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Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings

September 15, 2020 by Lucy Parissi 59 Comments

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings – this hearty stew topped with herby dumplings is THE perfect comfort food. This easy crockpot beef casserole requires no browning – simply sit back and let your slow cooker do all the work. Serve with my Goose Fat Roast Potatoes.

A warming and satisfying traditional beef stew needs no sides – simply spoon into a bowl and enjoy! What’s more, it is also slimming friendly with minor tweaks.

Post may contain affiliate links. For more information, check my disclosure

Beef stew with dumplings in a bowl

Everyone needs a simple slow cooker beef casserole – perfect for hectic days when cooking is the last thing on your mind. It’s just the comfort food to lift flagging spirits and SO EASY to throw together!

And what would beef stew be without dumplings? These add a bit more work to an otherwise fuss-free recipe, but they turn this simple homely stew into a complete one-pot meal. 

Beef stew with dumplings pictured in a slow cooker

What’s in Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow cooking is the secret weapon of thrifty cooks. You can get using cheaper cuts of meat as the slow cooking will extract maximum flavour and result in meltingly tender beef. 

I used braising steak for my beef stew but you can use any type of stewing beef that is suitable for casseroles such as brisket or chuck steak.

The beef is first tossed in a little flour which helps thicken the gravy. I would normally advise you brown the beef in oil first, but this recipe is all about simplicity. And, possibly, laziness!

I have used onions, leeks, carrots and parsnips to round off my stew. In truth, you can use whatever root vegetables you fancy such as potatoes, swede and butternut squash. 

You can even use frozen “casserole mix vegetables” which come already sliced and ready to use if you are short of time. These will need to be thawed first before adding to your stew.

The beef and vegetables cook slowly in a medley of beef stock and red wine. Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, minced garlic and herbs add depth of flavour. 

Slow cooker beef stew ingredients

Crockpot Dumplings

Dumplings make this beef stew more filling and substantial – not to mention delicious! Suet dumplings are the traditional choice and they are very easy to make.

However if you would rather make dumplings without suet, I have provided a lighter option which is equally yummy (also used in my Slimming Chicken Casserole).

The dumpling can be flavoured with cheese, mustard, herbs and spices – I used grated Parmesan cheese and chopped chives in my recipe. Use Stilton cheese instead of Parmesan or horseradish sauce if you want a bolder flavour.

Close up on slow cooker beef casserole with dumplings garnished with fresh parsley

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew & Dumplings

Full measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Please take a look at the steps and video before attempting this recipe!

Lightly season the flour with salt and pepper. Toss the beef cubes with the flour to lightly coat.

tossing beef cubes with flour in a large bowl

Preheat the slow cooker on “HIGH”. Add the hot beef stock, red wine, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar (or Worcestershire sauce), minced garlic, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir.

Add the onions, leeks, parsnips and carrots. Stir in the beef, add the bay leaves and rosemary and cook on HIGH for 5 hours (or on LOW for 8 hours).

Beef stew ingredients in a crockpot

Prepare the dumpling dough – check the recipe card for your choice or suet dumplings or suet-free dumplings.

preparing dumplings in a mixing bowl collage

Give the stew a good stir. Remove and discard the bay leaves and rosemary. Add the dumplings to the slow cooker, spaced slightly apart. Cover and cook on HIGH setting for an additional hour with the lid on.

placing herb dumplings on to of beef stew in a slow cooker

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with the parsley and serve with on its own or with mashed potatoes. YUMMY!

Storing and Freezing

Leftover stew will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also freeze the beef stew (without the dumplings) if you like. Cool completely first, divide into suitable containers, label and use within three months. Make sure you reheat the stew until it is piping hot all the way through before serving.

Slimming World Tweaks

Replace the red wine with more hot beef stock. This recipe is low in syns – about 2 per serving if you divide into six portions.

Opt for the light dumplings, if using. These are approximately 4 syns per dumpling. The small amount of Parmesan cheese in them is a healthy extra.

serving of beef stew with dumplings and mashed potatoes in a blue bowl

NEED SOME CROCKPOT INSPO? TRY THESE POPULAR RECIPES!

  • Slow Cooker Roast Beef – the BEST Sunday roast!
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  • My Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas are healthy and kid approved!
  • Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb for tender, fall off the bone, lamb.

HAVE YOU MADE MY CROCKPOT BEEF STEW AND DUMPLINGS? Please leave a rating to tell me how you liked it! Better yet, snap a photo and share it on Instagram with the tag #supergoldenbakes

Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings

Lucy Parissi | Supergolden Bakes
Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings – this hearty stew packed with vegetables and topped with fluffy dumplings is the perfect comfort food. This easy crockpot beef casserole requires no browning – simply sit back and let your slow cooker do all the work.
4.74 from 79 votes
Print Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British
Keyword: Slow Cooker Beef Casserole, Slow Cooker Beef Stew, Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 667kcal

Ingredients

Beef Stew

  • 900 g (2 lbs) braising steak/ chuck steak , cubed
  • 2 tbsp flour seasoned with pinch salt and pepper
  • 480 ml (2 cups) hot beef stock (broth)
  • 80 ml (⅓ cup) red wine or dark ale or more beef stock
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 large onions , finely diced
  • 2 leeks , white parts only, sliced
  • 5 carrots , sliced
  • 4 parsnips , sliced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • Fresh parsley , chopped, to garnish
  • Salt and pepper , as needed

