Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings is a comforting dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. Tender, fluffy dumplings sit atop a rich and savory beef filling, making it a family favorite on chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works best)
• 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
• 1½ cups beef broth
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder (for dumplings)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened (for dumplings)
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%) (for dumplings)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Step 3: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat the beef evenly. Slowly add the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a gravy-like consistency. Stir in frozen vegetables at this point if using.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until the dough comes together.
6. Step 6: Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough on top of the beef mixture. You should get 6–8 dumplings. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
7. Step 7: Let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. They will puff up and cook through using the steam and heat from the beef mixture.
8. Step 8: Once dumplings are cooked through, remove from heat and let sit uncovered for 5 minutes. Serve hot, scooping a portion of beef with one or two dumplings into each bowl.

Tips & Variations

• For richer flavor, use beef broth made from scratch or low-sodium broth to control seasoning.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the dumpling dough for a fresh twist.
• Substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh ones like diced carrots or green beans for added texture.
• If you prefer a thicker filling, simmer the beef mixture longer before adding dumplings.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet or microwave until warmed through to keep dumplings soft. Avoid overcooking during reheating to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef filling in advance and refrigerate it. Add fresh dumplings and cook just before serving to ensure they stay light and fluffy.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as dumplings tend to become dense and soggy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy the dish fresh or refrigerated within a few days.

Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 127 reviews

Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings is a comforting one-pan dinner featuring savory ground beef cooked in a rich, spiced gravy topped with fluffy homemade dumplings steamed to perfection. This classic dish combines tender meat, aromatic herbs, and pillowy dumplings, making it an ideal warm meal for family dinners or cozy nights in.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works best)
• 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
• 1½ cups beef broth
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its fragrance.
3. Build the Sauce: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to coat the beef evenly, helping to thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a rich gravy. At this stage, stir in frozen peas or mixed vegetables if using.
4. Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk gently just until the dough comes together.
5. Add Dumplings to the Pan: Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dumpling dough evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet. You should get about 6 to 8 dumplings. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low to prepare for steaming.
6. Simmer and Cook: Allow the dumplings to steam and cook through for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. The steam from the beef mixture will puff up the dumplings and finish the cooking process.
7. Serve: Once dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy, remove the skillet from heat. Let the dish sit uncovered for 5 minutes to slightly set before serving. Serve hot, scooping generous portions of the beef mixture with one or two dumplings into each bowl for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Use 85% lean ground beef for best flavor and texture; leaner beef may require adding olive oil for moisture.
• Do not lift the lid while dumplings are steaming to ensure proper rising and cooking.
• Frozen mixed vegetables can be added to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and color.
• For a thicker gravy, continue simmering the beef mixture before adding dumplings.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: ground beef dumplings, beef and dumplings, comfort food, skillet dinner, hearty meal