Name: Slow Cooker British Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 pounds (900g) chuck steak, braising steak, cubed; 2 tbsp flour seasoned with pinch salt and pepper; 2 cups (500ml) hot beef stock (or low sodium broth); ⅓ cup (80ml) red wine or more beef stock; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, 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; 1 cup (130g) self-rising flour; ½ cup (120g) plain yogurt; 1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; Water, as needed, to bind

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 54 reviews

If you are craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Slow Cooker British Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe. This dish combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef stewed with hearty root vegetables and fragrant herbs, all slow-cooked to perfection. The fluffy, savory dumplings nestled on top soak up the rich gravy, creating a soul-satisfying dinner that’s as traditional as it is delicious. It’s the kind of meal that brings family and friends together around the table, making each bite a nostalgic, homey experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black slow cooker filled with several layers of raw beef chunks in dark red color scattered across the surface. Mixed with the beef are small pieces of light beige parsnip, bright orange carrot slices, and pale onion pieces creating a colorful mix. On top, fresh green herbs like parsley and rosemary sit in the center, adding a fresh contrast. The slow cooker is on a white marbled surface, showing the ingredients clearly inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Slow Cooker British Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the robust beef chuck to the fresh herbs, every component elevates the dish to a truly special comfort meal.

2 pounds chuck steak: Also called braising steak, cubed for tender, juicy bites after slow cooking.
2 tbsp seasoned flour: Coats the beef to thicken the stew and create a velvety gravy.
2 cups hot beef stock: The savory base that infuses deep beef flavor and moistens the dish.
⅓ cup red wine: Adds richness and a subtle acidity; can be substituted with more stock.
3 tbsp tomato paste: Brings a concentrated sweetness and depth to the stew.
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce: Introduces tang and umami complexity.
2 tbsp dark soy sauce: Enhances color and adds a salty-sweet note.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For aromatic warmth and earthiness.
1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance flavors.
2 large onions, finely diced: Softens into sweetness that complements the beef.
2 leeks, white parts only, sliced: Adds a subtle oniony, mild flavor.
5 carrots, sliced: For sweetness and vibrant color.
4 parsnips, sliced: Earthy sweetness that pairs well with carrots.
2 bay leaves and 1 sprig rosemary: Classic herbs that perfume the stew beautifully.
Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens and freshens the dish at serving.
For the dumplings:
1 cup self-rising flour: Forms the light, fluffy base of the dumplings.
½ cup plain yogurt: Tenderizes the dough and adds moisture.
1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives: Gives the dumplings a fresh herbal note.
2 tbsp grated Parmesan: Adds a subtle savory tang.
1 tsp garlic powder and ½ tsp salt: Season the dumplings for extra flavor.
Water as needed: To help bind the dumpling dough just right.

How to Make Slow Cooker British Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by tossing your cubed chuck steak in the seasoned flour. This coating not only helps the beef develop a delicious crust but also serves to thicken the stew later, creating that signature luscious gravy we all love.

Step 2: Build the Stew Base

Turn your slow cooker on HIGH to preheat. Add the hot beef stock, red wine, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce, dark soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Give this flavorful mix a good stir so all those bold tastes start mingling together, setting the stage for amazing depth.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Herbs

Next, stir in the diced onions, sliced leeks, carrots, and parsnips. These root vegetables add natural sweetness and texture, creating a colorful, hearty stew. Nestle in the bay leaves and rosemary sprig, which will infuse their fragrant aromas throughout the long cooking process.

Step 4: Combine Beef and Slow Cook

Fold the floured beef cubes gently into the vegetable mixture, making sure everything is nicely distributed. Cover and let it slow cook on HIGH for 5 hours (or LOW for 8 hours), allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to fully develop. Your kitchen will start smelling iconic—expect compliments!

Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings

While the stew simmers, mix the self-rising flour, chopped parsley or chives, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the yogurt, then knead gently with your hands until the dough comes together—add a splash of water if it feels too crumbly. Divide your dough into 6 to 8 bite-sized balls for dumpling perfection.

Step 6: Finish Cooking with Dumplings

Once the stew’s cooked, give it a good stir and remove the bay leaves and rosemary. Place your dumplings spaced slightly apart on top of the stew, cover, and cook on HIGH for another hour. This final step gives you tender, fluffy dumplings soaring atop that rich, hearty beef and vegetable stew. Adjust seasoning if needed and sprinkle fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker British Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe

A white plate holds two main layers: on the left, a thick brown stew with chunks of dark brown meat and orange carrot pieces in a rich sauce, topped with a single round, lightly browned dumpling sprinkled with green herbs; on the right, a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth, slightly fluffy texture, covered with chopped green herbs and a bit of melted butter. A woman's hand holds the plate on the left side, and another woman's hand uses a silver fork to scoop the mashed potatoes on the right. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a light cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A generous handful of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also brings a lovely freshness that brightens each rich, savory spoonful of this Slow Cooker British Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe. Sprinkle some cracked black pepper on top for an extra hint of spice if you like.

Side Dishes

This stew is a hearty meal all on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious gravy. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully for contrast, or opt for buttery mashed potatoes on the side if you want to double down on comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic touch, serve the stew in individual cast-iron dishes or shallow bowls, allowing the dumplings to be the center of attention. You can even offer a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra olive oil on top to add a hint of indulgence and elevate the presentation for a cozy dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Slow Cooker British Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep nicely in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of beef stock or water if the stew thickens too much.

Freezing

If you want to save your stew for longer, freeze the stew base without the dumplings in freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date and use within three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, bring to a simmer, adjust consistency and seasoning, then add fresh dumplings to finish cooking.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers slowly over low heat to maintain the stew’s texture and prevent the beef from drying out. If reheating in the microwave, cover the stew to retain moisture and stir occasionally for even warming. Add a bit of stock if the gravy thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Absolutely! While chuck steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use other braising cuts like brisket or short ribs. Just ensure the beef is cut into cubes and suitable for slow cooking so it becomes tender over time.

What if I don’t have self-rising flour for the dumplings?

You can make your own by combining 1 cup of plain flour with 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This substitute works perfectly to keep your dumplings light and fluffy.

Can I make this recipe without red wine?

Yes! Simply replace the red wine with additional beef stock to retain the recipe’s moisture and depth. The stew will still be flavorful and delicious without alcohol.

How thick should the stew gravy be before adding dumplings?

The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still stirrable. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it by cooking uncovered on high for a short while or by adding a little more flour mixed with water before adding dumplings.

Can I prepare the dumplings ahead and freeze them?

Yes, you can freeze the dumpling dough balls on a tray and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to use, thaw them slightly or add frozen dumplings directly to the stew, but allow extra cooking time so they cook through.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker British Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe is a true classic that never fails to warm the heart and satisfy the appetite. It’s wonderfully forgiving, packed with goodness, and perfect for cozy evenings when you want a no-fuss meal that feels like a celebration of home cooking. Give it a try—once you do, it might just become your go-to comfort food!