Ground Beef and Dumplings

There’s something special about a warm, bubbling casserole that brings the whole family to the table. If you grew up on comforting skillet meals, casseroles, or soups, this recipe for Ground Beef and Dumplings will hit all the right nostalgic notes.

Think of it as a cross between a beef pot pie and a creamy stew, but instead of a pastry crust, you get fluffy golden dumplings baked right on top. Savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce form the base, while pillowy biscuits bake into the perfect topping.

This dish is hearty, satisfying, and budget-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners. Best of all, it comes together with simple pantry staples and one shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor: refrigerated biscuit dough.

If you’ve ever loved chicken and dumplings, beef stew, or biscuit-topped casseroles, you’ll fall head over heels for this easy comfort food recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food flavors – Creamy sauce, tender veggies, and fluffy biscuits.
• Easy shortcut – Using canned biscuit dough makes dumplings effortless.
• Family-friendly – Kid-approved flavors with hearty portions.
• Budget-conscious – Ground beef stretches a long way in this one-pan meal.
• Versatile – Easily customizable with different soups, veggies, or seasonings.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 6 hearty servings.

Main Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil – For browning the beef and onions.
• 1 lb lean ground beef – Adds protein and richness to the dish.
• 1 cup diced yellow onion – Builds a savory flavor base.
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic – Infuses the sauce with aroma.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – A balanced blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil.

Creamy Base

• 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup – Adds cheesiness and body.
• 10.5 oz condensed cream of bacon soup – Contributes smoky, savory flavor.
• 2 cups chicken broth – Thins the base into a stew-like consistency.
• 2 cups half and half – Makes the sauce rich and creamy.

Vegetables & Dumplings

• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables – Carrots, peas, corn, and beans for texture and color.
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (12 oz, 10 biscuits) – The dumplings, baked golden on top.

Equipment Needed

• Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven – To cook everything in one pan.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For breaking up beef and stirring.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – To dice onion and garlic.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and diced onion; cook until beef is browned and onions are softened (about 6–7 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

1. Stir in cheddar soup, cream of bacon soup, chicken broth, and half and half.
2. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until smooth and well combined.
3. Fold in frozen mixed vegetables.

Step 3: Add the Dumplings

1. Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
2. Evenly scatter biscuit pieces across the top of the beef mixture.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the skillet (uncovered) to the oven.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. The creamy filling will thicken as it cools slightly.

Tips for Success

• Cut biscuits smaller – Quartering them helps ensure even baking.
• Avoid soggy dumplings – Don’t cover the skillet; bake uncovered for golden tops.
• Use oven-safe cookware – If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer mixture to a casserole dish before topping with biscuits.
• Season to taste – Depending on your soups and broth, you may want extra salt and pepper.

Flavor Variations

• Cheesy twist – Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the biscuits before baking.
• Southwestern style – Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning and use pepper jack cheese soup.
• Vegetarian option – Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use cream of mushroom soup.
• Beefier version – Use cream of mushroom instead of cream of bacon and stir in Worcestershire sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad for freshness.
• Pair with garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Add a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make-ahead: Prepare the filling, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then top with biscuits and bake fresh.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly; cover with foil if biscuits brown too quickly.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze filling without biscuits for up to 2 months; thaw and bake with fresh biscuit topping.

Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g

(Values vary depending on ingredient brands used.)

FAQs

Q1: Can I use homemade dumplings instead of canned biscuits?
Yes! Drop spoonfuls of homemade biscuit dough over the filling instead of canned biscuits.

Q2: What other soups can I use?
Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of chicken work well.

Q3: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely — just chop them small and sauté briefly before adding.

Q4: Do the biscuits cook all the way through?
Yes — as long as they’re cut small and baked uncovered, they’ll puff up and bake fully.

Q5: Can this be made on the stovetop only?
Not really — the biscuits need the dry heat of the oven to bake properly.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep & chop veggies	5 min
Cook beef & onions	7 min
Make sauce	5 min
Bake with biscuits	20–25 min
Rest & serve	5 min
Total Time	~45 min

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple pantry ingredients, a creamy flavorful base, and fluffy biscuits baked on top, it’s a meal that’s hearty, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just when you need a cozy dish to warm you up, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for balance, and enjoy the rich, homey flavors of this casserole-style dinner.

Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become part of your weeknight rotation.

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