Ground Beef and Dumplings is a cozy, comforting dish that will make your kitchen come alive with tantalizing aromas.
The rich combination of savory ground beef simmering in a luscious gravy, topped with fluffy dumplings, creates a meal that’s both satisfying and hearty. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving some home-cooked goodness, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
With a step-by-step approach, you’ll find preparing this dish both fun and rewarding. Get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary experience that you and your loved ones will cherish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the key benefits of this Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe is its simplicity. With easy prep, it doesn’t require exotic ingredients or hours in the kitchen. It’s a family-friendly meal that caters to even the pickiest eaters, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Cooking this dish is a swift endeavor, usually wrapping up in under an hour, which fits perfectly into busy schedules. Plus, you’ll find that this recipe uses minimal ingredients, most of which you might already have on hand, making it accessible for anyone.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Dumplings
- 1 lb ground beef (85 percent lean): Tender and juicy, providing an excellent base for your dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if beef is leaner): Adds a touch of healthy fat and flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Sweet and aromatic, offering a fragrant base.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds savory depth and enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Provides richness and a slight acidity.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the gravy.
- 1.5 cups beef broth: The heart of the sauce, adding moisture and flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a warm herbal note.
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika: A hint of smokiness and color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Optional: 0.5 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables: For added color and nutrition.
For the lovingly crafted dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for fluffy dumplings.
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures they rise and become light.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened: Imparts richness and tenderness.
- 0.5 cup milk (whole or 2 percent): Binds the ingredients together into a dough.
Step-by-Step Directions for Ground Beef and Dumplings
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks, and drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Onion and Garlic: After browning the beef, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, approximately 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute to release its aromatic essence.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Flour: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld. Next, sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring to coat the meat evenly.
- Pour in the Broth: Gradually add the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Season with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a savory gravy. If you’re adding frozen vegetables, stir them in at this point.
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt meant for the dumplings. Add in the softened butter, mixing until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine with Milk: Stir in the milk just until the dough comes together. It should be moist but not sticky.
- Drop the Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the dough on top of the beef mixture, aiming to make about 6 to 8 dumplings.
- Steam the Dumplings: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. They will puff up beautifully and cook through from the steam and heat generated by the beef mixture.
- Final Touches: Once the dumplings are cooked through, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit uncovered for about 5 minutes. Serve hot, ensuring each bowl has a portion of beef along with one or two dumplings.
Tips & Tricks
For an even more flavorful dish, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the beef mixture for depth. You can also incorporate your favorite herbs such as rosemary or parsley for freshness. If you like a bit of spice, red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick. For the dumplings, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Ground Beef and Dumplings pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad for a balanced meal. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese can elevate the dish even further.
Nutritional Information
While specific caloric information can vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used, a serving of Ground Beef and Dumplings typically contains around 400-500 calories. Though hearty, this dish provides a good mix of protein from the beef and carbohydrates from the dumplings, along with essential vitamins from any added vegetables.
Storing Tips & Variations for Ground Beef and Dumplings
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it seems a bit dry. For a twist, you could swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and for a vegetarian option, try using lentils or mushrooms as the base. Adjusting the herbs and spices can also transform the flavor profile to keep things interesting.
Conclusion for Ground Beef and Dumplings
With its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients, Ground Beef and Dumplings is a recipe that promises to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is straightforward to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone’s appetites. Don’t wait any longer—gather your ingredients and dive into this delightful cooking adventure today!
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to make the dumplings fresh before serving.
2. What can I substitute for beef broth?
Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be good substitutes, although they will slightly alter the flavor of the dish.
3. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Certainly! Brown the beef as directed, then transfer all ingredients (except dumplings) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add dumplings towards the end.
4. How do I prevent the dumplings from turning out dense?
Make sure not to overmix the dumpling dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! It’s best to freeze the beef mixture separately from the dumplings. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stove and prepare fresh dumplings as needed.
Ground Beef and Dumplings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy, comforting dish featuring savory ground beef simmered in gravy, topped with fluffy dumplings—perfect for chilly evenings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85 percent lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if beef is leaner)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 0.5 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- For the dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 0.5 cup milk (whole or 2 percent)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks, and drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
- Gradually add the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Season with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Add the softened butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the milk until the dough comes together.
- Drop heaping tablespoons of the dough on top of the beef mixture, aiming for 6 to 8 dumplings.
- Cover and reduce heat to low. Let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit uncovered for about 5 minutes before serving hot.
Notes
For more flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce. Fresh herbs and spices can be incorporated for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
