Beef Dumpling Stew

Story behind the dish

There’s something heartwarming about a bowl of beef stew simmering away, filling your kitchen with comforting aromas. This beef dumpling stew is a cozy classic, perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving hearty, nostalgic flavors. The tender chunks of beef meld beautifully with a medley of vegetables, all crowned with fluffy, savory dumplings that soak up the rich gravy. It’s a wonderful dish that brings family and friends together around the table, sharing warmth, laughter, and delicious bites.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (1 fl oz)
• 1 oz (28 g) Butter
• 1.65 lb (750 g) Beef, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons Plain Flour (1 oz)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 6 oz (175 g) Onions, chopped
• 5 oz (150 g) Celery, sliced
• 5 oz (150 g) Carrots, sliced
• 1 leek, chopped
• 7 oz (200 g) Swede, diced
• 5 fl oz (150 ml) Red Wine
• 17 fl oz (500 ml) Beef Stock
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 3 tablespoons Thyme, chopped
• 3 tablespoons Parsley, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups (125 g) Plain Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 tablespoons Suet (roughly 1 oz or 28 g)
• Splash Water

Step-by-step

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C, Gas Mark 4).
2. In an ovenproof casserole, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and fry until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the meat.
4. Add the minced garlic and all the chopped vegetables (onions, celery, carrots, leek, and swede). Fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the beef stock, bay leaves, thyme, and parsley.
6. Add Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar to taste. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
7. Cover the casserole with a lid and transfer to the oven. Cook for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
8. About 20 minutes before the stew is done, prepare the dumplings: sift together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
9. Mix in the suet and enough splash of water to form a thick dough.
10. With floured hands, roll the dough into small balls, about the size of walnuts.
11. When the stew is ready, remove the lid. Place the dumplings gently on top of the stew.
12. Cover again and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes. For golden tops, leave the lid off during this final baking.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to the beef before browning.
• Serve the stew with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the gravy. Top with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Closing thoughts

This beef dumpling stew is a true testament to the joy of slow-cooked comfort food. It’s a meal that nourishes both body and soul, perfect for sharing moments of warmth around the dinner table. Make it on a cozy Sunday or whenever you need a hearty hug in a bowl—trust me, it’s one delicious way to bring everyone together.