When the temperatures drop in Gauteng, few meals are as satisfying and comforting as a hearty one-pot beef stew with dumplings. This dish, rich in flavour and texture, combines tender beef, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a simple yet filling meal. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether you’re feeding your family or sharing a comforting meal with friends.
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A one-pot beef stew with dumplings is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. This dish is easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavour. The beauty of a one-pot recipe is that it simplifies the cooking process, reducing the time spent on cleanup. Additionally, the stew’s slow simmering allows the beef to become tender, and the dumplings absorb the rich, savoury broth, creating a mouthwatering meal.
Check out our Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals for Busy Gauteng Families for simple recipes.
Ingredients for a Hearty Beef Stew with Dumplings
To make the best one-pot beef stew and dumplings, it’s important to use fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the stew:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine
- 4 cups (960ml) beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the dumplings:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Guide to Making One-Pot Beef Stew and Dumplings
1. Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Once the beef is browned on all sides, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onions and garlic until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Deglaze and Simmer
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Next, pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits add extra flavour to the stew. Once the wine has reduced slightly, add the beef back into the pot along with the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. 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, or until the beef is tender.
Warm up with unique flavours from our Winter Soups with a Twist: Try These Gauteng-Inspired Flavours for a comforting meal.
4. Prepare the Dumplings
While the stew simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, rosemary, and black pepper. Add the buttermilk and melted butter, stirring until just combined. The batter should be thick but slightly sticky.
5. Add Dumplings to the Stew
Once the beef is tender, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the stew’s surface. Cover the pot tightly and let the dumplings steam for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked. The dumplings should be light, fluffy, and soak up the rich broth.
6. Serve
Remove the bay leaves from the stew and ladle the stew into bowls. Ensure each bowl gets a generous portion of beef, vegetables, and dumplings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of colour, and enjoy!
Tips for Perfecting Your One-Pot Beef Stew and Dumplings Recipe
- Browning the Beef: This step enhances the flavour of the stew. Be sure to brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Dumpling Texture: Don’t overmix the dumpling dough. Overmixing can result in dense, heavy dumplings. Stir just enough to combine the ingredients.
- Slow Cooker Option: For a more hands-off approach, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the stew ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add the dumplings in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Craving comfort food? Explore our Top 10 Traditional South African Winter Dishes to Warm Up Gauteng Homes for hearty meal ideas.
This one-pot beef stew and dumplings recipe offers a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for Gauteng’s cooler days. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers in both taste and simplicity. Enjoy this classic dish that combines the richness of tender beef and vegetables with the comforting fluffiness of dumplings, making it the ideal choice for a cosy meal.
