Name: Comforting Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck (or beef brisket); 1 cup red wine (or extra beef broth); 1 medium onion (chopped); 2 stalks celery (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 3 medium carrots (chopped); 2 medium potatoes (diced); 2 cups flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (like thyme, parsley, chives, rosemary); 1 cup milk (whole for richness); 4 tablespoons butter (melted)

As the winter chill creeps in, the lure of a hearty meal becomes irresistible. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings—a comforting dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite. This recipe boasts tender beef simmered to perfection in a richly flavored broth, paired with fluffy dumplings that are not only cheesy but also a delightful surprise. Two key perks make this stew a must-try: it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, allowing those deep flavors to develop even more overnight, and it’s perfect for family gatherings, satisfying even the hungriest appetites. So, what secret ingredient do you think adds that extra touch to the dumplings? Let’s find out together!

What makes this stew irresistibly cozy?

Comforting, Hearty Dish: This Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings is the perfect remedy for cold days, offering a warm embrace for your taste buds.

Make-Ahead Magic: It’s an excellent choice for meal prep, as the flavors deepen even more after resting overnight—ideal for busy weekdays or family dinners.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With tender, well-seasoned beef combined with fluffy, cheesy dumplings, this dish satisfies even the most discerning eaters.

Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Utilizing pantry staples and fresh herbs creates a rich, flavorful experience that elevates traditional comfort food into something special.

Family-Friendly Appeal: This stew is not just a meal; it’s a bonding experience. Serve it alongside some crusty bread or biscuits for dipping, just like with my Tater Tot Beef, and enjoy a hearty feast together!

Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings Ingredients

• Let’s gather the cozy essentials for a scrumptious stew!

For the Stew

Beef Chuck – Provides tenderness and flavor with slow cooking; substitute with beef brisket for a similar outcome.
Red Wine – Enhances depth of flavor; feel free to omit or replace with extra beef broth for a non-alcoholic option.
Onion – Base flavor essential for a well-rounded stew.
Celery – Adds crunch and flavor to the stew base; don’t skip this step for a flavorful broth!
Garlic – Offers aromatic depth; for the best taste, use fresh garlic cloves.
Tomato Paste – Contributes richness and color to the broth.
Beef Broth – The primary liquid base for the stew, ensuring a hearty consistency.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami-rich flavor that deepens the taste experience.
Carrots – Provide heartiness and sweetness in contrast to the beef; fresh is best.
Potatoes – Offer bulk and a comforting texture; diced but not too small!

For the Dumplings

Flour – The backbone of your dumpling structure; adds needed stability.
Baking Powder – Helps the dumplings rise; don’t overmix to maintain fluffiness.
Cheddar Cheese – Adds delightful tanginess and richness to dumplings; feel free to swap for Gruyère if desired.
Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Parsley, Chives, Rosemary) – Brighten both the stew and dumplings; dried herbs can work well too if fresh aren’t available.
Milk – Provides moisture for the dumpling batter; use whole milk for extra richness.
Butter – Essential for texture; melted butter will enhance that buttery flavor.

Let’s get cooking and warm those hearts with this cozy Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings

Step 1: Prep and Sear Beef
Begin by seasoning 2 pounds of beef chuck with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, brown the beef on all sides for about 3-4 minutes each, until a golden crust forms. Remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add a little more oil if necessary. Sauté one chopped onion and two diced celery stalks for about 5 minutes, until they become soft and translucent. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute, then mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, cooking briefly until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze
Pour in 1 cup of red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds incredible flavor to your Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings. Return the browned beef to the pot, ensuring it sits comfortably among the vegetables.

Step 4: Cook Stew Base
Add 4 cups of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme, and a bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. The beef should become tender and infused with rich flavors.

Step 5: Add Vegetables
After the stew has simmered, stir in 3 chopped carrots and 2 diced potatoes to add heartiness to your stew. Simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. The vegetables should be tender and the stew thick and aromatic, ready for those delicious dumplings.

Step 6: Thicken Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with cold water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this mixture into your simmering beef stew and cook for another few minutes, allowing it to thicken while stirring gently.

Step 7: Prepare Dumplings
In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like thyme and chives. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of milk and 4 tablespoons of melted butter, then combine with the dry ingredients until just mixed.

Step 8: Cook Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the simmering stew, ensuring they sit on the surface. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid. The dumplings should puff up beautifully and become fluffy. If you prefer a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes after cooking.

Step 9: Serve
Remove the bay leaf from the pot and sprinkle chopped parsley over your Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy hot, perhaps with some crusty bread for dipping.

Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this cozy recipe to suit your taste!

Protein Swap: Substitute beef with chicken or lentils for a lighter option that still warms the soul.
Cheese Twist: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or even feta for a unique flavor in your dumplings.
Herb Mix: Play around with fresh herb combinations; dill or basil can add an interesting twist to the stew’s flavor profile.
Veggie Boost: Add seasonal vegetables like green beans, peas, or even butternut squash for extra nutrition and color.
Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to elevate the flavor.
Gluten-Free Dumplings: Use a gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy the fluffy dumplings without worry.
Wine-Free Stew: Omit the red wine and replace it with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a depth of flavor.
Slow Cooker Ease: Prefer hands-off cooking? Transfer the prepared stew to a slow cooker for 7-8 hours for a delightful, tender result.

There are so many ways to personalize this stew! For inspiration, check out my recipe for Chicken Noodle Soup with Egg Noodles or dive into the savory goodness of Mongolian Beef that’s perfect for cozy nights.

Make Ahead Options

These Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prep the stew base—browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables—up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the stew, add the chopped potatoes and carrots, and simmer until tender. For the dumplings, you can mix the dry ingredients together and store them separately, adding the wet ingredients just before dropping spoonfuls onto the stew. This way, your dumplings remain fluffy and fresh, making your meal just as delicious and comforting as if you made it all in one go!

What to Serve with Cozy Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings

There’s nothing quite like a hearty dish to warm the soul, and the right accompaniments can elevate your meal experience even more.

Crusty Bread: A must-have pairing, perfect for soaking up the rich stew and enhancing every savory bite of meat and cheese dumplings.
Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette cleanses the palate and adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
Roasted Vegetables: Warm roasted seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots can bring a delightful texture and earthy flavor to balance the meal.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes offer another comforting option, perfect for scooping alongside those cheesy dumplings.
Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine enhances the beefy richness of the stew, making each sip a delightful experience.
Warm Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a comforting finish, sweetness complementing the savory main course.
Herb-Infused Rice: Light, fluffy rice infused with fresh herbs can serve as a delicate base to absorb additional stew flavors, enriching each bite with aromatic goodness.

How to Store and Freeze Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to adjust consistency.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove, ensuring dumplings remain fluffy.

Portioning: Consider freezing in individual portions for easy meals. Perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners without the hassle of cooking from scratch.

Reheating: When reheating, take care to stir gently, especially the dumplings, to maintain their delightful texture in your Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings.

Expert Tips for Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings

Browning Beef: Ensure all sides are seared well for the best flavor. This step is crucial for a rich and hearty beef stew.
Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the dumpling batter to keep them airy and fluffy. Combine until just combined to ensure lightness.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs bring brightness to both the stew and dumplings. If using dried, adjust the quantity to prevent overpowering flavors.
Slow Cooker Friendly: For a hands-off approach, brown the beef and veggies, then transfer everything to a slow cooker for 7-8 hours on low.
Adjust Consistency: If the stew is too thick upon reheating, simply add a splash of beef broth; it revitalizes the flavor and texture beautifully!
Perfect Pairing: This beef stew is best enjoyed with crusty bread or biscuits. They soak up the delicious flavors, making every bite a delight!

Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best beef for the stew?
Absolutely! The best cuts for beef stew are those that become tender when slow-cooked, such as beef chuck or brisket. Look for meat that has a good amount of marbling (small streaks of fat), which adds flavor and moisture as it cooks. Avoid cuts that are too lean, as they can dry out during the long cooking process.

How do I store leftover beef stew?
Store leftover Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to adjust the consistency, as it may thicken while stored. This simple step helps it regain its rich, hearty texture.

Can I freeze this beef stew?
Yes, you can! For freezing, let the stew cool completely, then transfer it into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it up gently on the stovetop—this way, the dumplings stay fluffy and delicious!

What should I do if my dumplings turn out tough?
The main culprit for tough dumplings is overmixing the batter. To achieve light and fluffy dumplings, mix the ingredients just until combined—no need to overwork it! If you encounter a situation where they’ve toughened, consider repurposing them: chop them up and combine with the stew for a unique twist instead of serving whole.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! For those with allergies, ensure you are using gluten-free all-purpose flour if gluten is a concern. For a dairy-free version, swap out the cheddar cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast and almond milk. As always, be sure to double-check ingredient labels for any food sensitivities!

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, it’s very easy! Start by browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables in a skillet to unlock those rich flavors. Then, transfer everything into your slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 7-8 hours. Just make sure to follow the dumpling recipe toward the end of the cooking time to keep them light and fluffy!