Beef Ragout With Dumplings
A hearty beef ragout with tender vegetables and flavorful dumplings, perfect for comforting family dinners and special occasions with rich gravy and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. beef cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 3 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 sprigs parsley ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. onion salt
- 2 potatoes ⓘ
- 4 carrots ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Toss beef cubes in flour seasoned with seasoned salt, garlic salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Brown the beef in 3 tablespoons of oil.
- Add chopped onion and sauté lightly.
- Pour in 2 cups of water and reduce heat to low.
- Add chopped celery, chopped parsley, bay leaves, dried thyme leaves, garlic salt, onion salt, and cubed potatoes.
- Simmer covered for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Add sliced carrots, chopped green pepper, and frozen peas. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Add more water if needed during cooking.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter on top of the stew.
- Cook uncovered for 10 minutes and then covered for 10 minutes.
- If excess liquid remains, skim some off into a saucepan and thicken with seasoned flour to make gravy.
- Serve the stew with dumplings on top and pass the gravy.
- Sprinkle a little paprika over the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider marinating the beef cubes in a mixture of red wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cut stew meat. For a gluten-free option, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend. This dish can also be adapted by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or peas, enhancing the texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef ragout hot, topped with fluffy dumplings. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. A glass of red wine can complement the rich flavors of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the ragout on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick. Dumplings can be reheated separately in the microwave or added back to the stew while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Ragout With Dumplings contains roughly 1253 calories, with 24g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (174% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (173% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1511mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this ragout?
Yes, you can substitute beef with other meats like lamb or pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require different simmering times to become tender.
What can I do if the stew is too thick?
If your stew turns out too thick, simply add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef ragout a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious. Just reheat before serving and add the dumplings fresh.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).