Ground Beef and Dumplings

Ground Beef and Dumplings is a hearty dish that evokes warmth and comfort with every bite. This one-pot meal combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with fluffy dumplings that steam to perfection.

The infusion of spices and the savory beef broth create an aromatic sensation that fills your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. It’s a recipe that’s both satisfying and rewarding to make, perfect for colder weather or a comforting family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, even novice cooks can create a delicious meal that family members of all ages will enjoy. The dish offers a perfect blend of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, keeping your meal balanced while bursting with flavors that can easily satisfy any hunger pangs.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Dumplings

• 1 lb ground beef (85 percent lean): Tender and flavorful, this beef serves as the base of our dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: To sauté and enhance the flavors.
• 1 small onion, diced: For sweetness and aromatic depth.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a robust kick to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Contributes richness and umami.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the beef mixture.
• 1 and 1/2 cups beef broth: The savory soul of this dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb complementing the beef.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: For a touch of warmth and color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for flavor enhancement.
• Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables: Adds color and nutrition.
• For the Dumplings:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for our fluffy dumplings.
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures they rise perfectly.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: To season the dumplings.
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened: Adds richness and flavor.
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2 percent): To bring everything together into a soft dough.

Step-by-Step Directions for Ground Beef and Dumplings

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
   Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally until there is no pink remaining. If there is excess fat, drain it to keep the dish lighter.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Once the beef is cooked through, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about four minutes until the onion turns translucent, allowing its natural sweetness to develop.
3. Incorporate Aromatics:
   Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute. Follow this by mixing in the tomato paste, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
   Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir it in. Gradually pour in the beef broth, continuously stirring to combine. Add the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 8-10 minutes, turning it into a thick, flavorful sauce.
5. Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Work in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the milk, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
6. Create Dumplings:
   Drop tablespoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering beef mixture in the skillet. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and steam the dumplings for 15 minutes. Avoid removing the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings stay fluffy.
7. Finish and Serve:
   After 15 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness. If they are cooked through, let the dish stand uncovered for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a richer dining experience.

Tips & Tricks

• Chef’s Secret: For an added layer of flavor, consider sautéing some chopped mushrooms along with the onions.
• Optional Extras: You can add 1/2 cup of frozen peas or mixed vegetables during the simmer to incorporate some extra nutrition and color.
• Cooking Hacks: If you’re short on time, you can use ready-made dumpling dough available at the store. Just drop it into your hot beef mixture and proceed as usual.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This dish is a complete meal in itself but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. You can also serve it with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious beef broth. For an added touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives over the dish before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutritional Information

While exact calorie counts will vary based on portion size, a serving of Ground Beef and Dumplings (without extras) typically contains around 450-500 calories. The dish offers a balanced mix of protein from the beef, carbohydrates from the dumplings, and vitamins and minerals from any added vegetables. It’s a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Storing Tips & Variations for Ground Beef and Dumplings

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. For a healthier variation, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or substituting whole wheat flour for the all-purpose flour in the dumplings. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices based on your preferences.

Conclusion for Ground Beef and Dumplings

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of Ground Beef and Dumplings. It’s a dish that captures the essence of home-cooked meals and provides a delicious way to gather with loved ones. So go ahead, grab your skillet, and indulge in the delightful flavors of this classic recipe right away!

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative, and it will still provide great flavor.

2. How can I make the dumplings lighter?
Ensure not to overmix the dumpling dough, as this can lead to denser dumplings. Mix until just combined.

3. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Just make sure to separate the dumplings and beef mixture in different containers for optimal texture.

5. How do I know when the dumplings are done?
Dumplings are typically done when they have expanded and are no longer gummy in the center. A toothpick can be inserted to check for doneness.

Ground Beef and Dumplings

A hearty one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef and fluffy dumplings, perfect for colder weather or family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 475

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Beef Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef (85 percent lean) Tender and flavorful, this beef serves as the base of our dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil To sauté and enhance the flavors.
• 1 small onion, diced For sweetness and aromatic depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds a robust kick to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste Contributes richness and umami.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Helps thicken the beef mixture.
• 1.5 cups beef broth The savory soul of this dish.
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme A fragrant herb complementing the beef.
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika For a touch of warmth and color.
• Salt and pepper to taste Essential for flavor enhancement.
• 0.5 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables Optional: Adds color and nutrition.

For the Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour The foundation for our fluffy dumplings.
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder Ensures they rise perfectly.
• 0.25 teaspoon salt To season the dumplings.
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened Adds richness and flavor.
• 0.5 cup milk (whole or 2 percent) To bring everything together into a soft dough.

Method

 

Preparation of the Meat Mixture

1. Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally until there is no pink remaining. If there is excess fat, drain it.

Sauté the Vegetables

1. Once the beef is cooked through, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about four minutes until the onion turns translucent.

Incorporate Aromatics

1. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute. Mix in the tomato paste, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Thicken the Sauce

1. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir it in. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. Add the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 8-10 minutes.

Prepare the Dumpling Dough

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Work in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the milk, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

Create Dumplings

1. Drop tablespoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering beef mixture in the skillet. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and steam the dumplings for 15 minutes.

Finish and Serve

1. After 15 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness. Let the dish stand uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an added layer of flavor, consider sautéing some chopped mushrooms along with the onions. You can also add 1/2 cup of frozen peas or mixed vegetables during the simmer. If you're short on time, use ready-made dumpling dough.