BUDGET MEALS | Grandma's Mennonite Beef Stew and Dumplings Recipe| Stretching the Dollar

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon

Vegetable broth reduces calories and is suitable for vegetarians.

red wine

🥗Healthier: non-alcoholic wine

💰Cheaper: grape juice

Grape juice provides sweetness without alcohol.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and can replace butter in cooking.

flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour offers more nutrients.

Heat a large pot over medium heat.

Add oil and sear beef until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove beef and set aside.

Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot; sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.

Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Return beef to the pot; sprinkle with flour, salt, and pepper.

Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

Add beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme; bring to a simmer.

Cover and reduce heat to low; cook for 2-3 hours until beef is tender.

Meanwhile, prepare dumplings by mixing flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; stir in milk until just combined.

After beef is tender, drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture on top of stew.

Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until dumplings are fluffy.

Remove bay leaves and thyme stems before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens