There’s something special about a warm, comforting bowl of stew and dumplings on a chilly day. The tender chunks of meat, the flavorful broth, and the soft, fluffy dumplings all come together to create a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make in a slow cooker. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious slow cooker stew and dumplings that’s perfect for any time of the year.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. For a basic slow cooker stew and dumplings, you’ll need the following:
- 1 pound of beef or lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 cup of water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
- 3/4 cup of milk
Why These Ingredients?
You may be wondering why we’ve chosen these specific ingredients for our slow cooker stew and dumplings. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and why it’s essential to the dish:
Beef or lamb: Both beef and lamb work well in this recipe, but beef is a more traditional choice. If you prefer lamb, feel free to use it instead.
Onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes: These vegetables add natural sweetness and depth to the stew. You can use other vegetables like parsnips or turnips if you prefer.
Flour: Flour helps to thicken the stew and creates a rich, velvety texture.
Herbs and spices: Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves add a savory, slightly bitter flavor to the stew. You can use fresh or dried herbs, depending on what you have available.
Beef broth and water: These liquids help to create a rich, flavorful broth. You can use store-bought beef broth or make your own by simmering beef bones in water.
Butter: Butter adds a richness and depth to the stew. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
Dumpling ingredients: The dumpling ingredients are simple: flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk. These ingredients come together to create a light, fluffy dumpling that’s perfect for sopping up the flavorful broth.
Preparing the Stew
Now that we’ve talked about the ingredients, let’s move on to preparing the stew. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Browning the Meat
The first step in preparing the stew is to brown the meat. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef or lamb and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the browned meat from the skillet and set it aside.
Soften the Onions
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the skillet. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the Vegetables and Flour
Add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
Add the Broth and Browned Meat
Gradually add the beef broth and water to the skillet, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the browned meat to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Season the Stew
Season the stew with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Simmer the stew for an additional 10 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
Preparing the Dumplings
While the stew is simmering, you can prepare the dumplings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Mix the Dumpling Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix until the dough comes together. Gradually add the milk, stirring until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Divide the Dough
Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
Assembling the Slow Cooker Stew and Dumplings
Now that the stew and dumplings are prepared, it’s time to assemble the slow cooker stew and dumplings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Add the Stew to the Slow Cooker
Add the stew to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Add the Dumplings
Add the dumplings to the slow cooker, leaving about 1 inch of space between each dumpling.
Cook the Stew and Dumplings
Cook the stew and dumplings on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Serving the Slow Cooker Stew and Dumplings
The slow cooker stew and dumplings are now ready to serve. Here are a few tips for serving:
Serve Hot
Serve the stew and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Serve with Crusty Bread
Serve the stew and dumplings with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious slow cooker stew and dumplings!
What is the best type of meat to use for slow cooker stew and dumplings?
The best type of meat to use for slow cooker stew and dumplings is a tougher cut of beef, such as chuck or brisket. These cuts of meat are perfect for slow cooking as they become tender and fall-apart with long, gentle heat. You can also use lamb or pork if you prefer, but beef is a classic choice for stew and dumplings.
When choosing your meat, look for cuts that are labeled as “stewing beef” or “braising beef.” These cuts are usually less expensive than other cuts of meat, but they are perfect for slow cooking. You can also use a combination of different meats if you like, such as beef and lamb or beef and pork. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type and quantity of meat you use.
How do I make the dumplings for slow cooker stew and dumplings?
To make the dumplings for slow cooker stew and dumplings, you will need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and suet or butter. You can also add herbs and spices to the dumpling mixture if you like, such as thyme or rosemary. Simply combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, then add the suet or butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Once you have made the dumpling mixture, you can add it to the slow cooker with the stew. Simply drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the surface of the stew, then cover the slow cooker and cook for another 30 minutes to an hour. The dumplings will cook in the steam rising from the stew, and they will be light and fluffy when they are done. You can also cook the dumplings separately on the stovetop or in the oven if you prefer.
Can I make slow cooker stew and dumplings in advance?
Yes, you can make slow cooker stew and dumplings in advance. In fact, this is a great way to prepare a meal ahead of time, as the stew will only get better with time. Simply prepare the stew and cook it in the slow cooker as directed, then refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to serve.
When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the stew in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, then add the dumplings and cook for another 30 minutes to an hour. You can also make the dumplings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to use them. Simply thaw the dumplings and add them to the stew as directed.
How long does it take to cook slow cooker stew and dumplings?
The cooking time for slow cooker stew and dumplings will depend on the type and quantity of meat you use, as well as the temperature of your slow cooker. Generally, you can expect to cook the stew for 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high. The dumplings will take an additional 30 minutes to an hour to cook.
It’s a good idea to check the stew periodically to make sure the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The stew is done when the meat is tender and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Can I use a different type of vegetable in slow cooker stew and dumplings?
Yes, you can use a different type of vegetable in slow cooker stew and dumplings. In fact, this is a great way to customize the recipe to your tastes. Some other vegetables you might consider using include carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and sweet potatoes.
When choosing vegetables, look for ones that hold their shape well when cooked, such as carrots and potatoes. Avoid using vegetables that are too delicate, such as spinach or green beans, as they may become mushy during cooking. You can also use a combination of different vegetables if you like, such as carrots and potatoes or parsnips and sweet potatoes.
How do I serve slow cooker stew and dumplings?
Slow cooker stew and dumplings is a hearty, comforting meal that is perfect for serving on its own. You can serve it in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
If you want to get fancy, you can serve the stew and dumplings in a hollowed-out loaf of bread or over egg noodles. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs on top of the stew for extra flavor and color. Whatever way you choose to serve it, slow cooker stew and dumplings is sure to be a hit.
Can I freeze slow cooker stew and dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze slow cooker stew and dumplings. In fact, this is a great way to preserve the meal for later use. Simply cool the stew and dumplings to room temperature, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
When you are ready to serve, simply thaw the stew and dumplings overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat them in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. You can also freeze the stew and dumplings separately, then thaw and reheat them as needed. Just be sure to label the containers or bags with the date and contents, and use them within 3-4 months for best flavor and texture.