Description
A cozy, hearty beef stew loaded with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and rich gravy — all topped with fluffy cheddar herb dumplings that soak up every bit of savory flavor.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cubed potatoes
For the Cheddar Herb Dumplings:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp dried thyme
3/4 cup milk
2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
1. Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef in batches until well-seared on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in flour and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add beef broth and red wine, scraping up browned bits.
6. Return beef to the pot, then add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and potatoes.
7. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until beef is tender.
8. Meanwhile, make the dumplings: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cheese, parsley, and thyme. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
9. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the simmering stew.
10. Cover tightly and cook for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid, until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
11. Remove the bay leaf, taste for seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
You can make the stew ahead and reheat before adding dumplings.
Use beer or extra broth instead of wine if preferred.
Add peas or mushrooms near the end of cooking for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups stew with 2 dumplings
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: beef stew with dumplings, cheddar herb dumplings, comfort food, hearty stew