Savory Beef and Comforting Dumpling Casserole
This hearty casserole, inspired by my mother's cherished recipe, is a delightful combination of tender beef, savory onions, and fluffy dumplings that are sure to warm your heart and belly. The rich flavor of the beef, combined with the luscious creams and soups, creates a gooey base, while the dumplings rise to perfection in the oven. I’ve adapted the original for my taste, leaving out mushrooms and opting for corn, but feel free to experiment with peas if that’s your preference. Each bite gives you a comforting hug, making it a perfect dish for cozy family dinners. Remember, leave out the herbs if they’re not your thing, just like I do. Gather your loved ones and serve this up with a fresh side salad for a complete meal!
8
Servings
393
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Round steaks
2 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Onions
2 medium (sliced)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Cream of chicken soup
10 oz (canned)
French onion soup
10 oz (canned)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Sliced mushrooms
4 oz (canned and drained (optional))
Flour
1/3 cup + 1 cup (separated for stew and dumplings)
Corn
12 oz (drained (canned))
Green pepper rings
to taste (optional)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Milk
1/3 cup (none)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (or olive oil)
Sage
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Minced parsley
2 tablespoons (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a 3-quart casserole dish, combine the cubed round steak, sliced onions, bay leaf, cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, mushrooms (if using), and flour. If you're adding corn, mix that in as well.
3
Cover the casserole with a lid or aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4
After 2 hours, take the casserole out of the oven, and carefully remove the bay leaf from the mixture. If you are using green pepper rings, now is the time to place them in the center of the casserole.
5
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
6
In a separate bowl, prepare the dumplings by whisking together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and optional parsley and sage (if desired).
7
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
8
Using a rounded teaspoon, drop the dumpling mixture evenly over the casserole dish.
9
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.
10
Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of this comforting dish!
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
28g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Beef and Comforting Dumpling Casserole?
It is a hearty dish featuring tender cubed round steak, savory onions, and a rich gravy made from cream soups, topped with fluffy homemade dumplings.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What type of beef is recommended for this casserole?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of round steaks, cut into 1-inch cubes.
What soups are used to create the base of the casserole?
A combination of 10 oz of canned cream of chicken soup and 10 oz of canned French onion soup is used.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to initially?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the first stage of baking.
How long does the beef mixture need to bake before adding the dumplings?
The beef mixture should bake covered for 2 hours to ensure the meat is tender and flavors are melded.
What ingredients are needed for the homemade dumplings?
The dumplings are made from 1 cup of flour, 1 egg, 1/3 cup milk, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, baking powder, salt, and optional herbs.
Are the herbs mandatory in the dumpling recipe?
No, the parsley and sage are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a simpler flavor.
When should the bay leaf be removed?
The bay leaf should be carefully removed after the initial 2 hours of baking, before you add the dumplings.
How much corn should I add to the recipe?
The recipe suggests adding 12 oz of drained canned corn.
Can I use mushrooms in this dish?
Yes, 4 oz of canned, drained sliced mushrooms are an optional addition to the beef mixture.
At what temperature do the dumplings bake?
The oven temperature should be increased to 400°F (200°C) for the dumpling stage.
How long do the dumplings take to cook?
The dumplings take an additional 20 to 25 minutes to bake until golden brown.
What is the recommended casserole dish size?
A 3-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
Can I substitute peas for the corn?
Yes, while the author uses corn, they suggest that peas are a great alternative if you prefer them.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 393 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 26g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving of this casserole?
There is 23g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 28g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of oil can be used for the dumplings?
You can use 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or olive oil.
Should I cover the casserole when baking the dumplings?
No, the instructions indicate the initial baking is covered, but the dumplings are baked until golden brown, usually uncovered.
How do I form the dumplings?
Use a rounded teaspoon to drop the dumpling mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
When do I add the green pepper rings?
If using green pepper rings, place them in the center of the casserole after the initial 2-hour bake but before adding the dumplings.
How much flour is used in total?
The recipe uses 1 1/3 cups of flour total: 1/3 cup for the stew and 1 cup for the dumplings.
Does the recipe contain Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce is included for extra savory flavor.
Is the onion used raw or cooked?
The recipe calls for 2 medium sliced raw onions to be mixed into the casserole before baking.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is this recipe good for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish perfect for cozy family dinners.
What makes the casserole 'gooey'?
The combination of cream of chicken soup and French onion soup creates a luscious, gooey base.