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Home » Recipes » Soups and Stews

Best Crockpot Beef Stew with Dumplings

Published: Sep 27, 2022 by Bowl Me Over · 41 Comments

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Best Crockpot Beef Stew starts with beef, slowly simmered in the slow cooker until the beef is spoon tender. Stuffed with carrots and potatoes, this is an easy meal that tastes AMAZING! Let your crockpot do the work while you do take all the credit!

Love this recipe? The next one you should try is Corned Beef Stew. Filled with beef, potatoes and cabbage - it's delicious!

White bowls filled with Crockpot Beef Stew and dumplings.
Tender beef slow cooker in the crockpot is an easy meal everyone will love!
Jump to:
  • BEST Crockpot Beef Stew
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Tips
  • Storage
  • Serving suggestions
  • More Slow Cooker Recipes
  • Related recipes
  • Serving suggestions
  • BEST Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

BEST Crockpot Beef Stew

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

  • stewing beef
  • baby carrots
  • celery
  • onions 
  • canned diced tomatoes
  • potatoes
  • red wine
  • salt
  • thyme
  • mustard powder
  • pepper
  • flour
  • biscuit mix
  • sage
  • milk

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Add all of the beef stew ingredients in the slow cooker except the flour and water.
  2. Whisk together the flour and water and stir into the stew.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours.
  4. Add the dumpling ingredients to a medium-sized bowl. Stir in milk just until it is just combined.
  5. Drop dough in small spoonfuls on top of the stew.
  6. Switch the heat setting to high, and cover.
  7. When you can insert a toothpick cleanly through the dumplings, they are done. 

Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 

I recommend using a small (tiny!) ice cream scoop for the dumplings.

Beef Soup in a white bowl with spoon.
Sit back and let your slow cooker do the work for dinnertime!

FAQ's

What kind of beef should I use for the stew meat?

You have many choices at the market for stew meat. Yes, you can use stew meat that is already diced, but I suggest you stay away from that. Buy a roast and dice the meat yourself. You'll get better quality meat for less money. My recommendations for stew meat are:

beef chuck
fatty brisket
round steak

My number one choice is definitely beef chuck. It has good marbling which gives the meat great flavor.

Why is my beef stew meat tough?

It hasn't cooked long enough! Beef stew meat is tough to begin with. It needs to be cooked low and slow. The slow cooker is the perfect way to tenderize beef stew meat.

How long does it take to cook stew meat in a crockpot?

You'll cook this stew on high for 4-5 hours or on low 8-10 hours. Let the crockpot do the work for you!

What is the secret for light and fluffy dumplings?

When you add the dumplings to the top of the stew, gently settle the dough on top of the beef and veggies, rather than drop them in the liquid. When they settle into the broth they become heavy because they are laden with liquid. They will also fall apart. By gently adding the dough on top of the stew, they immediately begin to steam. This results in light fluffy dumplings!

Tips

Remember - dumplings will triple in size as they cook! Use small spoonfuls as you spoon the dough on top of the stew.

Storage

Refrigerator - allow to cool completely in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container up to three days.

Freezer - this will last in the freezer up to three months.

Reheat - in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly.

Beef stew with dumplings in a white bowl with spoon.
Beef stew with dumplings is a hearty meal!

Serving suggestions

This stew has everything you need, so I serve it simply with a great salad - Garden Salad Recipe with Creamy Vinaigrette or Asparagus Salad Recipes and if you're little piglets like Dan and me, serve with this Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe! YUM!!!

More Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Slow Cooker Paella - so easy to make and delicious!
  • Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
  • Healthy Slow Cooker Santa Fe Chicken Bowl
  • Easy Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
  • Slow Cooker Kauai Pulled Pork Sandwich
  • Steak and Potatoes it's one of the best crockpot steak recipes!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew in a white bowl with spoon on white marble countertop.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty meal your whole family will enjoy!

Related recipes

There are several lovely slow cooker soups on the blog. Be sure and check out these recipes soon!

  • Slow Cooker Enchilada Soup - easy to make cheesy soup with a southwest twist - this soup is amazing!
  • This Rustic Italian Soup is filled with beef, vegetables and made in your slow cooker, Italian Beef Stew is rich, savory and delicious!
  • Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup Recipe - stuffed with shredded chicken, black beans, corn and all the flavors of your favorite tacos. Everyone will be begging for seconds!

Serving suggestions

Still hungry for a great soup or stew? Be sure to check this out for our these cozy soups and stews!

Beef stew with dumplings in white bowl with spoon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.91 from 20 votes

BEST Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

A hearty and satisfying stew that's a one-pot meal. This easy recipe and comfort food classic is a stress free meal made in the slow cooker!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time6 hrs
Total Time6 hrs 15 mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 351kcal
Author: Deb Clark
Cost: $12
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. stewing beef cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 cups baby carrots
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 2 onions diced
  • 1 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 potatoes diced
  • ¾ cup red wine
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup water
  • 3 tablespoon flour
  • Homemade Dumplings
  • 1 ½ cups biscuit mix
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • ½ cup milk

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Add the beef stew ingredients in the slow cooker - beef, carrots, celery, tomatoes, potatoes, red wine, salt, thyme, mustard powder, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. 
  • Whisk together the flour and water until well blended, and stir into the stew.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours (or High for 4-5 hrs).
  • When the stew is done, it's time to add the dumplings. In a medium bowl, mix baking mix, thyme and sage. Stir in milk just until it is just combined.
  • Drop dough in small spoonfuls (use a small cookie scoop) on top of the stew.
  • Switch the heat setting to high, and cover.
  • Cook until a toothpick inserted in the dumplings comes out clean (about 20 minutes).

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 834mg | Potassium: 833mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4480IU | Vitamin C: 9.2mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 5.6mg
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Guess what day it is? Today is a BIG DAY - it's Freaky Friday, woot-woot!!! You remember what that's all about, right? That when a bunch of Bloggers all get together for a good ole' fashioned blog hop!

Michaela from An Affair from the Heart arranges everything (pretty sure it's like herding cats too, not an easy task!) and assigns each of us a blog. We keep our assignment a secret until the reveal, and that is today!

This time I am so excited because Kylee Cooks was the blog I was given. I have had the MOST fun trying to decide just what to make!

I had my eye on her recipe for Cajun seasoning. I know I could make so many delicious recipes with it that you will love. Then I thought, how about the roasted squash risotto recipe ... it's AMAZING! I know this.... because I did my homework. It's delicious!

Ultimately, I decided to share this recipe for Easy Crockpot Beef Stew with Dumplings. Beef Stew + Dumplings = ❤️ don't you agree?

I've spent a lot of time on her blog lately and I encourage you to also! Kylee's recipes are tried and true. Affordable recipes your family will love that are delicious! Beautiful food and yummy recipes - I know you'll love her blog as much as I do!

Be sure and stop by, ok?

Since everyone enjoys the corned beef stew and beef noodle soup recipes, I thought this recipe for Beef Stew with Dumplings would be a real hit as well! 😋

First Published: Feb 8, 2019... Last Updated: October 17, 2019

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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pam DeMarco

    October 03, 2020 at 4:13 am

    Do you brown the beef before you put in the crockpot?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 04, 2020 at 6:36 pm

      Hey Pam - sorry I missed your comment yesterday. No, there is no need to brown the beef before putting it in the crockpot.

      Reply
  2. Hannah Flack

    May 19, 2020 at 11:57 pm

    Looks really good. Probably lots of flavor pop. Must try! ????
    Regards Hannah Flack

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      May 21, 2020 at 11:54 am

      wonderful, enjoy Hannah!

      Reply
  3. sandy tremblay

    February 20, 2020 at 8:49 am

    Do you need to brown the meat before adding it to the slowcooker.?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 20, 2020 at 4:18 pm

      Hey Sandy - no need to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker, you can if you have the time, but it's not necessary for this recipe.

      Reply
  4. Deanna

    February 19, 2019 at 3:36 pm

    5 stars
    It is getting cooler this weekend and I love to make this!!! It looks soo yummy!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 21, 2019 at 6:55 pm

      Thanks Deanna, I hope you give it a try!

      Reply
  5. Brandi

    February 11, 2019 at 9:28 pm

    5 stars
    It doesn't get much better thank this! Dumplings in beef stew is a GREAT idea!!!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 12, 2019 at 5:35 am

      I agree Brandi, I just love this recipe!

      Reply
  6. Lori Vachon

    February 11, 2019 at 6:04 am

    5 stars
    What a hearty dish! This meal is exactly the kind of meal my hubby requests over and over!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 17, 2019 at 6:13 pm

      Enjoy Lori, it's a great meal!

      Reply
  7. Liza

    February 10, 2019 at 9:42 pm

    What an awesome recipe! It's fast, hearty, healthy - what else can you ask for?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 17, 2019 at 6:13 pm

      Exactly, I hope you enjoy it Liza!

