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9 Cozy Ground Beef and Dumplings 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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