Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef and Dumplings is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines rich beef and savory gravy with light, pillowy dumplings. The dish is simple to prepare but feels fancy enough to serve for any occasion. It’s a comforting one-pan meal that makes cleaning up a breeze. The combination of ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy dumplings makes it a crowd-pleaser, while the ease of preparation ensures it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

For the Beef Base:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
½ cup milk

Optional:

Chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Brown Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Make Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir well. Gradually add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken the gravy.
Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk to form a sticky dough.
Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering beef mixture. Cover tightly and reduce heat to low. Steam the dumplings for 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid while cooking.
Finish & Serve: After 15-20 minutes, remove the lid and check that the dumplings are cooked through. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Add Mushrooms: For a richer flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the beef mixture before adding the broth. This will add earthiness and depth to the dish.
Herb Variations: You can use fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile, or add a bit of Parmesan cheese to the dumplings for an extra savory touch.
Vegetable Additions: Add diced carrots, peas, or green beans to the beef mixture for added nutrition and color.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the mixture has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken, though the flavor will be lighter. You may need to adjust the seasonings to compensate.

2. Can I make the dumplings without dairy?

Yes, you can use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and dairy-free butter to make this recipe dairy-free.

3. How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

The dumplings are done when they have expanded and are light and fluffy inside. You can also test them with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef mixture (without the dumplings) for up to 3 months. To freeze the dumplings, cook them halfway (steam for 10 minutes), then freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat everything together, adding fresh dumplings when ready to serve.

5. Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the dumplings and cook when ready to serve.

6. Can I use gluten-free flour for the dumplings?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dumplings gluten-free. The texture may differ slightly but should still be delicious.

7. How do I make the beef mixture thicker?

If the beef mixture is too thin, simmer it longer to reduce the sauce. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to thicken it.

8. Can I use pre-made dumplings for this recipe?

While homemade dumplings add the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen or pre-made dumplings for a quicker version.

9. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the beef mixture in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, then add the dumplings during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

10. What side dishes go well with this meal?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe is the perfect comfort food that is both hearty and satisfying. With a flavorful beef base, light and fluffy dumplings, and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a meal everyone will enjoy. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this one-pan dish is guaranteed to impress and leave you craving more!