Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Slow Cooker Braised Steak & Onion with Dumplings recipe! This hearty dish combines tender braised steak and savory onions, topped with fluffy dumplings for a meal that warms the soul. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this classic favorite.
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 of garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 3 onions, quartered
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour and oil
For the dumplings:
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steak and Onions:
- Season the chuck steak with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown the steak on both sides until golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add beef broth, onion gravy mix, beef bouillon powder, ketchup, barbecue sauce, Italian seasoning, and quartered onions to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Transfer the browned steak to the slow cooker and pour the onion mixture over the steak.
- Cook in Slow Cooker:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the steak is tender and falls apart easily.
- Prepare the Dumplings:
- In a mixing bowl, combine self-rising flour, butter, milk, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls and set aside.
- Add Dumplings to Slow Cooker:
- After the steak is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded steak to the slow cooker and add the dumplings on top of the steak and onion mixture.
- Continue Cooking:
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the braised steak, onions, and dumplings into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Browning the Steak: Browning the steak before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
- Onion Gravy Mix Substitute: If you don’t have onion gravy mix on hand, you can use beef gravy mix or onion soup mix instead.
- Dumpling Variations: Feel free to customize the dumplings by adding herbs or cheese to the dough for extra flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some modifications:
- Keto Version: Substitute the self-rising flour in the dumplings with almond flour or coconut flour. Use a sugar-free barbecue sauce and omit the ketchup to reduce the carb content. Ensure the beef broth and beef bouillon powder are keto-friendly.
- Low-Carb Version: Similar to the keto version, use low-carb substitutes for the dumplings and sauces. You can also reduce the amount of onions used in the dish to lower the carb count further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as brisket or round steak if preferred. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut of meat used.
Q: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? A: Absolutely! Follow the same instructions but cook the dish in a Dutch oven or large pot on the stovetop over low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Q: Can I freeze leftover braised steak and dumplings? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Slow Cooker Braised Steak & Onion with Dumplings recipe! Whether enjoyed as a hearty dinner or shared with loved ones, this dish is sure to impress with its tender steak, flavorful onions, and fluffy dumplings. Explore the keto and low-carb variations for a guilt-free option that still packs a punch of flavor. Whip up a batch today and savor the comforting goodness of this classic favorite!
