Beef Casserole and Dumplings

Tender chunks of beef slowly cooked with onions, carrots, and a rich savory gravy, then topped with soft, fluffy dumplings. This hearty comfort-food classic is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

🥩 Ingredients

For the Beef Casserole

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef stewing meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups (720 ml) beef stock
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup frozen peas, optional

For the Dumplings

• 1½ cups (190 g) self-rising flour
• 3 tablespoons cold butter
• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef dry with paper towels.

Place it in a bowl and toss with the flour, salt, and black pepper.

Heat the oil in a large oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Brown the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned beef to a plate.

2. Cook the Vegetables

Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the same pan.

Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Stir in the tomato paste.

3. Make the Casserole

Return the browned beef to the pan.

Pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce.

Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Slow-Braise the Beef

Cover the casserole dish with a lid and place it in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven.

Cook for approximately 2–2½ hours, or until the beef is very tender.

Stir in the frozen peas during the final 15 minutes if using.

🥣 Make the Dumplings

While the beef is cooking, prepare the dumpling mixture.

1. Place the flour, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl.
2. Add the cold butter.
3. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the milk and gently stir until a soft dough forms.
5. Don’t overmix the dough, as this can make the dumplings tough.

☁️ Add the Dumplings

Remove the casserole from the oven.

Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the surface of the hot beef casserole, leaving a little space between each dumpling.

Cover and return to the oven for 15 minutes.

Then remove the lid and cook for another 10–15 minutes, until the dumplings are puffed, golden on top, and cooked through.

🍽️ Serving

Spoon the tender beef, vegetables, rich gravy, and fluffy dumplings into bowls.

Serve hot with extra gravy over the top.

⭐ Tips for Perfect Beef Casserole and Dumplings

• Chuck or stewing beef works best because it becomes tender during slow cooking.
• Brown the beef in batches rather than overcrowding the pan.
• Don’t overwork the dumpling dough.
• Keep the casserole covered while the dumplings initially steam, then uncover it to brown their tops.
• If the gravy is too thin, simmer the casserole uncovered for a few minutes before adding the dumplings.
• For extra flavor, add mushrooms or a splash of red wine to the casserole.

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2½–3 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours
Servings: 6–8
Cuisine: British-inspired comfort food
Method: Oven-baked casserole