Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings

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This beef stew with cheddar herb dumplings is rich, hearty, and comforting. Tender beef simmered in gravy topped with fluffy cheesy dumplings.

This Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings is the kind of comforting, cozy meal that warms you from the inside out. Tender chunks of beef simmer slowly in a rich, savory gravy with vegetables until perfectly soft, then get topped with fluffy cheddar herb dumplings that cook right on top of the stew. It’s hearty, filling, and feels like a complete meal in one pot. The dumplings soak up just enough of the stew’s flavor while staying light and cheesy, making every spoonful incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A complete one-pot comfort meal
  • Fork-tender beef with deep, rich flavor
  • Fluffy cheddar dumplings with herbs in every bite
  • Perfect for cold weather and family dinners
  • Feels special but uses simple, familiar ingredients
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheddar Herb Dumplings

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried parsley or chives
  • ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Preparation Steps

  1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Season beef generously with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches until deeply browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
  4. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
  6. Slowly add beef broth and water, stirring to avoid lumps.
  7. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
  8. Return beef to the pot, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for 1½ to 2 hours until beef is very tender.
  9. While stew simmers, prepare dumpling dough by mixing flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, herbs, and cheddar cheese.
  10. Stir in milk and melted butter just until combined.
  11. Once beef is tender, remove the bay leaf. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew.
  12. Cover tightly and cook for 15–18 minutes without lifting the lid, until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

Cooking Notes

Browning the beef well is key to building deep flavor. Keep the stew at a gentle simmer, not a boil, to keep the meat tender. When cooking dumplings, do not lift the lid, steam is what helps them rise properly.

Variations

  • Add mushrooms or parsnips for extra depth
  • Use Guinness or red wine to replace 1 cup of broth
  • Swap cheddar for gruyère or parmesan
  • Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the dumpling dough
  • Make it spicy with a pinch of chili flakes

Tips

  • Cut beef into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking
  • Use sharp cheddar for the best dumpling flavor
  • Stir stew gently before adding dumplings
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before dropping dumplings
  • Let stew rest 10 minutes before serving for thicker gravy

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as-is for a hearty one-bowl meal
  • Pair with crusty bread or buttered rolls
  • Add a simple green salad on the side
  • Serve with roasted vegetables for extra heartiness
  • Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: About 2 hours 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values

  • Calories: 520
  • Protein: 38g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g

FAQs

Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes. The stew base can be made a day ahead. Reheat gently and add dumplings just before serving.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the stew on low for 7–8 hours, then add dumplings and cook on high for 30 minutes.

Why are my dumplings dense?
Dense dumplings usually mean overmixing or lifting the lid while they cook.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze the stew without dumplings for best texture. Add fresh dumplings when reheating.

What cut of beef works best?
Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Conclusion

Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. The tender beef, savory gravy, and fluffy cheesy dumplings make this a meal that feels special yet familiar. Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or when you need a dish that truly comforts, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

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