There’s something magical about cooking up a one-pot meal that hugs you from the inside out, and this Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe does just that. It layers savory, well-seasoned ground beef with aromatic onions and garlic, tosses in tender mixed veggies, then crowns the whole hearty broth with buttery, cloud-like dumplings. Whether you’re tackling an intermediate-level dish or simply craving that soul-warming, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food, this recipe delivers on every front. With just 20 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a complete lunch or dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. At roughly 600 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying option for family weeknight suppers, meal prep sessions, or cozy weekend gatherings.
I still remember the first time I stirred those fluffy dumplings into bubbling broth—the anticipation of biting into that soft dough contrasted with the robust beefy base was almost too much to handle. This dish is versatile, too: swap in beef stock for extra richness, sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary for a herby twist, or double up the dumplings when you’re feeling extra indulgent. Every spoonful is a reminder of simple homestyle cooking done right: no fancy gadgets, just a skillet, fresh ingredients, and a willingness to slow down and savor. So grab your apron, dust off that wooden spoon, and let’s get cooking—your kitchen is about to fill with warmth, flavor, and memories you’ll want to make again and again.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN GROUND BEEF AND DUMPLINGS
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s get acquainted with the star players of this one-pot wonder. Each ingredient brings its own texture, flavor, and function to create a balanced, homestyle dish that’s as cozy as it is satisfying.
- Ground beef: Provides rich, meaty flavor and protein; browning it properly builds the flavorful base for the stew.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; when sautéed until translucent, it melds seamlessly into the savory beef broth.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with a gentle pungency; mince it finely to release its aromatic oils.
- Beef broth: Forms the liquid foundation; its umami richness ensures every bite is hearty and comforting.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Offer pops of color and nutrition; carrots, peas, and corn cook quickly and add tender texture.
- Worcestershire sauce: Boosts savory complexity; a splash enhances the beefy stock with tangy, slightly sweet notes.
- Salt: Balances and brightens flavors; adjust to taste to avoid underseasoning or overpowering the dish.
- Pepper: Provides a warm bite; freshly ground is best for that sharp, zesty finish.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dumpling dough; its gluten content creates fluffy, tender dumplings.
- Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent; gives the dumplings their signature lift and lightness.
- Sugar: Rounds out the dumpling dough; just a hint to balance saltiness and enrich the flavor.
- Cold butter: Yields flakiness; cutting it into the dry mix creates small pockets of fat that steam into tender layers.
- Milk: Binds the dough ingredients; stir gently to keep the batter slightly sticky for optimal dumpling texture.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright, herbal finish; chop and sprinkle before serving for color and freshness.
HOW TO MAKE GROUND BEEF AND DUMPLINGS
Let’s walk through each step to transform these simple ingredients into a delicious, homestyle masterpiece. This detailed guide will help you master the techniques and timing for perfect beef and pillowy dumplings every time.
1. In a large skillet or saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a sturdy spoon to break it into small pieces, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the broth clear and not greasy.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic directly to the beef. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrance without browning.
3. Stir in the beef broth, frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld and the veggies begin to thaw.
4. While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar, whisking gently to distribute the leavening.
5. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized bits of butter visible.
6. Gradually stir in the milk just until the dough comes together—avoid overmixing, as this can make dumplings tough. The batter should be slightly sticky.
7. Once your beef mixture is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top, spacing them evenly so they have room to expand during cooking.
8. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 15–20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid too soon; steam trapped inside is what makes them fluffy and fully cooked.
9. When the dumplings feel firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUND BEEF AND DUMPLINGS
Presenting this comforting stew is half the fun! Whether you’re serving a casual family dinner or welcoming guests, these tips will help you plate each bowl with flair and flavor. Play with textures and temperature contrasts to elevate a humble one-pot meal into a memorable feast.
- Rustic Bread Bowl: Hollow out a small round loaf of crusty bread and ladle the hot beef and dumplings inside. The bread soaks up the savory broth, creating a handheld delight that’s both practical and Instagram-worthy.
- Cheesy Melt: Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar or provolone over the top of each serving, then briefly broil until melted and bubbly. This adds a gooey, indulgent layer that pairs beautifully with the soft dumplings.
- Herb Drizzle: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Drizzle this bright herb vinaigrette over the stew just before serving to add a fresh, zesty contrast.
- Crunchy Garnish: Top each bowl with homemade garlic-parmesan croutons or fried sage leaves for a crispy texture pop. The crunch beautifully offsets the pillowy dumplings and creamy broth.
HOW TO STORE GROUND BEEF AND DUMPLINGS
Ensuring your leftovers remain as delicious as the first serving takes a bit of strategy. Whether you’re planning for midweek lunches or stashing a cozy dinner for later, these storage tips will help the flavors stay vibrant and the dumplings fluffy.
- Refrigerator: Allow the stew to cool for about 20 minutes at room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store dumplings and broth together up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Freezer: For longer storage, portion the stew into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If you plan to store soup and dumplings separately, place dumplings in one container and broth in another. This prevents dumplings from becoming too soggy and keeps their texture intact.
- Reviving Saucy Leftovers: When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess and prevent drying out. Cover the pot to trap steam, and warm gently to retain dumpling fluffiness.
CONCLUSION
Bringing it all together, this Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe is a testament to the joys of homestyle cooking. You’ve learned about the rich ground beef foundation, the sweet tenderness of onions and garlic, and the vibrant pop of mixed vegetables. We covered how to mix, knead, and drop dumpling batter, then patiently steam them into fluffy clouds that complete each spoonful of savory broth. Each step—from browning the meat and sautéing aromatics to mixing tender dough and garnishing with fresh parsley—builds layers of flavor you’ll revisit time and again. With 20 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of cooking, and about 600 calories per hearty serving, this intermediate-level dish proves that a comforting weeknight supper or satisfying lunch can be both easy and impressive.
Feel free to print this article and file it in your recipe binder for those nights when you crave something truly cozy. You’ll find an FAQ section below to answer any lingering curiosities, from storage hacks to ingredient swaps. If you try the recipe, I’d love to hear how it went—comments, questions, and feedback are always welcome. Did you add extra herbs or create a unique serving style? Drop your thoughts and let’s keep the conversation cooking!
Ground Beef and Dumplings
Description
A cozy one-pot meal brimming with savory ground beef, aromatic onions, tender mixed veggies, and buttery, cloud-like dumplings. Every bite offers rich, homestyle flavor that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a large skillet or saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if necessary.
-
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
-
Stir in the beef broth, frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
-
While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
-
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Gradually stir in the milk until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
-
Once the beef mixture is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the simmering broth. Make sure to space them out as they will expand a bit.
-
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes without lifting the lid. They are done when they are fluffy and cooked through.
-
Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Note
- For a richer flavor, you can use beef stock instead of broth.
- You can add spices like thyme or rosemary for added depth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This dish is great for meal prep; just keep the dumplings separate until ready to heat and serve.
