Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

If you are searching for a soul-satisfying comfort food that wraps you in a warm hug, look no further than Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings. This dish combines tender, savory ground beef in a rich, flavorful gravy topped with soft, fluffy dumplings that puff up beautifully as they steam. Every bite delivers a cozy blend of textures and aromas, making it the perfect meal to brighten chilly evenings or gather loved ones around the table. You might think dumplings are only for grand occasions, but this recipe brings them into your weekly dinner rotation with maximum ease and absolutely delicious results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is brilliantly simple, relying on trusty, everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and comforting textures. Each one is essential—the beef brings richness, the tomato paste and spices add deep, aromatic notes, while the dumpling dough’s pillowy softness makes everything feel complete.

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean): Provides hearty, juicy meatiness without too much fat.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown lean beef perfectly without sticking (optional if your beef isn’t too lean).
• 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens while cooking.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a lovely aromatic punch that melds beautifully with the beef.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the savory base and adds subtle tanginess.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This thickens the beef mixture into a luscious gravy.
• 1½ cups beef broth: Creates the rich, flavorful sauce that ties everything together.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy herbal touch that pairs perfectly with beef.
• ½ teaspoon paprika: Offers a gentle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all other flavors harmoniously.
• Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables: Sneaks in a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
• Dumplings: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon softened butter, ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)—simple pantry staples that create tender clouds atop your beef filling.

How to Make Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Cook until beautifully browned and no pink remains, breaking up the meat with your spoon. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it to keep the dish from feeling greasy—this is the foundation for your warming filling.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

To develop layers of flavor, add the diced onion to your skillet and cook until it turns soft and translucent, about four minutes. Follow with the minced garlic, letting it cook just one minute longer—garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it as it infuses the beef with that signature fragrant warmth.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook a minute to deepen in flavor. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and gently stir to coat everything evenly, which will help thicken your sauce. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper next for a hearty yet balanced flavor profile. Let the mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens into a savory gravy. If you’re opting to include frozen peas or mixed veggies, stir them in now to let them warm through and add freshness to the dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the softened butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this step gives the dumplings their tender, flaky texture. Stir in the milk just until the dough forms; be careful not to overmix, so the dumplings stay light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Dumplings to the Pan

Spoon generous heaping tablespoons of the dough atop the simmering beef mixture—aim for 6 to 8 dumplings across the surface. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. The steam trapped inside will puff up those dumplings and cook them perfectly.

Step 6: Simmer and Cook

Allow the dumplings to steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid—patience here ensures they become light and fully cooked. The tender tops contrast beautifully with the rich, hearty beef beneath.

Step 7: Serve

Once cooked, remove your skillet from heat and let it sit uncovered for five minutes to slightly cool and set. Serve hot, scooping generous portions of beef and broth with one or two dumplings into each bowl. Every bite delivers that signature cozy satisfaction you crave from Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings.

How to Serve Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a pop of color and bright herbal freshness that balances the richness perfectly. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar cheese also invites creamy indulgence, elevating each bite.

Side Dishes

This dish stands well on its own but shines alongside simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp, refreshing green salad. These add texture and additional nutrients without overpowering the comforting flavors of your Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming family-style presentation, serve it straight from the skillet at the table, letting everyone help themselves. Alternatively, dish individual portions into shallow bowls and top with a drizzle of pan juices or extra gravy. For a rustic twist, try spooning the beef and dumplings into a flaky pastry crust to make a handheld pot pie—comfort food taken to the next level!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers are just as satisfying—if not more!

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the whole assembled dish or freeze the beef filling and dumplings separately to maintain dumpling texture when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy. Cover the pan to trap steam and warm the dumplings through without drying them out. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can toughen the dumplings.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative and will still work well with the dumplings, though you may want to add olive oil to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.

What if I don’t have baking powder for the dumplings?

Baking powder is key to the fluffy texture of the dumplings. If you don’t have any, you might try self-rising flour instead, or consider picking some up for best results next time.

Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency since gluten-free flours sometimes absorb liquid differently.

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Definitely—feel free to swap or add carrots, mushrooms, or corn for variety. Just chop them finely so they cook evenly with the beef sauce.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings should puff up and become firm to the touch after steaming for about 15 minutes. You can also carefully cut one open—it should be cooked through, soft, and fluffy inside without any doughy spots.

Final Thoughts

Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings is one of those magical dishes that turns simple ingredients into a memorable, soul-warming meal. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a special family dinner, this recipe will bring smiles and satisfied sighs all around. Give it a try—you just might discover your new favorite comfort food tradition.

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