Name: Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed; 3/4 cup milk

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If you’re searching for the perfect comfort meal that combines hearty flavors with pillowy softness, the Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe deserves a spot on your table. This dish brings together juicy ground beef and vegetables swimming in a savory broth, all topped with cloud-like dumplings that gently steam to perfection. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes for flavor, nostalgia, and easy stovetop cooking—making it an instant favorite for families and friends alike.

Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients are at the heart of every delicious Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe. Each item adds its own magic to the meal, building layers of savory taste, rich aroma, and crave-worthy texture that always satisfy.

Ground Beef (1 pound): The star of the show, adding hearty flavor and a meaty base to the dish.
Onion (1 small, chopped): For sweetness and that irresistible home-cooked aroma.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a gentle, savory bite that makes everything tastier.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the richness in the beef.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of heat that elevates every bite.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and a touch of color.
Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Provides depth and a subtle tanginess to the broth.
Beef Broth (2 cups): Forms a luscious, savory base for simmering everything together.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables (1 cup, optional): For extra color, sweetness, and nutritional boost.
All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): The heart of the dumplings, creating that signature texture.
Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Gives your dumplings their irresistible lift and fluffiness.
Salt, for Dumplings (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens up the flavor of the dough itself.
Cold Butter (2 tablespoons, cubed): Ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings.
Milk (3/4 cup): Brings the dough together for a soft, smooth finish.

How to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with your spoon as it browns. This step is key for developing a rich, savory base, so don’t rush! If there’s excess fat, drain it off for a lighter finish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion softens and your kitchen fills with those mouthwatering, familiar aromas. This step transforms the foundation of your Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe into something truly irresistible.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir in the tomato paste, letting everything cook for about a minute. This helps unlock deep, robust flavors and gives your broth that lovely color and depth.

Step 4: Add Broth and Veggies

Pour in the beef broth and give everything a good stir, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the pan. Add the frozen mixed vegetables if you like—it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some color and vitamins. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while you get your dumplings ready.

Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this is the secret to fluffy, tender dumplings. Gently stir in the milk until a soft, slightly sticky dough comes together. Avoid overmixing for the lightest results!

Step 6: Drop Dumplings and Steam

Using a spoon, carefully drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the surface of your simmering beef mixture. Each dumpling will puff up beautifully as it cooks. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let everything steam gently on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek! The steam is what makes the dumplings ethereal, so leave the lid on until they’re done.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Lift the lid and marvel at your handiwork. The dumplings should be puffed and cooked through—give one a gentle poke to make sure it’s no longer doughy inside. Serve piping hot and bask in the satisfaction of homemade comfort food goodness.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

To add a fresh pop and a bit of flair, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives over your bowls right before serving works wonders. For extra depth, a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper is always welcome. If you love a hint of tang, a dollop of sour cream or a few drops of hot sauce on top brings another layer of interest to your Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe.

Side Dishes

This Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch. Some folks love a buttery slice of warm bread on the side, perfect for soaking up any leftover broth. For a brighter meal, consider offering steamed green beans or roasted carrots alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd or want a special touch, serve your Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. For a rustic family meal, bring the entire Dutch oven straight to the table and let everyone serve themselves—there’s just something heartwarming about sharing from a communal pot!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. The dish will keep well for up to three days in the refrigerator. The broth may thicken slightly as it sits, but a splash of water when reheating will loosen things up nicely.

Freezing

The Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe can be frozen, though the texture of the dumplings will become more dense after thawing. If you’d like to make ahead, freeze the beef and vegetable mixture separately, then whip up fresh dumplings when ready to serve for the best fluffy results.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water as needed. If reheating in the microwave, cover the bowl and heat in short bursts, checking to make sure everything is heated through without drying out the dumplings.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work beautifully in this recipe if you want something lighter. You may want to add a bit more seasoning since they have a milder flavor than beef.

What’s the secret to fluffy dumplings?

The trick is to avoid overmixing your dumpling dough and to make sure the butter is very cold when you mix it in. Steaming the dumplings with a tight-fitting lid is essential—don’t peek until they’re done!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! The Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe is flexible—try adding peas, corn, carrots, or even diced bell pepper. Just ensure everything is cut small to cook quickly and evenly.

Why shouldn’t I lift the lid while the dumplings cook?

The steam trapped under the lid is what cooks the dumplings and makes them tender. Lifting the lid lets that precious steam escape, which may leave you with tough, undercooked dough.

How do I know when the dumplings are ready?

The dumplings should look puffed up, with a dry surface. You can test one by cutting it in half—the center should be soft but cooked through without any raw doughiness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a soul-warming, satisfying meal, you simply can’t go wrong with this Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it soon becomes one of your go-to comfort classics. I hope you love every cozy, flavorful bite as much as I do!

Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty dish, this Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe is a classic stovetop favorite. Tender ground beef cooked in a flavorsome broth, topped with fluffy dumplings, makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)

For the Dumplings:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
3/4 cup milk

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Instructions

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and tomato paste. Pour in beef broth and add vegetables. Simmer.
Prepare the Dumplings: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk to form a soft dough.
Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough on the beef mixture. Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until dumplings are cooked through. Serve hot.