Light Dumplings (suet free)

  • 125 g (1 cup) self raising flour
  • 125 g ( ½ cup) fat free yogurt
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp garlic granules
  • ½ tsp salt
  • water , as needed, to bind

Suet Dumplings

  • 125 g (1 cup) self raising flour
  • 125 g (1 cup) shredded suet or vegetable shortening
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp horseradish or mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic granules
  • ½ tsp salt
  • cold water , as needed, to bind

Instructions

Prepare the Stew

  • Toss the beef cubes with the seasoned flour to lightly coat.
  • Preheat the slow cooker on “HIGH”. Add the hot beef stock, red wine, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar (or Worcestershire sauce), garlic, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir.
  • Add the onions, leeks, parsnips and carrots. Stir to combine.
  • Stir in the beef, add the bay leaves and rosemary and cook on HIGH for 5 hours (or on LOW for 8 hours).

CHOOSE YOUR DUMPLINGS

    Light Dumplings

    • Meanwhile prepare the dumplings: combine flour, herbs, Parmesan, salt and garlic granules in a bowl.
    • Stir in the yoghurt and then use your hands to briefly knead in the bowl until the dough comes together. Add a little water if it’s too dry and crumbly.
    • Divide the dough into 6-8 portions and roll into balls.

    Suet Dumplings

    • Mix the flour, suet, salt, garlic granules, herbs and parmesan together in a bowl.
    • Slowly drizzle in cold water, a little at a time, mixing with your hands until the dough comes together and leaves the side of the bowl easily. Don’t overmix the dough, handle with a light touch for light and fluffy dumplings.
    • Divide the dough into 6-8 portions and roll into balls.

    Finish cooking the stew

    • Give the stew a good stir. Remove and discard the bay leaves and rosemary.
    • Add the dumplings to the slow cooker, spaced slightly apart. Cover and cook for an additional hour with the lid on.
    • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with the parsley and serve.

    Video

    Nutritional Info

    Calories: 667kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 2448mg | Potassium: 1532mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 9254IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 6mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @supergolden88 or tag #supergoldenbakes!

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    Comments

    1. Kimberly says

      December 03, 2022 at 6:18 pm

      So I just put this all together in the crockpot and and wondering if I don’t have enough liquid in the crockpot? The crockpot is almost completely filled to the top with everything in it. Is it ok if the veggies and beef aren’t covered in broth?

      Reply
      • Lucy Parissi says

        December 03, 2022 at 10:51 pm

        It’s ok if they are not covered completely but you might want to give a stir halfway x

        Reply
        • Kimberly says

          December 15, 2022 at 3:45 am

          I ended up leaving it alone and cooking it as is and it came out perfectly. It had plenty of liquid from the slow cooking process by the end. Thanks!

          Reply
    2. Kimberly says

      November 29, 2022 at 8:20 pm

      Is it ok if I use Greek yogurt?

      Reply
      • Lucy Parissi says

        November 29, 2022 at 8:40 pm

        yes thats fine, might need to add a little water as it is quite thick

        Reply
    3. Sarah Y says

      November 29, 2022 at 2:26 am

      The stew itself was rich and delicious. I used shortening for the dumplings (suet not readily available in the US) and the dumplings were a ball of grease and completely RAW after 90+ minutes on high. Honestly I don’t think they ever would have cooked. Is the recipe correct? Should it really be a 1:1 ratio flour to fat?

      Reply
      • Lucy Parissi says

        November 29, 2022 at 8:55 am

        Hi Sarah, I can only assume the shortening didn’t quite work as suet would. The recipe has overall excellent rating so I am sorry to hear the dumplings didn’t work out

        Reply
    4. Dee says

      November 12, 2022 at 10:00 am

      I want to cook it on low for 8 hours – however it then says add dumplings on high for an hour. SO am I cooking it for 7 hours plus an hour for dumplings – 8hours or an additional hour for 9 hours as its not clear at all

      Reply
      • Lucy Parissi says

        November 12, 2022 at 4:01 pm

        Hi Dee 8 on low and 1 on high
        x

        Reply
    5. Ali in Cali says

      October 23, 2022 at 1:32 am

      5 stars
      Turned out great! I followed the recipe and it made seven portions. I added some chopped celery towards the last hour. Love all the veggies in it. I splashed out and bought the veggies from a local farmers market. Definitely a nice fall/winter staple.

      Reply
    6. Ange Smith says

      July 07, 2022 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      Made it tonight, very yummy. my son would never eat casserole until tonight, very impressed. I didn’t have some of the vegetables so used sweet potato, celery, carrot, onion, potato. Turned out delish. Thank you I will be doing again

      Reply
    7. Rosalind Clark says

      March 22, 2022 at 2:31 pm

      5 stars
      Bought my first ever slow cooker (6.5 litre) just over a week ago. My fiancé really wanted a beef stew. Found this recipe & cooked it last week. It was so good that this week I have doubled up on the ingredients & have another on the go right now. Looking forward to dinner tonight then will freeze the rest.

      Reply
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    Picture of Lucy ParissiHi, I am Lucy Parissi, the recipe developer, food  photographer and author behind Supergolden Bakes. If you are looking for easy sweet and savoury recipes that are packed with flavour you have come to the right place!  READ MORE

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