The comforting aroma of this slow cooker beef stew will greet you long before dinner hits the table. Slow-simmered beef, carrots, and celery soak in a rich, herby gravy, creating that deep, savory flavor you crave during colder months.
Topped with pillowy, herb-laced dumplings, this dish is the definition of cozy cooking. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s an all-in-one dinner that never disappoints. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it a go-to for busy days when you still want something hearty and homemade.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Beef Stew:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 lbs (900g) beef stewing steak, cut into bite-sized chunks
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2 tbsp flour
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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3 large carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, sliced
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 cups (500ml) beef stock
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2 bay leaves
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp paprika
For the Dumplings:
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1 cup (120g) self-raising flour
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 tbsp butter, cubed
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
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4–5 tbsp cold water
Directions:
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In a bowl, toss the beef chunks with flour, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
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In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
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Transfer the onions to the slow cooker along with the carrots, celery, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, bay leaves, thyme, and paprika. Stir well.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
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To make the dumplings, mix flour and salt in a bowl. Rub in the butter using your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the parsley, then add water a tablespoon at a time until a dough forms.
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Form 8 dumplings and gently place them on top of the stew. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 45–60 minutes, until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through.
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Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) + 1 hour (dumplings) | Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 510 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
There’s something undeniably nostalgic and heartwarming about a bowl of beef stew. Whether it was served at your grandmother’s table, bubbling away on the stovetop during a family gathering, or tucked into on a chilly Sunday evening, beef stew is the ultimate comfort food for many. Now, take that classic and elevate it with a slow-cooked approach and one irresistible twist: fluffy, herb-infused dumplings.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Fluffy Herb Dumplings is a recipe that brings together deep, rich flavor and hearty satisfaction in a dish that’s perfect for every generation. It’s soul-warming, budget-friendly, and incredibly convenient thanks to the magic of slow cooking.
The Origins and Evolution of Beef Stew
Beef stew has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. From the French Boeuf Bourguignon to the Irish Stew with Guinness, slow-simmered beef has long been appreciated for its flavor and the way it turns inexpensive cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth morsels. Traditional stews use tough cuts like chuck or stewing steak, which, when cooked low and slow, become fork-tender and rich in flavor.
What makes this version stand out is the pairing with dumplings, a traditional British addition that makes the stew even more comforting and filling. Dumplings date back to medieval times and were often used as an affordable way to stretch a meal further. When made with self-raising flour and butter (as in this recipe), they puff up beautifully, soaking up all the stew’s goodness and adding an extra layer of indulgence.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
1. Set It and Forget It:
One of the biggest advantages of using a slow cooker is the ease and convenience. You simply prep the ingredients, toss them in the pot, and let it work its magic. There’s no need to stand by the stove for hours. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or laid-back weekends.
2. Deep, Rich Flavor:
Slow cooking allows flavors to develop fully. The beef becomes incredibly tender, the veggies soft and sweet, and the gravy thick and luscious. The herbs infuse the entire pot, while the dumplings soak in the savory juices for an unbeatable taste.
3. Budget-Friendly:
This dish uses economical ingredients like stewing beef, carrots, onions, and celery—all pantry staples that go a long way. A little goes a long way when it comes to slow cooking, making this recipe perfect for feeding the whole family or preparing meals ahead of time.
4. One-Pot Wonder:
Minimal cleanup? Yes, please! Everything cooks in the same slow cooker, which means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
5. Customizable and Flexible:
You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your preferences. Add parsnips or potatoes for extra texture. Use fresh thyme or rosemary for a more robust herbal profile. Or add mushrooms for an earthy depth.
Health Benefits of This Hearty Dish
While comfort food sometimes gets a bad reputation, this dish offers some surprising nutritional perks:
- Protein-Packed: With lean beef as the star, this meal provides a solid dose of protein essential for muscle repair and energy.
- Vegetable-Rich: Carrots, onions, and celery are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Slow Cooker = Low-Fat Cooking: The slow cooker allows flavors to build without needing lots of oil or butter, making this a wholesome yet indulgent meal.
- Balanced Carbs: The dumplings add a satisfying starchy element without going overboard, especially when made with quality flour.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
Want to make sure your stew turns out perfectly every time? Here are some key tips:
Brown the Beef First:
While it’s tempting to skip this step, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker develops deep, caramelized flavor. It’s worth the extra 5 minutes.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:
Make sure your beef and veggies have a bit of space to breathe. Overpacking the slow cooker can result in uneven cooking.
Use Fresh Herbs in Dumplings (If Possible):
While dried herbs work well, fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and flavor that really enhances the dumplings.
Don’t Lift the Lid Too Much:
Slow cookers work best when left alone. Each time you lift the lid, the temperature drops and slows down the cooking process.
Add Dumplings Toward the End:
Don’t add your dumplings too early or they’ll become soggy. Adding them in the last hour ensures they’re fluffy and fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
This stew is hearty enough to serve on its own, but if you want to stretch it further or create a dinner party feel, here are a few pairing ideas:
- Serve with crusty bread to mop up every bit of the flavorful gravy.
- Add a side salad of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stew.
- Offer a glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, which pairs beautifully with beef.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for future lunches or quick dinners.
Make It Your Own – Variations
Once you master the base recipe, try tweaking it with these fun variations:
- Add red wine for a French-inspired twist.
- Throw in potatoes for an all-in-one meal.
- Use lamb instead of beef for a different take on the stew.
- Add peas or green beans in the last 15 minutes for color and added veggies.
- Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Fluffy Herb Dumplings isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. It speaks to memories of family dinners, rainy day cravings, and the joy of slow, satisfying cooking. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a meal that comforts the body and soul.
This recipe is one you’ll want to return to time and time again. It’s dependable, deeply flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, making it ahead for meal prep, or just cozying up with a bowl on the couch, this stew will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both simple and satisfying, this Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Fluffy Herb Dumplings delivers on every level. It’s a timeless dish packed with tender beef, nourishing vegetables, and savory, cloud-like dumplings that soak up every bit of rich, flavorful gravy. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner, entertaining guests on a chilly night, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this stew is a hearty, dependable classic you’ll come back to again and again.
Slow-cooked meals like this one not only fill your home with irresistible aromas—they bring people together around the table. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s proof that some of the best dishes are also the simplest. One spoonful, and you’ll understand why this recipe remains a beloved favorite.