Hearty Beef Casserole with Fluffy Dumplings
This Hearty Beef Casserole with Fluffy Dumplings is the ultimate winter warmer, perfect for cold nights when you crave comfort food. Adapted from 'Classic Kiwi Recipes', this dish combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and succulent dumplings, evoking cherished memories of family gatherings. The rich, savory sauce coats the melt-in-your-mouth beef while the dumplings rise to fluffy perfection, making every bite a delightful experience. Serve it up with crusty bread to soak up the sauce for an unforgettable meal.
6
Servings
250
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean casserole steak
800 (g, cut into 2.5 cm cubes)
large onion
1 (peeled and sliced)
carrots
3 (peeled and sliced)
medium parsnip
1 (peeled and sliced)
flour
1 (tablespoon for coating and 1 cup for dumplings)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
oil
1 (tablespoon for frying)
beef stock
2 (cups or prepared from stock cubes)
vinegar
2 (teaspoons)
baking powder
1 (teaspoon)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
butter
2 (tablespoons, cubed)
chopped parsley
1 (tablespoon or 1 teaspoon dried)
milk
to mix (for dumplings)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
2
Cut the lean casserole steak into 2.5 cm cubes and set aside.
3
Peel and slice the onion, carrots, and parsnip into bite-sized pieces.
4
In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with salt and pepper.
5
Toss the beef cubes in the seasoned flour until evenly coated.
6
Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the browned beef and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
7
Stir in the sliced onions and any leftover flour mixture, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the onions soften.
8
Add the carrots, parsnip, beef stock, and vinegar. Stir well, bringing the mixture to a boil.
9
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a casserole dish, cover with a lid, and place in the oven to bake for 1 to 1.5 hours.
10
Afterward, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (392°F) to ensure the casserole is bubbling actively.
11
In the meantime, prepare the dumplings: sift together 1 cup of flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
12
Using your fingers, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the chopped or dried parsley and mix.
13
Gradually combine enough milk to make a soft dough, ensuring not to overmix.
14
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape them into balls.
15
Once the casserole is boiling, carefully drop the dumpling balls into the casserole.
16
Cover the dish again and reduce the oven temperature back to 180°C (356°F). Cook for an additional 20-25 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the dumplings to steam away into delightful fluffy pillows.
Nutrition Information
18g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Beef Casserole with Fluffy Dumplings?
It is a comforting winter warmer dish featuring tender lean beef, carrots, and parsnips in a rich sauce, topped with soft, steamed dumplings.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What type of beef is best for this casserole?
The recipe calls for 800g of lean casserole steak, cut into 2.5 cm cubes.
What vegetables are used in the casserole?
The dish includes one large onion, three carrots, and one medium parsnip.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated and set to 180°C (356°F) for the initial baking phase.
How long does the beef casserole bake before adding dumplings?
The casserole should bake in the oven for 1 to 1.5 hours before the dumplings are added.
How do I prepare the beef for the casserole?
Toss the beef cubes in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, then brown them in a frying pan with oil for about 5 minutes.
Can I use stock cubes for the beef stock?
Yes, you can use 2 cups of beef stock or stock prepared from cubes.
What ingredients are needed for the dumplings?
You will need 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of butter, parsley, and milk.
How many dumplings should I make?
The dough should be divided into 8 equal pieces and shaped into balls.
Why do I need to increase the oven temperature to 200°C?
The temperature is briefly increased to 200°C (392°F) to ensure the casserole is bubbling actively before dropping in the dumplings.
How long do the dumplings take to cook?
The dumplings take 20-25 minutes to cook once they are placed in the casserole.
What is the secret to fluffy dumplings?
Ensure you do not overmix the dough and do not lift the lid of the casserole while they are steaming.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley as a substitute for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
What is the nutritional value per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, 18g of carbohydrates, and 18g of protein.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is best served with crusty bread to soak up the rich, savory sauce.
Why is vinegar added to the recipe?
Two teaspoons of vinegar are added to help balance the flavors of the rich beef stock and vegetables.
How do I mix the butter into the dumpling flour?
Using your fingers, rub the cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 14 ingredients in total used for both the casserole and the dumplings.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are used to season the flour coating for the beef and for the dumpling dough.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, this recipe is adapted from 'Classic Kiwi Recipes', making it a traditional comfort food staple.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, the casserole dish should be covered with a lid during the main baking and while steaming the dumplings.
What size should the vegetables be sliced?
The onions, carrots, and parsnips should be sliced into bite-sized pieces.
What is the purpose of the flour coating on the beef?
The flour helps brown the beef and acts as a thickening agent for the casserole sauce as it cooks.
How much milk is required for the dumplings?
The recipe suggests adding enough milk gradually to create a soft dough without specific measurements.
Can I omit the parsnips?
While they add a traditional flavor, you can omit them or replace them with more carrots if desired.
What does the baking powder do in the dumplings?
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, causing the dumplings to rise and become light and airy.
How do I know the dumplings are done?
After 20-25 minutes of steaming with the lid on, they should look like delightful fluffy pillows.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, it provides 18g of protein per serving, primarily from the lean casserole steak.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include beef casserole, comfort food, dumplings, winter recipes, and hearty meals.