It doesn’t take much to figure out men. One thing I know is that for the most part, straight men a) like Beer b) like big, filling meals and c) if they ever were to become clothing designers, hem lines would be permanently raised and tops low cut.
I call this stew the Marriage Maker and its existence preceded Masterchef although it was the beer and meat cooking Chris that reminded me of how good it was. It’s also easy enough, tastes delicious and filling but unfortunately is not the most photogenic of foods. Call it the antithesis of a picture perfect and dainty High Tea (and a straight man’s worst nightmare).
I was lucky enough to receive a carton of beer from the Blue Tongue Brewery. In it I received four six packs of beer: a Premium Lager, a Lite Beer, a Pilsener and curiously, an alcoholic Ginger Beer. I was delighted to see such a generous package but my reaction wasn’t anywhere near as excited as my husband. Yes, when men come home tired and a tad grumpy, showing them a carton of this beer will make them very, very happy. Although that’s pretty logical really.
If I had to describe it as something, I’d say the stew resembles a meat pie filling. Not your cheap and nasty pies with mince and gristle and random bits of human finger but a gourmet pie with chunky, succulently tender pieces of beer with a richness from the beer. You can certainly taste that it’s there although it isn’t as strong as say a Beef Bourguignon.
I know calling it a Marriage Maker is risky. After all I cannot offer anything to substantiate these claims. And it’s true I’m no expert on marriage being married for only 3 years. I have been proposed to more than once and most of the proposals were after I had fed someone (oh the bruised ego that it wasn’t for my brains, looks or charm). Perhaps it’s a culinary version of Beer Goggles.
So tell me Dear Reader, what tricks do you have up your sleeve to entice the opposite sex?
Beef & Beer Stew with Cheese Dumplings aka The Marriage Maker
And Original Recipe by Not Quite Nigella
- 1kg/2.2 pounds beef cut into 1 inch/walnut sized pieces
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil
- 3 large onions, sliced
- 150g/5ozs bacon
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1x 345ml/12 fl ozs bottle of beer (I used Blue Tongue Brewery Pilsener)
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
For the dumplings
- 100g/3.5ozs self raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50grams/1.7ozs butter melted
- 1 egg
- 50grams/1.7ozs grated cheese
Sauteeing the onions and bacon
After cooking for about 15 minutes
1. Prepare stew. Pat beef pieces dry with a couple of paper towels and heat a large frying pan or cast iron pot. Add oil and brown beef in 3 batches and set aside in a bowl. Then fry onion and snip in bacon into the pot with a pair of scissors and cook until onions are translucent and bacon is lightly cooked. Add flour and cook for 2-3 minutes making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan as if you don’t, it will stick and become a terrible pain to clean. Add the stock, beer, bay leaves, sugar and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil, then turn it down to low to avoid it sticking and catching on the bottom and place lid on top leaving a small 1cm gap. Stir occassionally and cook until beef is tender (1 to 1 1/2 hours).
Dumpling mix
Dumplings just placed in the stew
2. Fifteen minutes before the stew has finished cooking, make the dumplings. In a small bowl, mix together the flour and baking powder. In a measuring jug, mix the butter, egg and cheese with a fork. Add the wet mix to the flour and using a spoon, stir to combine. You may need 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to help it come together. Roll into 8 balls with your hands and place on top of the stew. I keep the lid on while I am making it so that the stew heats up even more and then once the dumplings are made, just put them in and replace with the lid. Turn the heat up to medium so that the dough has a chance to rise. Cook for 15 minutes.
Dumplings puffed up after cooking
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87 Comments | Add your own
This looks delicious. My kind of winter meal. I only have baking up my sleeve with my partner! If I can make him something tart, something zesty, or a deliciously large chocolate cake, he’s usually a happy man. I get kicked out of the kitchen at dinner time. My partner is the cook of the family so those duties are off limits for me. I may show him this post. I think he would like to make it for me!
I’ve already filed this one away. I’ll be cooking it in Winter when the temperature drops below zero. This looks like perfect cold weather comfort food!
That looks fantastic! I gotta make this, maybe when it is not 95 degrees outside though. YUMMY!
I love beer stews! That dish looks so comforting and flavorful!
Cheers,
Rosa
Oooooh, this looks AMAZING. I definitely have to try it!!
you are making me crave the coolness of Autumn, which is a shame since summer is so short here in the North!
Pretty sure my husband would be over the moon for this.
