Ground Beef and Dumplings

Ground Beef and Dumplings is a comforting, hearty dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. This recipe features tender, flavorful ground beef simmered in a savory broth, complemented by light and fluffy dumplings resting on top. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings, a cozy night in, or any occasion where you want to feel satisfied and nourished. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to delight your loved ones with a delicious homemade dinner that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe shines for several reasons. First, the preparation is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs. The minimal ingredients ensure that you likely have everything you need already stocked in your pantry. Additionally, this dish is perfect for family meals, as it serves a crowd and can be customized with your preferred vegetables. It’s a wholesome, home-cooked option that delivers comfort with every bite.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Dumplings

1 lb ground beef (85% lean) – Juicy and rich in flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds a touch of healthy fat.
1 small onion, diced – Sweetens the dish as it cooks.
2 garlic cloves, minced – Infuses a delightful aroma.
1 tablespoon tomato paste – Deepens the color and flavor.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
1 and 1/2 cups beef broth – Provides a robust base.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds an earthy note.
1/2 teaspoon paprika – A hint of warmth and color.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasoning.
1/2 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional) – Adds color and nutrition.
For Dumplings:
1 cup all-purpose flour – The base for fluffy dumplings.
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Ensures a light texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
1 tablespoon butter, softened – Adds richness.
1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%) – Creates the perfect dough consistency.

Step-by-Step Directions for Ground Beef and Dumplings

Brown the Beef: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and allow it to cook until it’s nicely browned. If you’re using a lean cut of beef, be sure to drain any excess fat for a healthier dish.
Add Aromatics: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté it until soft and translucent, then stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Incorporate Tomato Paste: Next, mix in the tomato paste, ensuring it coats the beef evenly. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and allow it to cook for about a minute; this will help develop the flavors.
Pour in Broth: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to combine. Season the mixture with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the milk until a slightly sticky dough forms.
Drop in Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop tablespoons of the dumpling dough evenly on top of the bubbling beef mixture in the skillet.
Steam to Perfection: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to trap steam, ensuring the dumplings are fluffy.
Check for Doneness: After 15 minutes, carefully check if the dumplings are light and airy. Allow them to sit for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Ground Beef and Dumplings, consider these chef’s secrets. For enhanced flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. Including frozen peas or mixed vegetables not only adds color but also increases the nutritional value of your meal. If you love herbs, tossing in a few fresh chives before serving can add a burst of freshness.

For a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the beef mixture. Lastly, ensure the dumplings are fluffy by not overmixing the dough; a light hand is key to achieving that ideal texture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Ground Beef and Dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a more rounded dinner. A fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Alternatively, serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Nutritional Information

This hearty meal is not only satisfying but also provides essential nutrients. A serving of Ground Beef and Dumplings contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used. You’re looking at an excellent source of protein from the beef and carbs from the dumplings, plus dietary fiber if you include vegetables.

Storing Tips & Variations for Ground Beef and Dumplings

If you have leftovers, Ground Beef and Dumplings can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; the dish freezes well without the dumplings. Just cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to keep the dish moist.

For healthier variations, swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use whole-wheat flour for the dumplings for added nutrition. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs or spices based on your preferences!

Conclusion for Ground Beef and Dumplings

Now that you have this delightful Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe in hand, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! With its savory flavors, fluffy dumplings, and comforting nature, this dish is bound to become a new favorite in your household. Try it today, and savor the deliciousness that awaits!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and provides a leaner option.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can spice things up nicely.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the dumpling dough right before cooking to ensure they remain fluffy.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to include frozen peas, corn, diced carrots, or even fresh spinach for added color and nutrients.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a day ahead, but it’s best to make the dumplings fresh when you are ready to serve.

Ground Beef and Dumplings

A comforting, hearty dish featuring tender ground beef simmered in a savory broth, complemented by light and fluffy dumplings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture

1 lb ground beef (85% lean) Juicy and rich in flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil Adds a touch of healthy fat.
1 small onion, diced Sweetens the dish as it cooks.
2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses a delightful aroma.
1 tablespoon tomato paste Deepens the color and flavor.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Helps thicken the sauce.
1.5 cups beef broth Provides a robust base.
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme Adds an earthy note.
0.5 teaspoon paprika A hint of warmth and color.
Salt and pepper to taste Essential seasoning.
0.5 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional) Adds color and nutrition.

For the Dumplings

1 cup all-purpose flour The base for fluffy dumplings.
1.5 teaspoons baking powder Ensures a light texture.
0.25 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
1 tablespoon butter, softened Adds richness.
0.5 cup milk (whole or 2%) Creates the perfect dough consistency.

Instructions

Preparation

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and allow it to cook until it’s nicely browned.
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté it until soft and translucent, then stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Next, mix in the tomato paste, ensuring it coats the beef evenly. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and allow it to cook for about a minute; this will help develop the flavors.
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to combine. Season the mixture with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.

Dumpling Preparation

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually stir in the milk until a slightly sticky dough forms.

Cooking

Using a spoon, drop tablespoons of the dumpling dough evenly on top of the bubbling beef mixture in the skillet.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to trap steam, ensuring the dumplings are fluffy.
After 15 minutes, carefully check if the dumplings are light and airy. Allow them to sit for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for enhanced flavor. Feel free to include frozen peas or mixed vegetables for color and nutrition. For a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes. Make sure not to overmix the dumpling dough to keep them fluffy.

Keyword Comfort Food, Dumplings, Family Dinner, Ground Beef, Hearty Meal