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Slow Cooker Mince and Dumplings: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Indulge in the tasty flavours of this slow cooker mince and dumplings recipe.

Scroll on to learn, step by step, how to prepare this simple recipe. I’ve also included ideal side dishes and how to store your leftovers.

slow cooker mince and dumplings on a plate

How To Make Slow Cooker Mince and Dumplings

This savoury slow cooker recipe combines the satisfying texture of soft mince and the comforting simplicity of dumplings. This recipe makes enough to serve 4 people; it can be adjusted according to your needs. To print out this recipe, head to the bottom of this article.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Slow Cooker Mince and Dumplings Ingredients

For the Mince:

  • 500g minced beef: Lean is preferred, but any minced beef will work.
  • 1 large onion, 2 medium carrots, 2 celery stalks: These form the vegetable base and add depth of flavour.
  • 2 cloves garlic: Garlic adds an aromatic element to the dish. Feel free to use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce and 1 tbsp tomato puree make the mince rich and tangy.
  • 400ml beef stock: This forms the liquid base of the dish. Vegetable or chicken stock can also be used.
  • 1 bay leaf and 1 tsp dried thyme enhance the dish’s warm, earthy aroma. Fresh herbs can also be used if preferred.
  • Salt and pepper: season according to your own taste.

For the Dumplings:

  • 125g self-raising flour: This provides the structure for the dumplings. You could use a combination of plain flour and baking powder as an alternative.
  • 60g suet (vegetable or beef): This traditional ingredient makes dumplings light and fluffy.
  • 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavour of the dumplings.
  • 3-4 tbsp cold water binds the ingredients to form a dough.

Making It

Let’s begin by placing everything apart from the dumpling ingredients into the slow cooker. I tend to add the mince first, followed by the rest of the ingredients in any order, finishing off with the gravy.

Adding mince to slow cooker

This ‘dump and go’ method is one of the beauties of slow cooking.

ingredients in slow cooker for mince and dumplings

Make sure all the ingredients are stirred together.

Now, set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The magic happens during this long, slow cooking period, turning simple ingredients into a tasty slow cooker meal.

Prepare The Dumplings

An hour before your timer ends, it’s time to prepare your dumplings.

Combine your self-raising flour, suet, and salt, gradually adding cold water until you have a firm, non-sticky dough. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty here!

dumplings to add to slow cooker

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Now, divide your dough into eight equal pieces, rolling each into a ball.

dumplings slow cooker

Place these doughy delights on top of the simmering mince, ensuring they are not completely submerged. Cover up again and let it cook for the remaining hour.

cooked slow cooker mince and dumplings

When everything’s cooked, carefully remove the bay leaf. Add a cornflour mixture or beef gravy granules if your sauce needs thickening. If you decide to do this, I recommend removing the dumplings first to prevent breaking them apart.

dumplings in slow cooker

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Mince and Dumplings

The best part of slow cooker mince and dumplings is it’s a standalone dish. However, some complementary sides can take it to the next level.

peas mince dumplings carrots

Serve it hot with a side of steamed vegetables for a burst of colour and extra nutrients. Mashed potatoes can provide a creamy counterpart to the dish’s flavours.

mince dumplings with bread

Or, opt for some crusty bread – perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.

How To Store Slow Cooker Mince and Dumplings

Leftover mince and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Ensure it’s piping hot before serving.

mince and dumplings on plate

More Slow Cooker Recipes

You can make plenty of different meal types in a slow cooker, from cakes and bakes to stews and curries. Below are some more slow cooker mince recipes:

slow cooker mince and dumplings on a plate

Slow Cooker Mince and Dumplings

By Liana Green
Try this simple to prepare slow cooker mince and dumplings recipes. Serve with crusty bread to mop up the delicious beef sauce.
4.80 from 15 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Slow Cooker Recipes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 625 kcal

Ingredients
  

Mince:

  • 500 g minced beef preferably lean
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • 400 ml beef stock
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dumplings:

  • 125 g self-raising flour
  • 60 g suet vegetable or beef
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3-4 tbsp cold water

Instructions
 

  • Add everything to the slow cooker, apart from the dumpling ingredients.
  • Stir everything together, ensuring everything is well combined. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • About 1 hour before the end of the cooking time, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, suet, and salt. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be firm but not sticky.
  • Divide the dumpling dough into 8 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Place the dumplings on top of the mince mixture in the slow cooker, making sure they are not completely submerged in the sauce.
  • Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking for the remaining hour or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
  • Carefully remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker. If the sauce isn’t thick enough you can stir in a cornflour mixture or some beef gravy granules. If you decide to do this I recommend you remove the dumplings first so that you can mix everything without risk of breaking apart.
  • Serve the mince and dumplings hot, with your choice sides.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Liana’s Kitchen running.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 625kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 40gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 1128mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
Like this recipe?Let us know how it was!
4.80 from 15 votes (15 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating




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