Man I wish the bf would let me get a cast iron pot. But alas, our kitchen has absolutely no room as it is.
You know what would be cool – to see a post on all your kitchen gadgets and lovely servingware. Or is that just me being weird again… lol
Hmmm hmm, the stew looks great with the dumplings! (and of course, you’ve got Le Creuset pan!) I imagine the dumplings must taste even better sucking up the flavour from the stew.
Booze, food, games – ultimate recipe that is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9eF3F8tg2M
Oh the boyfriend loves Blue Tongue beer! And, the boyfriend loves beef stews even more! This looks like a perfect hearty meal!
LOL the Marriage Maker, what a great name for a dish! I had a very similar recipe that I’d been planning to do, it’s so hearty and perfect for winter. I love the addition of beer in the stew and cheese in the dumplings!
Love the dark brown color of your stew!
That certainly looks like comfort food. Can I ask what cut of beef you used for this dish?
That looks delicious NQN. I often cook Guiness Stew, which looks similar to this, but with puff pastry topping instead of dumplings. Can’t wait to try it on Husband and see the response … would it work with the cheaper cuts of meat?
This looks fab. Def will be giving this a try.
I don’t want you to all hate me saying this but my husband is the chef in our family, I don’t know how I got so lucky but he cooks dinner every single night of the week. We had a fabulous stew last night made with wine instead of beer as he is a wine lover not a beer drinker and it was just fab. Your item today just reminds me of when I was younger and Mum used to make dumplings on top of stew and mince dishes. Yummy
Yum! I really must try this.
Perfect during this cold weather
Haha, as if the packs of beer would last long enough at our place to be used in cooking!
The beef looks so tender and moist in your dish – gorgeous. I think I’d have it with mashed potato, as I’m not a huge fan of those type of dumplings.
That looks so good – and would appeal to my husband. I have to make it for him. Thanks for another fantastic recipe to try.
This stew looks terrific – stuff the blokes, I could eat a plateful of it myself.
I love beef stew with dumplings – especially if you chop some fresh herbs through the dumplings too! A savoury, cheesy bread and butter pudding also works really well with this kind of stew. Made spaetzle last night for the first time (served with goulash) and they were incredible and would go really well with any kind of stew.
As my husband is a chef, I married him, in a significant part, because of his cooking abilities! He is the dumpling maker in our house, while I am the pastry chef! We are the perfect pair really (or otherwise, the worst combination in history according to our trainers at the gym!)
i LOVEEEEEEEE beef stew!
i hardly EVER cook. mostly bake.
but you make me want to make these!
heh.
you’re making me hungry
once again … i love you! have lost alot of inspiration for cooking since my masterchefs abandoned me but you, NQN, inspire me
.
…on my list of things to do. marriage that is
looks yummy! and incredibly more-ish on a cold winter nite in front of the tv!
Question..how would i cook the dumplings on their own? for example if i didnt waant to make the stew..but did want to try the dumplings?
many thanks!
I don’t have to entice the opposite sex…I have enough trouble fending them off! HAhahaha, just kidding xD
By the way, I’ve bookmarked this recipe. Absolutely homey and gorgeous! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I can’t WAIt for the colder season so I can get this cranking!
Looks great! How was the beer btw? I’d be curious to know about the alcoholic ginger one esp since I’m a berr lover myself
My husband like pretty much all foods, although he’s not very big on salad! He would definitely love this recipe.
Mmm! What a delicious-looking stew! And those dumplings ~ !
Well, as for what I usually do to get a fella’s attention… Seeing how I’m not the prettiest of girls, I’ve learned that being a dab hand at baking counts the most.
Any rich meaty meal tends to have the guys lining up
My personal favourite is Lambshanks, slowcooked with rosemary and tomatoes.
My hubby would be short-circuiting my laptop right now with drool should he see this! I will add this to my menu plan for next couple of weeks!! Ta!! xx
looks absolutely delicous and so comforting! I have to try this out! When I get back from syd!
YUmmm!! This is my kind of dish XD! Looks meaty, cheesy and hearty = perfect for winter
! Looks like I’ll have to learn how to cook this haha
Hi Lorraine – Those look really yummy and H and I love Blue Tongue beers. Awesome combination. Wanna try making it one day but I’m such a big procrastinator that I’ll probably make it next winter haha
I’m not sure where I read it, but apparently men find a roast chicken one of the most alluring meals. I generally roast a chicken on the first ‘dinner at my place’ date. I ask the guy to carve the chicken and I makes them feel all manly (hilarious though when they don’t know how).
