Beef Stew-carrots-peas and Dumplings In Slow Cooker

This Beef Stew-carrots-peas and Dumplings In Slow Cooker is rich, hearty, and topped with soft, fluffy suet dumplings. Tender beef, carrots and peas simmer together in a deep, savoury gravy for the ultimate cozy British dinner.

Ingredients

For the stew:

• 800g (1¾ lb) stewing beef, cut into chunks
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 600ml (2½ cups) beef stock
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 100g (¾ cup) frozen peas

For the dumplings:

• 150g (1¼ cups) self-raising flour
• 75g (⅓ cup) shredded suet
• Pinch of salt
• Cold water, to bind

Beef Stew-carrots-peas and Dumplings: Instructions

1. Pour oil into a frying pan and warm it over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef chunks in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker. (Optional but adds more flavor.)
3. In the same pan, soften the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the softened onion, garlic, and sliced carrots to the slow cooker.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables, and stir gently to coat everything.
6. Pour in the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato purée. Stir to mix well.
7. Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
9. About 45 minutes before serving, make the dumplings: mix the self-raising flour, suet, and salt in a bowl, then add cold water gradually until a soft dough forms.
10. Divide the dough into 8 small balls.
11. Stir the frozen peas into the stew, then place the dumplings on top of the stew.
12. Cover and cook on high for a further 30–40 minutes, until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through.
13. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
14. Ladle into bowls, making sure everyone gets a dumpling or two, and serve hot.

This warming, filling stew with soft dumplings is total comfort food — perfect for cold evenings when you want a proper home-cooked dinner with minimal effort.