Beef Stew And Dumplings
A hearty beef stew with tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and savory gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the beef into cubes and brown them in hot fat.
- Add water, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, sliced onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, and a dash of allspice or cloves.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add carrots, small onions, and potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the meat and vegetables from the gravy.
- Thicken the gravy as desired to serve with the stew.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef in a combination of butter and olive oil. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. You can also add herbs like thyme or bay leaves for additional depth. For a quicker cook time, use a pressure cooker to prepare the beef stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, consider serving a side of sautéed green beans or a simple salad. You might also enjoy it alongside E-Z Cabbage Rolls for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the consistency. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; just ensure it's completely cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stew And Dumplings contains roughly 1247 calories, with 24g protein, 213g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (137% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value), and potassium (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 715mg per serving (31% 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 cut of beef for this stew?
Yes, while beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its marbling and tenderness when cooked low and slow, you can also use cuts like brisket or round. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the cut's tenderness.
How can I make this stew more flavorful?
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic and fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary during cooking. Additionally, deglazing the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef can add depth to the gravy.
What can I add to the stew for extra nutrition?
You can add vegetables like peas, corn, or even leafy greens such as spinach in the last few minutes of cooking. Adding a can of drained beans can also boost the protein and fiber content, making it even heartier.
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).