I also try to make a dessert of something they previously mentioned they loved. I once made a roast chicken and chocolate mousse for a new beau and he practically proposed on the spot.
I just had dinner and looking at this post has made me hungry again! Got to make this one before winter ends (not that I’m counting or anything)
Food is definitely a good way to people’s hearts. Your dumplings look great.
I love your name for it!
FOod of course! and this looks like my hubs kind of food!
yes, this is definitely a man-pleaser, but it’s also a grace-pleaser. hearty, filling, warming both the body and soul–that’s a winning dish.
I love beef stew with beer and it’s a great idea to add dumplings – very comforting and delicious!
I love stews. One way I secure my marriage is with great food. Courtship–was mostly full meals. Five years into the deal– I started experimenting with foods from other countries, it worked. Now, going on 11–it is all about requests. “Honey can you make this,” when I hear those words I smile. Thanks for this hearty meal it will make it into our kitchen.
sigh, you had me at cheese dumplings!
This is some gorgeous stew! What an excellent post, I love that you equate cooking for men to the culinary version of beer goggles…that’s so true!
Beer & Beef, this is pefectly beautiful. I love the blue tongue premium lager, beautiful fruity aroma.
That looks really delicious and the perfect comfort food for these cold nights! Oh and free beer? Heck yeah!
This month’s Gourmet Traveller has a beef stew with beer and herb dumplings that I’ve been hanging out to try! Yours looks sooo yummy!
Lorraine,
What sort of cheese did you use? This dish is going to be in my must-try list
Marriage makers! LOL, that’s too cute!
The cheese dumplings got me here. I don’t eat beef, but this is a very interesting recipe, just perfect for cooler weathers.
ne thing with cheese, m in!! sure gonna try this one
Hmm…still looking to add tricks to my repertoire since so far none of them have sealed the deal
P
I love your analysis of straight guys. I like a “man’s man” also — I can never understand a guy who eats salad everyday. If I can’t like on that, how can they? LOL
Hi Julia-Ahh good to know that you have something up your sleeve and I know from seeing your pics that it would be delicious!
Oh really, lucky you! 
I like to think I’d like to take a break from cookingsome days (but I secretly don’t).
Hi jess -Wonderful! Ahh yes good idea! It certainly is
Hi Bethie-Yup this is ideal for Winter
Hi Rosa-I have ordered a ffew and they’ve been too beery but this one is not too much
Hi sara-Wonderful! I’d love to know what you think of it!
Hi Kristen-Ahh of course!
I bet he would even offer to do the dishes afterwards! 
Hi Blanche-Tell him you’ll make him things like this if he does!
No not at all, perhaps I’ll do it when we fully move into our new place 
Hi Yas-Yes they sit on the top but the bottoms have a bit of sauciness to them. Saucy is good in every way!
Haha you know I have that book! 
Hi Trisha-Ahh wonderful! I bet he’d love this then! It was so delicious
Hi Steph-I think it would really help if one is wanting a proposal
Yes got to have the cheese! 
Hi Barbara-Yes it was rich and dark!
Hi sandra-Hmm I asked for a cut that was good for stewing but you know what? I can’t remember the name of the one they gave me. Sorry! I’ll pay more attention next time I promise
HiMrsDesperate-Thankyou! Ah that would be delicious and love the idea of using puff pastry! I’m sure it would!
Hi Minou-Wonderful! I’d love to know what you think of it!
Hi Linda-Hehe I don’t hate you for it! I think it’s wonderful!
Oh very cool! 
Hi Brenda-It is indeed! It really warms you up
Hi Belle-Haha really!
Thankyou! Yes mash would be divine with it 
Hi Judy-I bet he’d love it! You’re more than welcome!
Hi Cakelaw-Haha that’s the spirit!
Hi sissyhankshaw-What a great idea! Some chives would be lovely in it “. What a delicious sounding Winter dish! Haha I don’t blame you, a man that can cook is very attractive indeed
LOL at your gym trainer!
Hi felicia-Hehe this is kind of baking no? Ok maybe not! Hehe sorry!
Hi Caroline-Aww thankyou!
What a really lovely and sweet thing to say 
Hi Big M-LOL really?!
Hi jen-Oh yes in front of the tv or a fire is definitely a good idea
Hmmm I wonder if you could bake them? Like a cake or scone perhaps?
