How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings
Are you looking for a cozy, comforting meal that will warm you up on a cold day? Look no further than slow cooker beef stew and dumplings! This hearty dish is perfect for those lazy weekends or when you want to come home to a delicious meal after a long day. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making slow cooker beef stew and dumplings, ensuring that you can enjoy this classic comfort food in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need:
– 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 stalks of celery, diced
– 1 cup of baby red potatoes, halved
– 1 cup of frozen peas
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 1 cup of red wine (optional)
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons of baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 cup of cold water
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s move on to the instructions for making slow cooker beef stew and dumplings:
1. In a large pot, combine the beef stew meat, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook over medium heat until the meat is browned on all sides. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Transfer the beef stew mixture to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender.
4. While the stew is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the cold water and melted butter. Stir until just combined.
5. Once the stew is done, stir in the frozen peas. Drop the dumpling mixture by spoonfuls onto the top of the stew. Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve the slow cooker beef stew and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese if desired.
Now that you know how to make slow cooker beef stew and dumplings, you can enjoy this classic comfort food whenever you want. It’s a perfect dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. Happy cooking!
