This dish is reminiscent of the hearty meals my grandmother used to make. I remember walking into her kitchen on a cold day, greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of braised steak and onions simmering away. The dumplings were always the highlight, perfectly absorbing the flavors of the gravy. This recipe carries those cherished memories forward, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household as well.
Ingredients
For the Steak and Onions:
2 pounds chuck steak
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons onion gravy mix
1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder
1 clove minced garlic
4 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons barbecue sauce
3 quartered onions
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Flour and oil for browning
For the Dumplings:
1 cup self-rising flour
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons milk
1 egg
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Coat and Brown the Steak:
Cut the chuck steak into bite-sized pieces.
Season some flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish.
Coat each piece of steak in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat a bit of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Brown the steak pieces in batches until they are golden brown on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Onions
Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In another pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the quartered onions and minced garlic.
Cook until the onions are translucent and beginning to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Slow Cooker
Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the browned steak pieces to the slow cooker.
Add the cooked onions and garlic.
Pour in 2 cups of beef broth.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of beef bouillon powder, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 4 tablespoons of ketchup, and 4 tablespoons of barbecue sauce.
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of onion gravy mix and 1 tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Steak and Onions
Cook on High:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 5 hours.
Stir occasionally if you can to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings
Mix the Dumpling Dough:
With about 45 minutes of cooking time remaining, start preparing the dumplings.
In a bowl, rub 1 tablespoon of butter into 1 cup of self-rising flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Beat 1 egg in a separate bowl and add it to the flour mixture along with 2 tablespoons of milk.
Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time.
Shape the Dumplings:
Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until smooth.
Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
Step 6: Cook the Dumplings
Add Dumplings to Slow Cooker:
Carefully submerge the dumpling balls into the gravy in the slow cooker.
Ensure they are well spaced and not overcrowded to allow them to cook evenly.
Cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Check for Doneness:
Ensure the steak is tender and the dumplings are cooked through before serving.
Serve:
Spoon the braised steak and onions into bowls or onto plates.
Top with the fluffy dumplings and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Alternatives:
Substitute chuck steak with other slow-cooking cuts like brisket or short ribs.
For a leaner option, use chicken thighs instead of beef.
Vegetarian Version:
Replace the steak with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes.
Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Flavor Adjustments:
Add a splash of red wine to the slow cooker for a richer flavor.
Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
Dumpling Alternatives:
Add herbs like parsley or chives to the dumpling dough for added flavor.
For a different texture, use biscuit dough instead of homemade dumplings.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Braised Steak & Onion with Dumplings recipe is a heartwarming meal that combines the richness of slow-cooked beef, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the comforting fluffiness of homemade dumplings. It’s a dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings, filling your home with inviting aromas and your heart with warmth. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy days, while the rich flavors and tender textures make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Embrace this recipe, and let it become a cherished part of your culinary traditions, bringing joy and deliciousness to your table.