This is the most delicious and easiest Mince and Dumplings recipe that you can make in your slow cooker, i mean you will only need ingredients like minced beef, onions, carrots, celery, and tinned tomatoes.

To make Mince and Dumplings in your slow cooker or crockpot, brown the beef and onions, add vegetables and herbs, then slow cook on high for 2 hours or until perfectly tender and flavorful.

This dish turns an ordinary night into a warm gathering at the dinner table. It’s my go-to recipe for a satisfying meal that brings everyone together.

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Can I make Mince and dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can pre-cook the minced beef mixture and store it in the fridge overnight. The next day, reheat it in the slow cooker, add your peas and prepared dumplings, and complete the cooking process.

What can I use instead of suet for the dumplings if I can’t find it?

If suet is not available, you can use a mixture of butter and shortening as a substitute. Freeze and grate them to mimic the texture and fat distribution of traditional suet.

Slow Cooker Mince And Dumplings Ingredients

• 750 g minced beef
• 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery sticks, cleaned and sliced
• 2 cans tinned tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 400 g frozen peas
• 500 g prepared suet dumplings

How To Make Slow Cooker Mince And Dumplings

1. Prepare your vegetables: Peel and dice the onion and carrots. Clean and slice the celery.
2. Start sautéing: In a pan suitable for slow cooker use or another stovetop-safe pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent.
3. Brown the mince: Increase the heat slightly and add the minced beef to the pan. Brown the beef evenly, ensuring it is just seared but not fully cooked.
4. Combine in slow cooker: Transfer the browned mince and sautéed onions to the slow cooker. Add the diced carrots, sliced celery, tinned tomatoes, tomato puree, chopped parsley, Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
5. Cook on high: Set your slow cooker to high and cook the mixture for 2 hours.
6. Prep the dumplings: While the mince cooks, prepare your suet dumplings if not already pre-made.
7. Add peas and test: Stir frozen peas into the slow cooker. Test the carrots with a fork to ensure they are tender.
8. Cook with dumplings: Place the dumplings on top of the mince mixture in the slow cooker. Continue cooking on high for another hour.
9. Ready to serve: After the final hour, your mince and dumplings should be thoroughly cooked and ready to enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Choose the Right Beef: Opt for lean minced beef to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor, ensuring a healthier but still tasty meal.
• Maximize Flavor: Brown the minced beef until it’s deeply golden; this enhances the umami in your slow-cooked dishes and adds a rich depth of flavor.
• Herbs Adjustment: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile—try sage or rosemary for a change.
• Tomato Puree Tip: For a richer tomato base, consider cooking the tomato puree with the onions before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance its flavor.
• Pea Placement: Add the peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain their bright color and slight crunch, preventing them from becoming too mushy.

Recipe Variations

• Alternative Proteins: Swap the minced beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish, adjusting the cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in chopped spinach or kale during the last hour of cooking for an added nutritional boost and a pop of color in your dish.
• Spice It Up: Introduce a tablespoon of curry powder or smoked paprika for a delightful twist that infuses the dish with warmth and a hint of spice.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace suet dumplings with gluten-free biscuit dough to cater to dietary restrictions without compromising the comforting texture.
• Cheesy Delight: Mix grated cheddar or Parmesan into the dumpling mix before cooking for a cheesy, melty surprise in every bite that adds creamy texture.

What To Serve With Mince and Dumplings

You can serve your hearty Mince and Dumplings with crisp green beans, buttered corn, a simple garden salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, and garlic bread for variety. Or you can go for mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli for lighter sides.

How To Store Mince and Dumplings

In The Fridge:

Cool the Mince and Dumplings before refrigerating. Store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh. They will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always use a clean spoon to serve if you’ll be storing leftovers.

In The Freezer:

Mince and Dumplings can be frozen, but the texture of the dumplings may change. If you still choose to freeze them, do so in an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Mince and Dumplings

Reheat your Mince and Dumplings by placing them in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until hot throughout, which should take about 10 minutes. Or, microwave them in a covered dish, stirring every couple of minutes.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Keema Curry
• Slow Cooker Chips ( French Fries )
• Slow Cooker Beef Rendang Recipe