      Reply
  8. Sandra Shaffer

    February 10, 2019 at 7:32 pm

    5 stars
    Guess what I made last night? Yep, stew! Highly recommend this recipe. We used all wine (skipped the water), cause were winos 😉 and it came out delicious! Thank you, Deb and Kylee!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 10, 2019 at 7:56 pm

      Ooh I can only imagine how much flavor the wine brought to that party!

      Reply
  9. Julie Menghini

    February 10, 2019 at 3:05 pm

    5 stars
    I'd say you definitely nailed this one little Miss Soup Queen! I haven't made dumplings in ages and we love them. I'd say you picked an amazing recipe!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 17, 2019 at 6:12 pm

      Most definitely!!! I'm so excited to share Kylee's amazing recipe!

      Reply
  10. Jennifer A Stewart

    February 10, 2019 at 12:56 pm

    5 stars
    I usually eat my beef stew with crust bread or over some egg noodles but these dumplings are my new favorite way to eat beef stew!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 17, 2019 at 6:09 pm

      Most definitely, you'll love this meal!

      Reply
  11. Madi

    February 10, 2019 at 12:44 pm

    5 stars
    I love the addition of dumplings into beef stew! This sounds so wonderful for a cold winter meal!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 17, 2019 at 6:09 pm

      It's the perfect meal, thank you!

      Reply
  12. Angela

    February 10, 2019 at 12:10 pm

    5 stars
    There is just something so comforting about beef stew and making it in the slow cooker makes life so so much easier! I've got to make this one this week! Thank you.

    Reply
  13. Erin Parker

    February 10, 2019 at 11:35 am

    5 stars
    Not going to lie: My mind is BLOWN by the addition of dumplings to this beef stew! What a comforting dish that's PERFECT for so many occasions in the wintertime. I could go for a bowl right now.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 10, 2019 at 12:09 pm

      I hope you give it a try Erin, it's just the BEST stew!!

      Reply
  14. Michele

    February 09, 2019 at 8:26 pm

    5 stars
    What a great tip on keep the dumplings lighter! Definitely going to try that!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 10, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      Agree, the BEST tip Michele!

      Reply
  15. Angela

    February 09, 2019 at 2:18 pm

    5 stars
    YUM! This looks so amazing!!
    Pinning 🙂

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 10, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      Thank you Angela!

      Reply
  16. Amy Nash

    February 09, 2019 at 12:30 pm

    5 stars
    I love, love, love me some dumplings and am totally sold on the recipe for that reason alone! Thanks for the helpful tip about making them super light and fluffy by not dropping them too deep into the soup so they can steam better on top!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 10, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      You're welcome Amy, I hope you give this stew a try!

      Reply
  17. Kylee from Kylee Cooks

    February 09, 2019 at 4:54 am

    5 stars
    This is my favorite slow cooker beef stew - I now need to make it again (and take better pictures)!!
    I've been making this stew forever. More than 11 years now - glad you dug it out of the archives to remind me to add it to my weekly meal plan!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 10, 2019 at 12:17 pm

      I had so much fun digging thru your blog and there are so many AMAZING recipes - thank you for the opportunity to share this delicious recipe!

      Reply
  18. Kathy

    February 08, 2019 at 5:46 pm

    5 stars
    Nothing like a hearty beef stew. The ultimate comfort food. This recipe is going on next week's menu!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 10, 2019 at 12:17 pm

      Agreed Kathy! You'll love this stew!!

      Reply
  19. Lois

    February 08, 2019 at 11:33 am

    5 stars
    This is just a great recipe and I will be making in this next week. I don’t have a slow cooker anymore but i can use my IP and put in on slow cooking. Will work just fine. Love it.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 10, 2019 at 12:18 pm

      Wonderful, you'll love this stew Mom!

      Reply
  20. Michaela Kenkel

    February 08, 2019 at 9:39 am

    5 stars
    Perfect comfort meal, there is nothing that is more satisfying than a piping hot bowl of stew when it's snowing outside!! (like today!!)

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 10, 2019 at 12:18 pm

      Eeek! That weather, you guys have gotten hit hard this year!

      Reply
      • SHERRI

        January 24, 2022 at 3:56 am

        3 stars
        Did not care at all for the thyme in the dumplings. Would skip that step next time

        Reply
        • Bowl Me Over

          January 24, 2022 at 12:07 pm

          That works Sherri, thanks for your feedback. I hope you enjoyed the stew!

          Reply

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