Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings

Why Make This Recipe

Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings is a warm and comforting dish that brings together tender beef, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings. It’s perfect for cold days or whenever you need a cozy meal. This stew is also easy to make and filled with flavor, making it a wonderful choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

How to Make Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (like parsley and chives), chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:

1. In a large pot, brown the beef cubes over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the beef broth, carrots, and potatoes; bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. For the dumplings, in a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cheddar cheese.
6. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined, then fold in the fresh herbs.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the simmering stew during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
8. Cover and cook until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings

Serve the beef stew hot in deep bowls to highlight the delicious dumplings on top. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad. This meal is filling and comforting, making it a hit for any occasion.

How to Store Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings

To store leftovers, let the stew cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings

• Browning the beef adds extra flavor to the stew, so don’t skip this step.
• Feel free to add more vegetables like peas or green beans for variety.
• Make sure the dumplings are fluffy by not overmixing the dumpling batter. Mix just until combined.
• You can adjust the herbs in the dumpling mix based on your preference.

Variation

You can transform this dish by using chicken or pork instead of beef. For a lighter version, use turkey or add more vegetables.

FAQs

1. Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

2. Are there any vegetarian alternatives?

You can use vegetable broth and swap the beef for hearty vegetables like mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones. Just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through.