Easy Crockpot Beef Stew with Dumplings: The Best Comfort Food Recipe for Busy Nights

You know those days when you just want to toss everything in the Crockpot and forget about it? That’s when Crockpot Dump Recipes like this one come to the rescue. No need for complicated steps—just dump it all in, set it, and walk away! Plus, this Crockpot Stew is packed with tender beef and hearty veggies, and when you add in the Crockpot Dumplings, it’s like a hug in a bowl.

If you’re looking for something simple yet hearty, this is the best dumplings recipe to make your easy Crockpot meals feel like a fancy dinner. Whether it’s a cold winter night or you’re just craving something cozy, this dish is perfect. Think of it as the ultimate winter Crockpot meal—Crockpot Stew and Dumplings that practically cook themselves!

So, grab your Crockpot, and let’s get cooking with this easy dump and go Crockpot dinner. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that’ll become a family favorite. Trust me, once you see how easy this is, you’ll be hooked on quick Crockpot recipes for life!

Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (I usually buy it pre-cut, because who’s got time to chop?)
• 4 big carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped (this is the part where I always tear up – ugh)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (or just use garlic powder if you’re in a rush like me)
• 1 cup beef broth (you could even use water if you’re low on broth, but beef broth is where the flavor’s at!)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (that tangy magic ingredient)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary (I always use dried because I never seem to have fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (I just use whatever’s in my pantry)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup butter (cold, cut into cubes – it needs to be cold for the perfect dumplings)
• 3/4 cup milk (this is where you might have to use the last of your milk, so be prepared)
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh, if you’re feeling fancy and have it on hand!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Toss Everything Into the Crockpot

Alright, the first thing you gotta do is grab that Crockpot of yours (or slow cooker, whatever you call it) and start tossing in your stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic. It’s literally that simple. I love this part because there’s no chopping involved after you get everything in the Crockpot! Then, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Give everything a little mix just to get the flavors distributed. Cover it up, set it to low, and let it cook for 7-8 hours. Or, if you’re in a rush (and let’s face it, we always are), you can put it on high for about 4-5 hours. Either way, you want that beef to get tender and the veggies to soften up.

Step 2: Make the Dumplings

Now, while your stew is cooking away, you can whip up the dumplings! In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, add your cold butter in pieces. I like to use my fingers here and rub the butter into the flour until it’s crumbly. It’s like making a mini dough – and it’s actually kind of fun.

Next, stir in the milk and parsley. You’ll want the dough to be a little thick and sticky, but not too runny. Think of it like pancake batter that’s just a tad stiffer. If you have little helpers running around, they can help mix this part!

Step 3: Add the Dumplings to the Stew

Okay, once the stew is all cooked and smelling so good, it’s time to drop those dumplings on top. Take spoonfuls of the dumpling dough and gently place them on the surface of the stew. Don’t stir them in – you want them to float on top while they cook. Cover the Crockpot again and let the dumplings cook for 25-30 minutes on low. Don’t peek too much! Just let them do their thing and puff up into fluffy little clouds.

Step 4: Serve It Up and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are cooked through (poke one with a fork to check), it’s time to serve! Scoop out some of that savory stew with a dumpling on top and enjoy. You’ve made a meal that’s not only easy but also a total crowd-pleaser. You can even sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that little extra touch, but if you’re like me, you’ll probably skip that and dive straight in.

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Crockpot Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe Card

Crockpot Beef Stew with Dumplings

This hearty Crockpot Beef Stew with Dumplings is the perfect comfort food! Tender beef, savory vegetables, and fluffy dumplings all cook together in your Crockpot, making it the ultimate easy Crockpot dinner. It's perfect for busy moms who want to throw everything together and let the Crockpot do the work. The best part? It's a cozy, satisfying meal that the whole family will love!

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours

Servings: 8

Author: Fareeha

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 large carrots , peeled and chopped
• 4 potatoes , peeled and chopped
• 1 medium onion , chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced or garlic powder
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup butter cold, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp dried parsley optional

Instructions

Step 1: Toss Everything Into the Crockpot

• Place the beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic into the Crockpot. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently.

Step 2: Set It and Forget It

• Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender and the flavors should be well blended.

Step 3: Make the Dumplings

• In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter in pieces and use your fingers to rub it into the flour until it becomes crumbly. Stir in the milk and parsley to form a dough.

Step 4: Add Dumplings

• When the stew is done cooking, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the stew. Cover and cook on low for 25-30 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through (don’t stir!).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Once the dumplings are fluffy and the stew is hot, serve it up in bowls. Enjoy the cozy, comforting goodness!

Notes

• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add peas, celery, or parsnips for more flavor and nutrition.
• Thicker Stew: For a thicker stew, add cornstarch mixed with water toward the end of cooking.
• Freezer-Friendly: This stew freezes well, so store leftovers for a quick meal later.

This is one of those easy Crockpot meals that’s perfect for busy nights or cold winter Crockpot meals when you want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. And if you’re a fan of Crockpot dump recipes, this one’s a winner for sure! It’s a classic Beef Crockpot recipe easy to make, and the Crockpot Stew is packed with flavor, especially with those fluffy Crockpot Dumplings on top.

Not only is it a great dump and go Crockpot dinner, but it’s also a hit with the family. You’ll definitely be making this over and over. If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, this one should be in your rotation. Plus, it’s the perfect recipe to learn how to cook dumplings the easy way. No fuss, just tasty food!

So next time you’re craving something hearty like Stew and Dumplings, give this a try. You won’t regret it, and your family will be asking for seconds (or thirds!). It’s truly one of those easy Crockpot dinners you’ll be so glad you found!