Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings

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Crockpot Beef stew and dumplings is one of those dinners that’s a great pick when comfort food’s calling your name, but you don’t especially want to stand over the stove.

This stew and dumplings recipe has tender beef, vegetables, mushrooms and herby dumplings cooked in a rich Crockpot stew.

Take your pick from red wine, beef broth or a mixture of both. I usually opt for the wine because I like how it gives the sauce a rich flavor. Broth works too though and keeps it more classic and family-friendly.

Either way, the dumplings cook on top of the hot stew and soak up all those meaty, savory juices as they steam.

Why You’ll Love It

• Classic comfort food: Tender beef, veggies and soft herb dumplings make this a filling cold-weather meal.
• Slow cooker method: The Crockpot handles most of the cooking, so the beef’s got time to tenderize in the sauce.
• Rich savory flavor: Thyme, mustard, mushrooms and red wine or beef broth give the stew a hearty base.
• Homemade dumplings: Bisquick, milk and dried herbs make quick dumplings that cook directly on the stew.

Beef Stew and Dumplings Slow Cooker Ingredients

This slow cooker beef stew and dumplings recipe is made with lean stewing beef or top round steak, carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms and canned tomatoes.

The beef dumplings sauce is thickened with flour and flavored with thyme, mustard powder, black pepper and salt.

You can use dry red wine, beef broth or a mix of the two for the cooking liquid. If your broth’s already quite salty, reduce the salt and taste the stew before serving.

The dumplings are made with Bisquick, milk, thyme, sage and rosemary. They’re dropped onto the hot stew after the beef has cooked, then covered until cooked through. Use Bisquick Original Pancake & Baking Mix, not Shake ’n Pour or a flavored pancake mix.

Beef Stew and Dumplings Tips

• Use the right beef: Lean stewing beef or top round steak works well because slow cooking gives it time to soften.
• Don’t keep lifting the lid: Each peek releases heat, which can slow down the cooking and affect the dumplings.
• Check the salt: Wine needs more seasoning than salty beef broth, so taste the stew before adding extra.
• Don’t overmix the dumplings: Stir the milk in only until the dry mix is moistened. I found that overmixing can make the dumplings heavy!
• Use a toothpick test: The dumplings are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Variations

• Use only beef broth: Skip the wine and use broth for a more traditional Crockpot beef stew.
• Mix broth and wine: Half wine and half broth gives the sauce depth without making the wine flavor too strong.
• Change the vegetables: Parsnip, rutabaga (swede) or potatoes can replace some of the carrots.
• Add more mushrooms: Extra mushrooms make the sauce darker and more savory.
• Use another baking mix: If you don’t have Bisquick, use a similar all-purpose biscuit or scone-style baking mix for this stew & dumplings dish.

What to Serve with Beef Stew and Dumplings

This stew already has beef, vegetables and dumplings, so it doesn’t need much else. Buttered bread is good for the sauce, or you can add simple greens if you want something fresh on the table.

Mashed potatoes are an option if you want a very filling meal, although the dumplings already make the stew hearty. I usually go for some buttered bread with mine!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover beef stew and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

The stew freezes better than the dumplings. If you do plan to freeze leftovers, freeze the stew on its own and make fresh dumplings when you reheat it.

Beef Stew and Dumplings FAQs

Can I make beef stew and dumplings without wine?

Yes. Use beef broth in place of the wine. If the broth is salty, taste the stew before adding the full amount of salt.

Can I cook beef stew and dumplings on high?

Yes. Low heat gives the beef more time to become tender, but the high setting works too as long as the beef’s tender before you add the dumplings.

What is Bisquick?

Bisquick is a ready-made baking mix used for quick biscuits, pancakes, waffles and dumplings. In this recipe, it makes the herb dumplings simple because the flour, fat and raising agents are already in the mix.

Why are my dumplings doughy?

The stew might not have been hot enough, the lid might have been lifted too often or the dough may have been too wet. I like to keep the lid on while the dumplings cook and check the center with a toothpick when they look done.

Can I make this beef stew gluten free?

Use gluten-free flour to thicken the stew and a gluten-free baking mix for the dumplings. Check the beef broth too, since some brands contain gluten.

Can I make the dumplings dairy free?

Yes, use a dairy-free milk and check that your baking mix is dairy free.

More Beef Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of beef and dumplings, you may also enjoy Crockpot coffee braised beef roast, homemade beef broth in a slow cooker, beef and cabbage wontons with ginger, goulash style stew or this gluten free beef stew.