Description
Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings is a comforting and satisfying dish featuring seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich gravy topped with fluffy, tender dumplings. This recipe combines classic flavors and simple ingredients to create the perfect dinner that warms the soul and pleases the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if beef is leaner)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups beef broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Build the Sauce: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir well to coat it evenly. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a rich gravy. If using, stir in the frozen peas or mixed vegetables now.
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and work it into the flour mixture using your fingers or a fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk gently until a soft dough forms; be careful not to overmix.
- Add Dumplings to the Pan: Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling dough on top of the beef mixture in the skillet. You should be able to make 6 to 8 dumplings evenly spaced. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low to allow the dumplings to steam and cook through, about 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use 85% lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture without excess fat.
- Feel free to add your preferred frozen vegetables to boost nutrition and add color.
- Make sure to cover the skillet tightly when steaming dumplings to trap the steam properly.
- Serve hot with a side of steamed greens or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
