or preparing something special for the weekend, this recipe feels like a homemade hug in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew:
2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4 cups beef broth
1 cup water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Dumplings:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted butter
2/3 cup milk

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Instructions

Prepare the beef: Pat the beef dry with paper towels so it browns properly. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Cook the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the same pot and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Build the stew: Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, broth, and water. Stir well, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
Make the dumplings: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter and milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Add the dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough over the surface of the simmering stew. Cover and cook 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to steam until cooked through.
Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. If desired, thicken the broth with a cornstarch slurry. Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle stew and dumplings into bowls and enjoy hot.

Notes

You can add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or parsnips for more texture and nutrition. For a thicker stew without cornstarch, allow it to simmer uncovered during the last 10 minutes. Dumplings can be customized with herbs like parsley for additional flavor. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes