SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW AND DUMPLINGS

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ¾ cup milk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Suggested Equipment:

• Slow cooker (crockpot)
• Cutting board and knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula

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Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Stew

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping your beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces if necessary. Dice the carrots, potatoes, and onion. Mince the garlic.
2. Sear the Beef (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the beef stew meat in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the stew.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the beef (seared or not), carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic into your slow cooker. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 2: Make the Dumplings

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and sugar.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk, melted butter, and egg until the mixture forms a thick batter.
3. Form the Dumplings: Once the stew is ready, carefully drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the hot stew. Be sure not to stir the stew, as the dumplings need to sit on top and steam.
4. Cook the Dumplings: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings have risen and are cooked through (they should be fluffy and slightly firm to the touch).

Step 3: Serve

1. Remove Bay Leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the stew.
2. Garnish and Serve: Spoon the beef stew into bowls, making sure to include some of the tender beef, vegetables, and a couple of dumplings. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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