Ground Beef and Dumplings
A hearty dish featuring tender ground beef in a rich broth topped with fluffy dumplings, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
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.
Notes
To elevate the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce when simmering the beef mixture. For more texture, incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots or celery into the mixture. Ensure the lid is tightly covered while steaming the dumplings to maintain moisture.