Get ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of mouthwatering aromas and pure comfort! This Crockpot Beef Stew with Dumplings is not just a meal – it's a culinary journey that will transport you to grandma's kitchen with every single bite. Imagine tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and fluffy dumplings that practically dance with flavor, all created with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Whether you're battling a cold day or simply craving a hearty meal that hugs your soul, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (biscuits) refrigerated dough
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by trimming any excess fat and cutting larger pieces into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Season the beef stew meat generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, coating each piece thoroughly to enhance flavor.
- Place the chopped onions at the bottom of the crockpot, creating a flavorful base for the stew.
- Add the seasoned beef cubes on top of the onions, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.
- Layer the sliced carrots and diced potatoes over the beef, creating a colorful and hearty vegetable mix.
- Pour the beef broth over the ingredients, ensuring that the meat and vegetables are mostly covered with liquid.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, allowing the stew to cook slowly for 7-8 hours until the beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
- About 30 minutes before serving, open the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Gently place the biscuit dough pieces on top of the hot stew, spreading them evenly to create dumplings.
- Cover and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Check the seasoning, adding additional salt and pepper if needed before serving hot in deep bowls.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Choose well-marbled beef stew meat for maximum tenderness and rich flavor. Trimming excess fat helps prevent a greasy texture.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be shy with your seasonings! Generously coat the meat with salt, pepper, and thyme to build deep, complex flavors.
- Layer Like a Pro: Always place onions at the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavorful base that infuses the entire dish.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cooking on low heat for 7-8 hours ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Dumpling Placement: When adding biscuit dough, make sure pieces aren't touching to allow them to puff up and cook evenly.
- Final Touch: Taste and adjust seasonings just before serving to ensure perfect flavor balance.Pro Tip: This recipe freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick and delicious future meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
