Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe: A Hearty Comfort Food for All Ages 🍲🍖

When winter hits and you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that brings comfort, ground beef and dumplings should be at the top of your list. This dish is a classic comfort food that combines savory ground beef, tender dumplings, and flavorful seasonings in a single pot. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or any meal where you want to feel full and satisfied.

In this article, we’ll guide you through making the perfect ground beef and dumplings recipe, packed with flavor and ideal for any occasion. From tips on how to perfect the dumplings to serving suggestions, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

🍽️ Ingredients for Ground Beef and Dumplings

Here’s everything you need for a hearty, mouth-watering dish:

For the dumplings:

🕒 Time & Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4-6 people

🔥 Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the beef mixture:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Brown the beef:
   Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Create the base:
   Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. This will help thicken the sauce later. Slowly add beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Simmer the stew:
   Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
5. Make the dumplings:
   While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Form the dumplings:
   Add milk to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix! The dough should be slightly sticky but not runny. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering beef mixture, spreading them evenly across the surface.
7. Cook the dumplings:
   Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are fully cooked through. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into one of the dumplings—if it comes out clean, they’re done.
8. Serve:
   Once the dumplings are cooked, garnish the dish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the beef and dumplings hot and enjoy!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Ground beef and dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even better:

• Side salad: A light, crunchy salad with greens like spinach or arugula is a great way to balance out the heaviness of the stew.
• Garlic bread: Serve with some warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up all the delicious beef sauce.
• Steamed vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans, are a healthy and colorful side dish to serve alongside.

💡 Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• Make sure the beef is browned well: Browning the beef is key to developing a rich, flavorful base for your stew. Don’t rush this step—take your time to get the perfect golden-brown color.
• Don’t overmix the dumpling dough: Overworking the dough will lead to dense dumplings. Stir gently until just combined for light and fluffy dumplings.
• Customize your seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. Add some thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like your stew with extra flavor.

🍲 Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Large bowl for mixing dumplings
• Pastry cutter or fork (to cut butter into flour)
• Measuring cups and spoons

🏷️ Recipe Notes

• Make it ahead: You can make this dish a day ahead. Store the beef stew and dumplings separately in airtight containers. Reheat both in a pot on low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
• Freeze leftovers: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store the dumplings separately. When reheating, warm the stew on the stovetop and add freshly made dumplings.
• Adjust dumpling texture: If your dumplings are too dense, try adding a little more milk to the dough next time. They should be light and fluffy!

🏠 Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Leftover ground beef and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the beef stew (without the dumplings) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Prepare fresh dumplings when you’re ready to reheat the stew.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the mixture. For the dumplings, you may want to reheat them separately in the microwave.

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🏋️‍♀️ Health Benefits

While ground beef and dumplings is a comforting meal, it does have some health benefits:

• Protein: Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It’s also a good source of iron, which helps maintain healthy blood cells.
• Vegetables: Carrots, onions, and celery add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish, contributing to a well-rounded meal.
• Satisfaction: The combination of protein, carbohydrates (from the dumplings), and fiber from the veggies will keep you feeling full and satisfied.

❓ FAQs About Ground Beef and Dumplings

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can all work in place of beef. However, note that the flavor profile might change slightly depending on the meat you choose.

2. Can I make this recipe without dumplings?
Certainly! If you’re not in the mood for dumplings, you can skip them and just serve the ground beef stew with rice, mashed potatoes, or bread.

3. How can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings gluten-free. Be sure to check if the baking powder is also gluten-free.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work just as well in this recipe as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the pot.

5. How can I make the dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a chopped jalapeño to the beef stew.

💬 Final Thoughts

This ground beef and dumplings recipe is the perfect solution for a cold winter evening when you crave something hearty and comforting. With easy-to-follow steps, this dish is simple enough for beginners and flavorful enough to impress seasoned cooks. The dumplings are soft and fluffy, the beef is rich and savory, and the vegetables add just the right touch of freshness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special family meal, ground beef and dumplings will surely satisfy everyone at the table.

For another delicious beef dish, you might want to try these brown sugar pineapple wings, perfect for any occasion.