Name: Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Stew: 1 pound ground beef, 1 medium onion finely chopped, 2 carrots diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 3 garlic cloves minced, 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 bay leaf For the Dumplings: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cubed, 3/4 cup milk, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

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Imagine cozying up to a steaming bowl packed full of tender beef, vibrant veggies, and pillowy-soft dumplings—pure nostalgia in a pot! That’s exactly what this Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe delivers: hearty comfort food that’s rich in flavor, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table. Whether it’s a chill weeknight or you’re craving a retro classic, this one-pot wonder has you covered from the first savory spoonful to the last bite of herby dumpling.

Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen not just for ease, but because it brings its own magic: deep flavor, texture, or pops of color. Gather these kitchen staples and you’re halfway to a soul-warming meal.

Ground beef (1 pound): A hearty protein that forms the savory base and ensures every bite is filling.
Onion, finely chopped (1 medium): Adds sweetness and a fragrant backbone to the stew.
Carrots, diced (2): Bring color, subtle sweetness, and classic stew vibes.
Celery stalks, diced (2): Give crunch and depth to the mix of vegetables.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Amplifies the aroma and infuses the broth with warmth.
Beef broth (4 cups): Creates a rich, flavorful liquid base for everything to simmer in.
Frozen peas (1 cup): Offer little bursts of sweetness and a pop of green at the finish.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Adds body and a subtle tang to round out the flavors.
Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Boosts umami and gives the sauce a complex depth.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing and lending a luscious mouthfeel.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings an earthy, fragrant note that pairs perfectly with beef.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and a gorgeous color to the stew.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a touch of warmth and seasoning.
Bay leaf (1): Infuses the stew with a classic, herbal undertone as it simmers.

All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The secret to fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Essential for lifting and lightening the dumplings.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasons the dumplings just right.
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (2 tablespoons): Makes the dumplings tender and flavorful.
Milk (3/4 cup): Helps bring the dumpling dough together while keeping it moist.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Brings a fresh, herby finish to the dumplings.

How to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start your Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe adventure by heating olive oil in a big, sturdy pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula. Let it brown beautifully for a meaty, caramelized base—that deep, savory flavor is worth every minute!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Sprinkle in your chopped onion, diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about five minutes; the vegetables should soften and their natural sweetness will begin to shine through. This is where the aroma starts pulling people into the kitchen!

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper straight into the pot. Stir it well—the tomato paste will deepen the color and flavor, while those spices and sauces infuse every bite with classic comfort.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (they’re pure flavor!). Bring the whole pot to a boil, reduce the heat, then simmer gently for 15 minutes. This coaxes out flavor and ensures everything melds together deliciously.

Step 5: Add the Peas and Finish the Broth

With the stew bubbling merrily and the house smelling fantastic, stir in your frozen peas. Fish out and discard the bay leaf—its job is done! At this point, you’re ready to move on to the crowning glory: those irresistible dumplings.

Step 6: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture looks crumbly, almost like coarse sand. Pour in the milk and fresh parsley, stirring gently until everything is just combined; don’t overmix, or your dumplings can turn tough instead of tender.

Step 7: Drop and Steam the Dumplings

Spoon dollops of your dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering beef mixture. Be generous with the spacing—they’ll puff up as they cook! Cover tightly with a lid and resist the urge to peek. Let it all cook for 15 minutes, allowing the dumplings to steam and rise until fluffy and fully cooked.

Step 8: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Lift the lid, inhale deeply, and marvel at your handiwork! Ladle generous portions of beef, veggies, and dumplings into bowls for a meal that’s pure comfort with every mouthful.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

Scattering a little chopped fresh parsley or even thyme right before serving gives a pop of freshness and elevates the dish visually. For extra indulgence, a tiny sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar or parmesan is delightful as it gently melts over the hot stew.

Side Dishes

This Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe is hearty enough to stand proudly on its own, but it also welcomes sides. Think simple buttered green beans, a crisp green salad for contrast, or warm crusty bread to mop up that luscious broth.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the stew in individual bowls with a dumpling or two perched on top for a bistro feel. You can also ladle it into mini cast-iron skillets for extra coziness, or even bake the dumplings over the stew in ovenproof soup bowls for a golden, gently crisped finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer any cooled Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it arguably even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, portion the cooled stew and dumplings into freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within a month for peak taste and texture. Let it defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for dinner another day.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a pot over low-medium heat with a splash of extra broth or water to keep everything saucy and prevent sticking. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works fine too—just cover the bowl and heat in one-minute intervals until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well and lighten up the dish a bit. You might want to amp up the spices and seasonings to compensate for the milder flavor of poultry, but the Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe adapts beautifully to these swaps.

What’s the key to fluffy dumplings?

Cold butter is the secret! Make sure not to overmix the dough and keep the dumpling mixture on the looser side. Letting the dumplings steam under the lid undisturbed ensures they puff up perfectly.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes, you can! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xantham gum included) for both the stew thickener (if needed) and the dumplings. The results are just as comforting and delicious.

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Definitely. This Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe is endlessly adaptable—try adding chopped mushrooms, diced potatoes, or even a handful of fresh spinach at the end for a greener twist and extra nutrition.

How can I boost the flavor even further?

For next-level richness, replace half of the beef broth with dry red wine, or toss in a Parmesan rind during simmering (remove before serving). A splash more Worcestershire or a spoonful of Dijon mustard can also work magic.

Final Thoughts

Few things spell comfort quite like a big simmering pot of Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe. It’s simple to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and the very definition of cozy. I hope you’ll try it soon—whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, every bowl is a big, warm hug from the kitchen.

Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family meal. Tender ground beef simmered with vegetables in a savory broth, topped with fluffy dumplings, creates a satisfying and delicious stew.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

1 pound ground beef, 1 medium onion finely chopped, 2 carrots diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 3 garlic cloves minced, 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 bay leaf

For the Dumplings:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cubed, 3/4 cup milk, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Stew: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth, add bay leaf, and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in peas.
Make the Dumplings: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter, stir in milk and parsley. Drop spoonfuls of dough on the stew. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Serve hot.