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:
- 2 pounds of beef or lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 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
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
Meat Options
When it comes to choosing the meat for your stew, you have a few options. Beef and lamb are both popular choices, but you can also use pork, chicken, or a combination of meats. If you’re using beef, look for chuck or round cuts, which are perfect for slow cooking. If you’re using lamb, look for shoulder or neck cuts.
Vegetable Options
In addition to the onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes, you can also add other vegetables to your stew. Some options include:
- Celery
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Green beans
Feel free to get creative and add your favorite vegetables to the pot.
Preparing the Stew
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s talk about preparing the stew. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Browning the Meat
Before we add the meat to the slow cooker, we need to brown it in a pan. This will add flavor to the stew and create a rich, caramelized crust on the meat. To brown the meat, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the meat and cook until it’s browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
Sauteing the Onions and Garlic
Next, we need to saute the onions and garlic. Add a couple of tablespoons of oil to the pan and cook the onions and garlic until they’re softened, about 5 minutes.
Adding the Vegetables and Broth
Now it’s time to add the vegetables and broth to the slow cooker. Add the chopped carrots and potatoes, beef broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Adding the Browned Meat
Add the browned meat to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Making the Dumplings
Now that our stew is cooking, it’s time to make the dumplings. Here’s a simple recipe for slow cooker dumplings:
Mixing the Dumpling Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the dough comes together.
Shaping the Dumplings
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it’s smooth. Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
Adding the Dumplings to the Stew
About 30 minutes before the stew is done, add the dumplings to the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
Cooking the Stew and Dumplings
Now that we have our stew and dumplings prepared, it’s time to cook them. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Cooking the Stew
Cook the stew on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking the Dumplings
As we mentioned earlier, add the dumplings to the stew about 30 minutes before it’s done. Cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
Serving the Stew and Dumplings
Now that our stew and dumplings are cooked, it’s time to serve them. Here are a few tips for serving:
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side.
Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat the stew and dumplings in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until they’re hot and steaming.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef or lamb | 2 pounds |
| Onion | 1 |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Carrots | 2 |
| Potatoes | 2 |
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Thyme | 2 teaspoons |
| Rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Melted butter | 1/4 cup |
In conclusion, making slow cooker stew and dumplings is a simple and delicious way to prepare a hearty, comforting meal. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a tender, flavorful stew with soft, fluffy dumplings that’s perfect for any time of the year. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
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.