Ground Beef and Dumplings

There’s nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of a hearty one-pot meal. This Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe combines savory, browned ground beef simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy with soft, tender dumplings on top. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave something warm and satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving the ultimate comfort food, this dish delivers big flavor without complicated steps.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Not all comfort food is created equal. Here’s why this one shines:

• Hearty and satisfying: Savory ground beef and fluffy dumplings in a rich gravy.
• One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
• Easy to make: Perfect for weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable: Add vegetables like peas or carrots for more nutrition.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Fluffy dumplings: Soft, tender, and perfectly cooked on top of the beef.
• ✅ Rich, savory gravy: Thickened just right with flour and infused with thyme and Worcestershire sauce.
• ✅ Quick prep: 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking.
• ✅ Flexible: Easily adapt to add vegetables or spices.
• ✅ Meal prep friendly: Reheats well for leftovers.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s the exact ingredient list for this recipe, organized for clarity:

Beef & Gravy

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup milk

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Serving Size: 1 bowl per person

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Optional: whisk for combining flour and liquids

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the perfect balance of savory beef and tender dumplings.

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Browning the beef develops rich, savory flavor that forms the base of your dish.

2. Cook Onion and Garlic

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor into the meat.

3. Make the Gravy

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow the gravy to thicken slightly.

4. Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cut in cold cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in ½ cup milk until just combined, forming a soft dough. Do not overmix — overworked dough can result in dense dumplings.

5. Add Dumplings to the Skillet

Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the simmering beef and gravy. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes until puffed and fully cooked through.

6. Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm, straight from the skillet for ultimate comfort.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetable-packed version: Add peas, carrots, or green beans with the onions.
• Cheesy dumplings: Fold in ¼ cup shredded cheese for a rich twist.
• Herb variations: Try rosemary, sage, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Avoid dense dumplings: Keep the lid closed while steaming to trap moisture and heat.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste & Texture

• Savory and hearty: Rich beef flavor complemented by aromatic thyme and Worcestershire sauce.
• Tender and fluffy: Dumplings contrast with the thick, silky gravy.
• Comforting: Creamy, warm, and satisfying — a true comfort food classic.

Suggested Pairings

• Drinks: Light-bodied red wine (Pinot Noir or Merlot), iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon.
• Sides: Green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple side salad balance the richness.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 435
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-containing due to flour, nut-free, dairy included in dumplings (milk and butter).

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Beef base: Can be cooked and stored in the fridge for 1–2 days.
• Dumpling dough: Best made fresh, but you can prepare dry ingredients ahead of time.
• Storage: Keep beef and dumplings separate if possible for better texture when reheating.
• Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop; cover to retain moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Adjust seasonings slightly to complement the milder meat.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour in both the gravy and dumplings with a gluten-free blend.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store beef and gravy separately from dumplings. Freeze up to 2 months and reheat slowly on the stovetop.

4. How do I know when dumplings are cooked?
They should be puffed, firm to the touch, and no longer doughy inside.

5. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Peas, carrots, or mushrooms can be sautéed with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep (chop & measure)	10–15 mins
Cook beef	5–6 mins
Sauté onion & garlic	4–5 mins
Make gravy & simmer	5–6 mins
Prepare dumpling dough	5 mins
Steam dumplings	15 mins
Total Time	45 mins

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in deep bowls with a spoonful of gravy covering the dumplings.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
• Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp side salad to cut through richness.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetable-Enhanced: Add carrots, peas, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed twist.
2. Cheesy Dumplings: Mix ¼ cup shredded cheese into the dumpling dough.
3. Herb-Infused Gravy: Substitute or add rosemary, sage, or oregano for extra aroma.
4. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the beef mixture.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Beef

• Selection: 80/20 for best flavor and moisture.
• Storage: Refrigerate 1–2 days; freeze up to 3 months.
• Cooking Tip: Browning in batches enhances flavor without overcrowding the pan.

Dumplings

• Flour: Provides structure. Do not overmix.
• Butter: Cold butter ensures light, fluffy dumplings.
• Milk: Adds moisture; adjust slightly for dough consistency.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Avoid dense dumplings: Keep the lid closed to trap steam while cooking.
• Thick gravy: Slowly whisk in broth to avoid lumps; simmer gently.
• Flavor boost: Toast garlic and onions slightly longer for deeper flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Beef and gravy: Refrigerate for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 2 months.
• Dumplings: Best fresh; can freeze raw dough and cook directly over hot beef and gravy.
• Reheating: Cover when warming to retain moisture and prevent dumplings from drying out.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	435 kcal
Protein	24 g
Carbs	31 g
Fat	24 g
Saturated Fat	11 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	740 mg
Cholesterol	80 mg

Dietary Notes: Comfort food classic, not low-carb or gluten-free by default. Adapt with substitutions as needed.

Expanded Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. The rich, savory beef combined with fluffy dumplings makes for a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Easy enough for weeknights, yet cozy enough for special evenings, it’s a dish that warms the soul and delights the taste buds.

Serve it hot, garnish with parsley, and pair it with simple sides or a crisp salad. Make it for your family, meal prep for busy days, or simply enjoy as the perfect classic American comfort meal.

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