1. In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cook until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
5. For the dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
6. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture onto the simmering stew.
8. Cover and cook for another 20 minutes, until dumplings are cooked through.