Introduction

This cozy ground beef and dumplings recipe is a comforting twist on a classic favorite. With a savory beef base and fluffy, tender dumplings, it’s the perfect dish for a fancy yet easy dinner that warms the soul.

A black skillet filled with a rich brown meat sauce mixed with small chunks of potatoes, topped with twelve creamy, golden-brown dumplings arranged evenly across the surface. The dumplings have a soft, slightly browned texture, sitting partially submerged in the sauce. Fresh green chopped herbs sprinkle over both the dumplings and sauce. In the background, there are blurred green leafy herbs, a wooden bowl with coarse salt, and a small jar, all placed on a wooden surface replaced by a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
½ cup milk
Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 3: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir well to combine. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme (or Italian seasoning). Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: While the beef mixture simmers, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until a sticky dough forms.
Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering beef mixture. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the dumplings to steam for 15 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid, until they are cooked through and fluffy.
Step 6: Optionally, garnish the dish with chopped parsley or chives before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the beef base while cooking.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
Swap half the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
If you prefer thinner dumplings, add a bit more milk to the dough for a softer texture.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour in both the beef base and dumplings with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store leftover beef and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the gravy. This dish is not ideal for freezing as the texture of the dumplings may change.

How to Serve

A round black cast iron pot filled with a thick, dark brown meat sauce, which has a rich, chunky texture with visible bits of ground meat and herbs. On top of the sauce, there are ten golden-brown biscuit dollops evenly spaced, each showing a soft and slightly browned surface with small green parsley leaves sprinkled on top. The pot sits on a wooden board with a blurred bunch of green herbs in the background, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare and cook the dumplings fresh to ensure they remain light and fluffy. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for a few hours before cooking.

What can I serve with ground beef and dumplings?

This hearty dish is filling on its own but pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.