Hi Sophia-Haha you are too funny!
Yes do! I hope you have a kitchen in your new room 
Hi Alexandra-I’m not a big beer drinker but apparently very good!
Hi Gab-Hehe really! Well then this is perfect for him
Hi Midge-Thankyou so much! Ahh what a great tactic although I’m sure you ahve plenty of charm!
Hi Tara-That is very true indeedy!
Mmm yes I would line up for lamb shanks! 
Hi Liss-LOL! Wonderful! Do let me know what you think of it
Hi penny-Thanks so much! Yes please do!
Hi FFichiban-Haha very cool! Yes look at all of that meat! It’s honestly not hard!
Hi foodie-central-Thanks so much and what a cool coincidence! Hehe that’s ok, something to save for next Winter!
Hi Emily-I cna believe that! I love the smellof roast chicken! My brother in law who is a vegetarian commentd o the nice smell when I was roasting one-I think he was a bit embarrassed when I told him what it was! Lol at the carving story! You really have it all sorted don’t you!
Hi shaz-Hehe sorry!
Yes please do! 
Hi Arwen-Absolutely! That’s why I don’t trust people that don’t like food. I have no chance of seducing them
Hi Blond Duck-Hehe thanks!
Hi Pigpigscorner-Good plan!
Hi grace-Hey two birds with one stone! Works for me!
Hi 5 Star Foodie-Thanks so much!
I love the idea of doing it all in one pot 
Hi Diana-Me too!
Aww that is great! I love how it’s evolved but always stayed centred around food! You’re more than welcome!
Hi Moya-Hehe wonderful!
Hi Faith-Thanks so much!
Haha I suspected it 
Hi kip-Thankyou! I will try it wiht that one next!
Hi Katie-Thanks so much! Hehe yes I had the same reaction!
Hi Bria-Oh really? I should check it out! Adding herbs is a great idea
Hi Tuty-I used a cheddar but you can use any cheese really
Wonderful! I’d love to know what you think!
Hi Palidor-Thankyou so much!
Hi Soma-I’m sure you could substitue the beef with other things
Thankyou!
Hi nora-Very cool!
Hi maris-Ahh nothing wrong with that!
Yes me too, I like guys to be guys! So I suppose it’s no surprise that I make this 
Awesome recipe!! made it for the family last night, big hit! added some chilli and tomato paste which gave it a real kick! keep up the great work!!
Hi Amra-Oh fantastic! I’m so glad you liked it and thanks for letting me know. You’re welcome!
Yum! I cannot wait to try this one.. and you know what? I think I’ll like it just as much as the bf will!! Thanks for sharing!
The stew looks so rich and luxurious, and those dumplings.. wow! I love how well they puffed up in the stew.
Hi All!
I made this in my slow cooker on the weekend, and NQN asked me to write the variation up, so here it is:
First up, I used lean chuck steak, and trimmed it to cubes as per NQN’s instructions. I turned the slow cooker on “high” while I browned the meat in batches. As each batch finished I just put it straight into the slow cooker and popped the lid back on.
After I browned the meat, I cooked the onions down, and tossed them into the slow cooker too. I browned the bacon, and chucked it in the cooker as well.
I used the Blue Tongue as suggested by NQN (as male
guest was keen to try it!). I poured the beer and beef stock into the cooker over everything, and stirred in the flour. I have a 5.5L slow cooker, and the meat wasn’t quite covered with liquid, so I added about 3/4 – 1 cup of beef stock.
I left the stew cooking for about 4.5 hours. At that point I made the dumplings (as per NQN) and put them in. They took about 20-30mins to cook, with the lid on. But I will say that the dumplings got HUGE, and covered the entire surface of the dish, so next time I think I would make smaller ones.
Once the dumplings were puffed up and looked cooked, I served.
No proposal, but perhaps his mouth was too full!
I have this cooking on the stove at the moment for tonights dinner and it smells fabulous
We just finished eating this and my husband absolutely loved it and hasn’t stopped raving. The dumplings are the best we have ever had. The only differences I made were to add chopped carrot and potato about half hour before the end of cooking and frozen peas when I put in the dumplings …. definitely recommend this to everyone !!!!!
