Ground Beef and Dumplings is a delightful dish that fills the kitchen with warm, savory aromas and brings a sense of comfort to the dinner table. This hearty meal features tender ground beef enveloped in a rich broth and topped with fluffy dumplings, creating a combination that is as satisfying as it is nostalgic. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also provides a delightful way to bond over good food. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll see just how enjoyable it is to make this comforting dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Start with 1 lb of ground beef, ideally 85 percent lean, which ensures a juicy and flavorful base for this dish. You’ll need a tablespoon of olive oil to help cook the beef and a small onion, diced finely to add sweetness and depth. Two garlic cloves, minced, will infuse the mixture with aromatic goodness and complement the savory flavors. A tablespoon of tomato paste adds richness, while two tablespoons of all-purpose flour help thicken the broth.
For the broth, 1 and 1/2 cups of beef broth are essential, along with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika for seasoning. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste, plus an optional 1/2 cup of frozen peas or mixed vegetables for added color and nutrition.
For the dumplings, you’ll need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to give them the perfect texture. A tablespoon of softened butter enriches the dough, and 1/2 cup of milk (whole or 2 percent) creates a soft, fluffy finish that will make each bite melt in your mouth.
Step-by-Step Directions
Brown the beef by heating a large skillet over medium heat, adding ground beef, and breaking it apart with a spatula until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Introduce tomato paste and stir for a minute. Sprinkle flour over the mixture to thicken it.
Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring continuously, add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, and let simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dumpling ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Work in softened butter, then add milk slowly until a soft dough forms.
Drop tablespoons of the dumpling dough onto the beef mixture.
Cover and reduce heat to low, steam dumplings for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Check dumplings for doneness, let stand uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
To elevate the flavor of your Ground Beef and Dumplings, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce when simmering the beef mixture for an extra layer of richness. If you want to add more texture, try incorporating finely chopped vegetables like carrots or celery into the beef mixture. Also, ensure the lid is tightly covered while steaming the dumplings to maintain all the moisture for perfect fluffiness.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this comforting dish with a side of green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a hearty loaf of crusty bread to soak up the rich broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or as a delicious dish to serve guests, Ground Beef and Dumplings can easily become a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Ground Beef and Dumplings contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the portion size and specific ingredient brands used. This dish provides a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a comforting meal that offers both satisfaction and nourishment. Pair it with a fresh salad to increase your veggie intake.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently in a saucepan, adding a little extra beef broth to keep the dumplings moist. For variations, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or add herbs like parsley or chives to the dumpling mixture for a flavor twist.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Dumplings is a comforting dish that’s sure to please the whole family. With easy steps and accessible ingredients, it’s both a nostalgic reminder of home-cooked favorites and a delicious way to bring loved ones together. Try making this recipe today, and share your experience with friends and family; they will surely be asking for seconds!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it gently and steam the dumplings.Is there a gluten-free version?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings and ensure your beef broth is also gluten-free.Can I use other meats?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a different flavor profile.What if I don’t have baking powder?
If baking powder is unavailable, you can use self-rising flour, which already contains leavening agents.How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings should look puffy and firm. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into one; it should come out clean. Letting them stand uncovered for a few minutes before serving allows them to finish cooking perfectly.
Ground Beef and Dumplings
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef, ideally 85 percent lean Provides a juicy and flavorful base.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking the beef.
- 1 small onion, diced finely Adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses with aromatic goodness.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste Adds richness.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour Helps thicken the broth.
- 1.5 cups beef broth Essential for the broth.
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme For seasoning.
- 0.5 tsp paprika For seasoning.
- to taste salt To taste.
- to taste pepper To taste.
- 0.5 cups frozen peas or mixed vegetables Optional for added color and nutrition.
For the Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For the dumplings.
- 1.5 tsp baking powder For leavening the dumplings.
- 0.25 tsp salt For seasoning.
- 1 tbsp softened butter Enriches the dough.
- 0.5 cup milk (whole or 2 percent) Creates a soft, fluffy finish.
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
- Brown the beef by heating a large skillet over medium heat, adding ground beef, and breaking it apart with a spatula until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Introduce tomato paste and stir for a minute. Sprinkle flour over the mixture to thicken it.
- Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring continuously, add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, and let simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened.
Making the Dumplings
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dumpling ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Work in softened butter, then add milk slowly until a soft dough forms.
- Drop tablespoons of the dumpling dough onto the beef mixture.
- Cover and reduce heat to low, steam dumplings for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Check dumplings for doneness, let stand uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.
