9 Cozy Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

This cozy ground beef and dumplings dish is a hearty comfort food perfect for chilly evenings. Rich beef base topped with fluffy dumplings makes a satisfying one-pot meal. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy and delicious dinner choice.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• ½ cup milk
• Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until the gravy thickens.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cut in cold butter cubes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until you form a sticky dough.
5. Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering beef mixture. Cover the skillet tightly and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings steam for 15 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid, so they cook thoroughly.
6. Step 6: Remove the lid and check that the dumplings are fully cooked through. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the beef base before simmering.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried for a brighter taste.
• Try adding vegetables like peas or carrots to the beef mixture for more color and nutrition.
• Substitute milk with buttermilk in the dumplings for a tangier flavor and fluffier texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the mixture is too thick. This dish does not freeze well as the dumplings can become dense.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Be mindful that the texture might change slightly.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your preference.

9 Cozy Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 128 reviews

This comforting Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe combines a savory beef base with fluffy, tender dumplings steamed right on top. The dish features a rich gravy made with tomato paste, beef broth, and warming seasonings, perfect for cozy dinners. Easy to prepare and full of hearty flavors, it’s a classic meal everyone will love.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Beef Base:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• ½ cup milk
• Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Brown Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
3. Make Gravy: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
4. Prepare Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cut in 2 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ½ cup milk until a sticky dough forms.
5. Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the prepared dumpling dough over the simmering beef mixture, spacing them evenly. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the dumplings to steam for 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid, until they are cooked through and fluffy.
6. Finish & Serve: Remove the lid carefully and check that dumplings are fully cooked. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and hearty meal.

Notes

• Do not lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking to ensure they steam properly.
• You can substitute dried thyme with Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• If you prefer, add vegetables like peas or carrots to the beef base for extra nutrition.
• Butter should be cold when mixed into the dumpling flour to create light, fluffy dumplings.
• Leftover dumplings can be reheated gently on the stovetop with some broth.

Keywords: ground beef and dumplings, beef dumplings recipe, easy beef and dumplings, comfort food, stovetop dumplings