I like the stew(not being the biggest meat eater), hubby and kids loved the stew BUT that dumpling recipe is da bomb. (yeah, I’m just as embarrassed to type that phrase as you are to read it but it suits the occasion
) I tweak it with different cheeses for different meals, cottage pie, ragout, spag bol. I add fresh and/or dried herbs but the basic recipe is light, fluffy and gorgeous and makes just a nice amount for the 4 of us. (yes we are pigs when dumplings are involved).I’m probably doing a great disservice to boeuf bourguignon but that’s what’s cooking right now and dumplings will be involved. Cheers.
Recipe is TD4!
Thanks for sharing!
I would like to try it without the beef and with only the dumplings. The dumplings and sauce were AMAZING!
Hi Steph-hehe I think you might as I did too! You’re welcome
Hi Y-It was indeed! Yes I love a puffy, fat dumpling
Hi Pinky-Thankyou SO much for sharing that with everyone! I haven’t ever made it in a slow cooker as I don’t have
Haha I think you’re right! 
one but this has helped answer some reader’s questions
Hi Natalie -Wonderful! I’m so glad that you reported back
They sound like great additions too! Thankyou so much! 
Hi Annie-LOL da bomb!
Yes I can put away a terrifying number of dumplings too! Thaks so much for letting us know! 
Hi Pia-Oh thankyou so much!
I’m so flattered as it’s an original NQN recipe 
I’d marry you if this is typical of your cooking!! LUCKY HUSBAND!! Let it be known that the old adage about the way to a man’s heart being through his stomach is most certainly true!!
um…I’m pretty sure that it’s not just straight men that can enjoy this. I’m by no means a rainbow flag waver, but as awesome as this looks, who ever wrote this sound like a huge idiot. I’m a man and i like man things so what if my boyfriend happens to be gay!!!!
mmmm making this tonight thanks
In Every way, this has been the best stew of my life. Thank you. I am sure to find a husband now!
This recipe looks delicious.
We will try to prepare your stew with a german beer from our region.
Thx
I know I’m a little late from when you made this post but I made this for my roommates and my boyfriend and they loved it! One of the few times I’ve made a dinner for everyone and there were no leftovers. We now have a favorite stew for the cold winter nights here in Lubbock, Texas.
This looks FANTASTIC!! I will need to alter it slightly as my daughter has Celiac’s disease and cannot have gluten (aka the flour) but it will hopefully turn out to look almost as good as yours!!! Thanks!
wow! that’s what I call a propper meal. thanks for sharing this recipe.
I love the marriage maker moniker, I think a friend of mine was actually telling me about this, and something related he referred to as a ‘wife saver’
What does 50 butter mean? I’m sure you already specified but I couldn’t find it!
By the way, this recipe looks amazing and I’m so excited to make it tonight. Thanks for sharing!!
Beer, beef and dumplings! Simply heaven!!!
great recipe, will give it a try tonight!
I just made this. Awesome. I pan fried the dumplings before I put them in the stew so I would get a little crust on them. This is great thanks for sharing.
A stew recipe with Guiness, (beer-esque, no?) and- chocolate- had to send it on, in honor of your adventures.
http://www.cookscountry.com/recipe.asp?recipeids=3941&bdc=47292&Extcode=L1CN2BB00
Oh my! everyone loves this. Including, Picky Eater #1 son. I always make a “huge” pot!
for freezing some so the kids can take back to school. What other cheeses work best for dumplings? “and” can they be stored seperatly then added when ready to heat up another meal?
Call it Marriage Maker stew! I made this for my boyfriend Christmas eve and Christmas morning… He proposed! Getting married April 2012! This is stew has become a part of our history and I will cook it in my kitchen for special occasions forever:)IT REALLY WORKS!
Hi Adriana-That’s wonderful news!
I’m so happy and what a wonderful comment to be greeted with as my first comment of the New Year. Have a wonderful wedding and I’m so delighted that this stew has become part of your story! 
Yum this is exactly what I was looking for making this evening, never used beer in stew before but I’m sure my husband will be pleased! looks beautiful thank you!
Hi. Thanks for the recipe. Simmering away as we speak. May want to edit the instructions to include adding the meat back to the pot.
Cheers
WOW!!! My family loves it and I’m a hit in the kitchen. Thank you.
Just made this. It had a very good flavor. Used Great Lakes Christmas Ale as it was all I had on hand besides good old Bud. The last half hour I added potatoes and carrots and a celery stalk. I used concentrated beef stock that is like a gel that I just threw in the stew with the two cups of water. I will definitely put this in my recipe box.
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