When the chilly weather sets in and you’re craving a comforting meal, Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is the perfect dish to warm you up. This recipe combines the rich flavors of slow-braised beef, tender vegetables, and fluffy dumplings all cooked together in a slow cooker, making it a true one-pot meal. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with a savory aroma, inviting everyone to the table to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe so easy is the magic of the slow cooker. The beef simmers gently in a savory broth, becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the potatoes and carrots absorb all the delicious flavors. The dumplings, a soft and pillowy topping, cook right on top of the stew, adding a wonderful texture that pairs perfectly with the rich stew. This meal is like a warm, comforting hug on a cold day, and it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering.

Another bonus of this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is the minimal prep work. With just a little chopping and seasoning, you can set everything in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you go about your day. The beauty of slow cooking is that you don’t have to worry about constantly stirring or checking on the stew—just let it do its magic, and you’ll be rewarded with a flavorful, no-fuss dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as effortless as it is delicious.

Why Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings Works

Selling Points:

• Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making it easy to set and forget, then enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal.
  
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Beef stew and fluffy dumplings make the perfect comforting combination for any occasion.
  
• Perfect for Busy Days: With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s the ideal meal for busy days when you need something satisfying but easy.
  
• One-Pot Meal: Everything is cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
  
• Customizable: You can swap out vegetables or seasonings to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
  

What You Need for Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings

For the Beef Stew:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
  
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  
• 1 medium onion, chopped
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  
• 1 bay leaf
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (to thicken stew)
  

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
  
• 3/4 cup milk
  

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings

1. Prepare the beef stew:
   
   • In a large bowl, season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Toss it with the flour to coat the beef evenly.
     
   • In a slow cooker, combine the beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Give everything a good mix.
     
2. Cook the stew:
   
   • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally, if possible.
     
3. Make the dumplings:
   
   • About 30 minutes before the stew is done, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and thyme. Add the cold cubed butter, and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
     
   • Gradually add the milk and stir until a dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but firm.
     
4. Add the dumplings:
   
   • Once the stew is ready, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the top of the stew. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings have risen and are cooked through.
     
5. Serve and enjoy:
   
   • Once the dumplings are done, remove the bay leaf from the stew and give everything a final stir. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty meal.
     

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings

• Brown the beef first (optional): While you don’t have to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker, doing so adds extra flavor. If you have time, brown the beef cubes in a pan with a little oil before transferring them to the slow cooker.
  
• Thicken the stew: If your stew needs to be thickened further, you can stir in a slurry made of equal parts flour and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  
• Customize with vegetables: Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand—parsnips, celery, and peas are great additions.
  
• Dumpling texture: For a lighter, fluffier texture, be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough. Stir just until combined.
  

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in the stew with a gluten-free flour blend, and use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings.
  
• Vegetarian Version: You can replace the beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a hearty vegetarian version of this dish.
  
• Herb Variations: Try experimenting with other herbs like sage, oregano, or parsley in both the stew and the dumplings for a different flavor profile.
  

Make It Healthier

• Use leaner cuts of beef: Choose leaner beef stew cuts like round or sirloin to reduce the fat content.
  
• Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce the amount of salt in both the stew and dumplings to make the dish heart-healthier.
  
• Add more veggies: Load up the stew with extra vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value without adding many calories.
  

Closing for Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings

This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, providing rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it a perfect meal for busy days or cozy weekends. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or a chilly day at home, this dish will always be a hit.

The tender beef, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings come together to create a dish that’s as warm and comforting as a big hug. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking for a simple yet filling meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Once you make this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings

1. Can I use frozen beef stew meat?
Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat. Just make sure to thaw it first before using it in the slow cooker for better texture and flavor.

2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.

3. Can I make the dumplings without butter?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free butter alternative or even oil to make the dumplings if you need a dairy-free version.

4. Can I add wine to the stew?
Yes, adding 1/2 cup of red wine to the stew can enhance the flavor and add richness to the broth. Just make sure to add it along with the broth so it has time to cook down.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to use a larger slow cooker and adjust cooking times as necessary.

6. Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, if you prefer to cook this recipe faster, you can use a pressure cooker. Cook the beef stew for about 35-40 minutes on high pressure, and follow the same instructions for adding the dumplings at the end. The beef will still be tender, and the dumplings will cook perfectly.

7. Can I add red wine or beer to the stew?
Yes, adding a splash of red wine or beer (about 1/2 cup) will deepen the flavor and give the stew a rich, hearty taste. If you use beer, choose a mild variety to complement the flavors without overpowering them.

8. How do I keep the dumplings from sinking into the stew?
To prevent the dumplings from sinking into the stew, make sure that you don’t stir the stew once you’ve added the dumplings. You should drop them gently on top of the stew so they can steam and rise to the surface without mixing into the liquid.

9. Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the beef for chicken, but the cooking times will be shorter. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through. The dumplings will cook the same way.

10. Can I use store-bought dumplings?
If you’re short on time or want to skip making the dumplings from scratch, you can absolutely use store-bought dumplings. Just follow the instructions on the package and add them to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

11. Can I prepare this meal the night before?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before by chopping the vegetables and meat, then placing them in the slow cooker insert. Store it in the fridge overnight, and in the morning, simply add the broth and seasonings before starting the slow cooking process.

12. How can I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
If your stew is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a little cornstarch or flour slurry (1 tablespoon of flour mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can remove some of the vegetables, mash them, and stir them back into the stew for a thicker consistency.

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is one of those meals that checks all the boxes—comforting, filling, and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner for a cold evening, a meal that can feed the whole family, or a dish that can be prepped ahead and cooked while you go about your day, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The tender beef, hearty vegetables, and delicious dumplings make for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily make substitutions based on what you have on hand, and whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or for a weekend gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress everyone. Plus, with the convenience of the slow cooker, you’ll have more time to enjoy the meal and less time spent in the kitchen.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare, Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings is a must-try. Once you’ve made it, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation—perfect for feeding the family, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to a home-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (to thicken stew)

• For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

• 3/4 cup milk

Directions

• Prepare the beef stew:
• In a large bowl, season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Toss it with the flour to coat the beef evenly.
• In a slow cooker, combine the beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Give everything a good mix.
• Cook the stew:
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally, if possible.
• Make the dumplings:
• About 30 minutes before the stew is done, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and thyme. Add the cold cubed butter, and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the milk and stir until a dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but firm.
• Add the dumplings:
• Once the stew is ready, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the top of the stew. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings have risen and are cooked through.
• Serve and enjoy:
• Once the dumplings are done, remove the bay leaf from the stew and give everything a final stir. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty meal.