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Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Dinner

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This ground beef and dumplings recipe is pure comfort food, featuring juicy ground beef simmered in savory gravy and topped with pillowy, tender dumplings. It’s a hearty, fuss-free dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt (for dumplings)
  • 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed (for dumplings)
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen peas or carrots (optional add-in)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional add-in)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp butter and swirl to coat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Spoon off excess grease if needed. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Sprinkle 2 tbsp flour over the beef mixture and stir until incorporated (about 1 minute). Add tomato paste if using, then pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Add veggies if using. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken the gravy.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 2 tbsp cold, cubed butter and blend into dry ingredients until pea-sized crumbs form.
  6. Stir in 3/4 cup milk and parsley until just combined. If using cheese, fold it in gently. Do not overmix.
  7. Reduce heat under the beef gravy to low. Using a spoon, drop walnut-sized mounds of dumpling dough into the simmering mixture, spacing them out.
  8. Cover the pan tightly with a lid. Cook for 18-22 minutes on low heat until dumplings are firm and cooked through (test with a toothpick).
  9. Remove the lid, sprinkle with extra parsley, and let sit for 2 minutes to cool slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Serve hot in bowls, ensuring each portion has plenty of gravy and dumplings.

Notes

For fluffier dumplings, do not overmix the dough and use fresh baking powder. You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute flour and milk as needed. Dumplings are best enjoyed fresh; if reheating, add a splash of broth to keep them moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, dumplings, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, beef stew, one-pot, hearty, old-fashioned, weeknight dinner

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