Hairy Bikers Beef Stew And Dumplings Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Beef Stew And Dumplings Recipe is a rich and hearty dish, which includes tender beef and fluffy dumplings. It’s a comforting, slow-cooked classic, ready in about 3 hours 20 minutes.

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Hairy Bikers Beef Stew And Dumplings Ingredients

• 1kg braising beef, cubed
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery sticks, sliced
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 500ml brown ale
• 500ml beef stock
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves & fresh thyme

For the Dumplings:

• 200g self-raising flour
• 100g suet
• 150ml cold water

How To Make Hairy Bikers Beef Stew And Dumplings

1. Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large casserole dish and brown the seasoned beef in batches. Set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables: Cook onions, carrots, and celery in the same dish for 10 minutes until softened. Stir in the flour.
3. Make the gravy: Gradually pour in the ale, stirring to deglaze. Return beef to the pot, add stock, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs.
4. Simmer the stew: Cover and simmer on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours until the beef is tender.
5. Make and cook dumplings: Mix flour, suet, and water to make a soft dough. Form into balls and place on the stew. Cover and cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.

Recipe Tips

• Can I make this in the oven? Yes, cook the stew at 160°C covered for 2.5-3 hours, then add dumplings for the last 20 minutes.
• What cut of beef is best? Use braising or stewing beef like chuck for tenderness.
• How to thicken the stew: Let it simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes if needed.
• Can I add other vegetables? Yes, parsnips or swede work well.
• How to make fluffy dumplings: Keep the lid closed while they cook to trap steam.

What To Serve With Beef Stew And Dumplings

This dish is filling on its own, but pairs well with:

• Buttered peas
• Steamed cabbage
• Crusty bread
• Roasted potatoes

How To Store Beef Stew And Dumplings

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Freeze cooled stew (without dumplings) for up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat gently before adding fresh dumplings.

Beef Stew And Dumplings Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 750 kcal
• Total Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 7g
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 50g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make dumplings without suet?
Yes, use grated cold butter instead.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 8 hours, then finish dumplings on the stovetop.

Can I use red wine instead of ale?
Yes, red wine offers a different but equally rich flavor.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat stew on the stove. Reheat or remake dumplings separately.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Pork Casserole Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Chicken Tray Bake Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Bacon And Lentil Soup Recipe