Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) stewing beef, cut into cubes

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 2 potatoes, diced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 500 ml (2 cups) beef broth

• 400 g (1 can) diced tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• 2 bay leaves

For the Dumplings:

• 150 g (1¼ cups) self-raising flour

• 75 g (⅓ cup) shredded suet or grated cold butter

• ½ tsp salt

• 3–4 tbsp cold water (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

• In a bowl, toss the cubed beef with flour, salt, and pepper until coated.

2. Brown the Beef:

• Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides (about 4–5 minutes). Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

3. Add the Vegetables:

• Add chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker.

4. Make the Stew Base:

• Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir everything to combine.

5. Cook the Stew:

• Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.

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Make the Dumplings:

6. Prepare the Dumpling Dough:

• In a bowl, mix the self-raising flour, suet or grated butter, and salt.

• Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

7. Shape the Dumplings:

• Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll into balls.

8. Add Dumplings to the Stew:

• About 30 minutes before the end of cooking time, place the dumplings on top of the stew. Cover tightly and continue cooking.

  • Note: Don’t lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking—this helps them steam and rise properly.

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9. Serve:

• Remove bay leaves before serving.

• Serve hot with crusty bread or on its own for a hearty, warming meal.

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Let me know if you’d like a version with red wine or alternative dumplings!