Heat half the oil in a large frying pan over high heat Cook the beef in four batches, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes or until it's brown all over
Then transfer to a slow-cooker Heat the remaining oil in the same pan over medium heat Cook the onion, celery, carrot, mushrooms, garlic and bacon Stir occasionally until the vegetables begin to brown Sprinkle over the flour
This will help thicken the mixture Stirring occasionally for 2 minutes until well combined Add to the beef in the slow-cooker Next, pour over the winetomato and stock Then add the bay leaves, thyme and rosemary
Cook for 4 hours on high Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius To make the cheesy dumplings, combine the flourcornmeal, chivesrosemary, thyme and half the cheddar in a bowl Make a well in the centre And then season
Add the butterand the buttermilk Then stir until just combined Transfer the slow-cooked beef mixture to a casserole pan Then spoon over the dumpling mixture Bake, covered, for 10 minutes or until the dumplings are just cooked through
Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar Then bake, uncovered, for 5 to 7 minutes or until the cheddar melts and is golden brown Delicious food for the soul