Beef Stew With Cheddar Dumplings
A hearty beef stew with tender vegetables and cheesy dumplings, perfect for comforting family dinners or cozy gatherings, bursting with rich flavors and savory goodness.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 to 3 pounds beef stew meat ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon browning sauce ⓘ
- 5 cups water
- 5 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 medium onion, cut in wedges
- 1 pint green beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Select a prime rib roast, well marbled.
- Let the roast stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Season the roast with salt and pepper.
- Place in a shallow roasting pan without covering or adding water.
- Cook in the oven for 1 hour.
- Turn off the oven, do not open or peek at any time until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, turn the oven back to 375°F and bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes.
- The roast will be brown, crisp, pink all the way through, medium rare and juicy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef stew meat in the cooking oil before adding it to the pot. Using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the stew's taste. If you don't have beef bouillon cubes, substitute with homemade stock or vegetable broth. For a gluten-free option, replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend for the dumplings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew piping hot, topped with freshly made cheddar dumplings for added texture and flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the savory broth. Consider a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. This dish can also be a hearty main course for gatherings alongside recipes like Tater-Topped Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the stew in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stew With Cheddar Dumplings contains roughly 466 calories, with 12g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), and potassium (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2205mg per serving (96% 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 stew?
Yes, you can use pork or chicken instead of beef. However, cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. For a more tender option, consider using chicken thighs rather than breasts, as they hold up better in stews.
Can I add more vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add potatoes, peas, or even mushrooms to enhance the stew's flavor and nutrition. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the additional ingredients to ensure everything is cooked evenly.
How do I know when the beef is tender?
The beef is tender when it can easily be pierced with a fork and falls apart with minimal effort. Cooking it low and slow helps to break down the connective tissues, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. If it's still tough, let it simmer longer.
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).