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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Brown the Beef:**
Start by heating **2 tablespoons of olive oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the **beef stew meat** with **salt** and **pepper**. Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking each batch for about **3-4 minutes** until nicely seared on all sides. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
#### 2. **Prepare the Stew Base:**
In the same skillet, add **diced onions** and sauté until they become translucent, about **2-3 minutes**. Add the **garlic** and cook for another 30 seconds, then transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
Add the **carrots**, **potatoes**, **beef broth**, and **red wine** (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir in **Worcestershire sauce**, **dried thyme**, **dried rosemary**, and additional **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Stir everything to combine. Cover and cook on **low** for **7-8 hours** or **high** for **4-5 hours**, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
#### 3. **Make the Dumpling Batter:**
While the stew is cooking, it’s time to prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, combine **flour**, **baking powder**, **salt**, and **sugar**. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the **milk**, **melted butter**, and **beaten egg**. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If you like, fold in some **chopped fresh parsley** for added flavor.
#### 4. **Add the Dumplings:**
When the stew is nearing the end of its cooking time, give it a quick taste to check for seasoning and adjust as necessary. If you’d like the stew to be thicker, you can mix **2 tablespoons of cornstarch** with a bit of water and stir it into the stew.
Once the stew is ready, drop spoonfuls of the **dumpling batter** onto the surface of the stew. Depending on the size of your dumplings, you should have about **8-10 dumplings**. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on **high** for an additional **30 minutes** to 1 hour, until the dumplings are fully cooked through and have puffed up.
#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the dumplings are cooked, serve your **Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings** hot, ensuring each bowl gets a generous portion of beef, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings. You can garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch.
### Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings:
– **Comfort in Every Bite**: The combination of tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with hearty vegetables and fluffy dumplings creates a warm, filling meal that’s perfect for colder months or any time you need a comforting dish.
– **Set It and Forget It**: The slow cooker does most of the work for you. Simply brown the beef, throw everything in the slow cooker, and let it cook while you go about your day.
– **Customizable**: Feel free to swap in different vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or peas. You can even use chicken or pork if beef isn’t your preference.
– **Perfect for Leftovers**: This stew holds up well as leftovers and only gets better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.
### Tips for Success:
– **Browning the Beef**: While you can skip this step, browning the beef first adds depth of flavor to the stew. If you’re in a hurry, you can simply skip this step and add everything directly to the slow cooker.
– **Dumpling Texture**: If you prefer a denser dumpling, add a little more flour. For lighter, fluffier dumplings, make sure not to overmix the batter, and add just enough liquid to form a soft dough.
– **Wine Substitute**: If you’re not a fan of red wine or prefer a non-alcoholic version, feel free to substitute the wine with extra beef broth or even water. The wine adds richness, but the stew will still be delicious without it.
– **Freezing the Stew**: This stew freezes wonderfully! Simply allow it to cool before transferring to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
### Why You Should Definitely Try It:
**Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings** is the epitome of comfort food—tender beef, savory gravy, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings all come together in a way that makes each bite feel like a warm hug. It’s a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even as a meal prep option for the week ahead.
So, the real question is: **Would you eat this Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings?** If you love rich, flavorful stews and soft, satisfying dumplings, the answer is a resounding yes! This recipe will soon become your go-to for satisfying meals that bring comfort and joy to the table.
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