Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

This hearty ground beef and dumplings recipe is a comforting classic perfect for chilly evenings. Tender dumplings steam atop a savory, thickened beef filling full of aromatic herbs and vegetables. It’s an easy one-pan meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

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
• 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. 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. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a gravy-like consistency. Stir in frozen vegetables if using.
4. Step 4: 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.
5. Step 5: Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough on top of the beef mixture in the skillet. You should get 6–8 dumplings. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
6. Step 6: 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.
7. Step 7: 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 extra flavor, sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil before adding the beef if using lean ground beef.
• Mix in different vegetables like carrots or corn to add variety and nutrition.
• If you prefer softer dumplings, add a little more milk to the dough for a moister texture.
• Use homemade beef broth or stock for a richer, deeper flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating too quickly to keep the dumplings tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for sauces and baking. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s best to freeze the beef mixture and dumplings separately, as dumplings may change texture when reheated from frozen. Freeze beef gravy in airtight containers for up to 2 months and prepare fresh dumplings when ready to serve.

Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 75 reviews

This Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe is a comforting and satisfying one-pan meal featuring a flavorful ground beef filling simmered in a rich gravy and topped with fluffy, steamed dumplings. Perfect for a cozy dinner, the dish combines simple ingredients with classic techniques to create a wholesome home-cooked favorite.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• 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.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the beef and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
3. Build the Sauce: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat the beef evenly. Slowly add the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency. 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 just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix.
5. Add Dumplings to the Pan: Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling dough on top of the simmering beef mixture; you should get 6 to 8 dumplings. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
6. Simmer and Cook: Let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. The dumplings will puff up and cook thoroughly using the steam and heat from the beef mixture below.
7. Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked through, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit uncovered for 5 minutes. Serve hot by scooping a portion of the beef mixture along with one or two dumplings into each bowl.

Notes

• Use 85% lean ground beef for best flavor and moisture balance; add olive oil if using leaner meat.
• Do not lift the lid during dumpling cooking to ensure they steam properly.
• Frozen peas or mixed vegetables add a nice color and nutrition boost but can be omitted.
• Use whole or 2% milk for a tender dumpling; avoid skim milk as it may dry out the dough.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: ground beef, dumplings, hearty meal, one pan dinner, comfort food, beef stew, homemade dumplings