Introduction:

When it comes to comfort food, a hearty beef stew with dumplings is undoubtedly one of the all-time favorites. This traditional dish combines succulent, tender beef cubes in a flavorsome gravy with fluffy, homemade dumplings that soak up the tasty goodness. Perfect for family dinners or get-togethers with friends, this beef casserole with dumplings recipe is simple to make and pleasing to all palates.

Ingredients:

For the beef stew:

– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

– 2 tbsp vegetable oil

– 1 large onion, chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

– 4 cups beef broth

– 2 cups red wine (optional)

– 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

– 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

– 2 stalks celery, chopped

– 1 bay leaf

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the dumplings:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tbsp baking powder

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

– 3/4 cup milk

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Stir in the flour to coat the onions and garlic. Slowly whisk in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

4. Return the beef to the pot, along with the carrots, potatoes, celery, and bay leaf. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 1.5-2 hours. The beef should be tender and the vegetables cooked through.

5. While the stew is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the milk to form a soft dough.

6. When the stew is ready, remove the bay leaf. Drop heaping spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of the stew, leaving an inch of space between them. Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the middle.

7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme before serving

Serve this delicious beef stew with savory dumplings alongside warm crusty bread or a simple green salad for a meal that’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone at your table. Enjoy!