Hearty and Delicious Beef Stew with Fluffy Dumplings

Indulge in a comforting bowl of beef stew with dumplings, perfect for cold winter days or anytime you crave a satisfying meal. This classic American dish features tender chunks of beef, root vegetables, and aromatics simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy. Topped with fluffy dumplings, this stew is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper.
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
5. Add the sliced carrots, celery, parsnip, and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot.
7. Stir in the tomato paste until the vegetables and meat are coated.
8. Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves and dried thyme.
9. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
10. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
11. Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky.
12. Remove the bay leaves from the stew and discard.
13. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew.
14. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
15. Serve the beef stew with dumplings hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Interesting Facts