Ground Beef and Dumplings Hearty Comfort Meal

by Emma on December 5, 2024

Looking for a meal that wraps you in warmth and flavor? Ground beef and dumplings is your answer! This hearty comfort dish combines savory beef, fresh veggies, and fluffy dumplings into one pot of deliciousness. You will learn how to create this cozy recipe from scratch, along with helpful tips for perfecting it every time. Stick with me to discover this satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

$- Ground beef and vegetable components: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 2 carrots, diced into small cubes - 1 cup frozen peas - Seasoning and broth details: - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 cup beef broth - Dumpling preparation ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 3/4 cup milk - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped finely for garnish Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smooth and fun. Each item plays a key role in building rich flavors. The ground beef provides a hearty base, while vegetables add color and texture. The spices and broth bring depth to the dish. Lastly, the dumplings give that perfect comfort food touch. Enjoy the cooking journey! {{ingredient_image_2}} Browning the ground beef Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown it well, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s browned, carefully drain any excess grease. This keeps the filling from being too oily. Sautéing the vegetables Next, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, and 1 cup of frozen peas to the skillet. Stir the mixture and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender and fragrant. Seasoning and simmering the filling Now it’s time to add flavor. Mix in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This will thicken the filling slightly. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside. Mixing dry ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure they are well combined. Adding milk and forming the dough Gradually pour in 3/4 cup of milk. Mix until just combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour to reach the right consistency. Forming dumplings and placing them in the skillet Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the dough and shape them into small balls, about the size of walnuts. Carefully drop these dumplings onto the seasoned beef filling in your skillet. Space them out evenly. Cooking the dumplings correctly Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the dumplings to steam and expand until they are fluffy and cooked through. Enjoy the comforting aroma as they cook! To make your dumplings fluffy, start with the right dough. The dough should feel soft but not too sticky. If it is too wet, add more flour. You want it just right. When cooking the dumplings, steam is key. Cover your skillet with a lid to keep the steam in. This helps the dumplings rise and cook evenly. Keep the heat low to avoid burning them. To boost flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder or onion powder. These spices can add a nice depth to your dish. You might also try a pinch of cayenne for heat or some Italian herbs for a twist. For broth, beef broth works great, but you can use chicken or vegetable broth. Each option adds its own taste. If you like a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the broth. It makes a big difference! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your dumplings. Consider adding a mix of parsley, chives, or thyme to the dough for an extra aromatic touch. Adjust Filling Consistency: If your beef filling seems too dry, add a splash more beef broth while it simmers. A moist filling will enhance the overall flavor and texture. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder to give the beef filling a unique twist that suits your taste buds. Check Dumpling Doneness: To ensure the dumplings are cooked through, you can cut one in half before serving. It should be fluffy and not doughy in the center. {{image_4}} You can switch ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat. This change makes the dish lighter. Ground turkey has a milder taste, so add extra spices to boost flavor. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option. For dumplings, try dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This way, you can enjoy this meal while meeting dietary needs. Explore regional flavors to make this dish unique. For an Asian twist, add soy sauce and ginger to the beef. You can use rice flour for dumplings. For an Italian flair, mix in some Italian herbs and use parmesan in the dumplings. Seasonal vegetables can also change the dish. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In fall, use pumpkin or squash for a warm touch. These additions keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it. To store leftovers of ground beef and dumplings, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. For refrigeration, use a container that seals tightly to keep moisture in. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. This keeps the meal fresh for up to three months. Make sure to label the container with the date. When reheating, take it from the freezer and thaw it in the fridge overnight. For best reheating results, use the oven or stove. Heat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. If using the microwave, cover it to trap steam. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. In the fridge, you can expect ground beef and dumplings to last about three days. If stored properly, they should remain safe to eat. In the freezer, this meal can last for up to three months. After that, the taste and texture may decline. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming. You can tell dumplings are done when they puff up and are no longer sticky. The color will change to a light golden hue. Gently poke one with a fork. If it feels firm and springs back, it’s ready. Cooking them for 15-20 minutes ensures they steam well. Check the beef filling too; it should be bubbling. If you see steam escaping, it’s a good sign they are cooked through. Yes, you can prepare dumplings ahead of time. Make the dough and shape the dumplings. Lay them on a tray and cover with plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for one day. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag. When ready to cook, add them directly to the beef filling. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can use store-bought dumplings for this dish. They save time and effort. Choose a brand that cooks quickly. Adjust the cooking time based on package directions. You may need to reduce the amount of broth used. This keeps the dish from becoming too watery. Taste the filling to ensure it pairs well with the dumplings. Store-bought options can be a great shortcut for busy nights. You learned how to make delicious ground beef and dumplings. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips for perfect results. You can even try fun twists and variations to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers the right way to keep them fresh. Now, go ahead and put your skills to the test! Enjoy your meal and impress your friends and family with this classic dish.$

Why I Love This Recipe

Comforting Meal: This dish combines hearty ground beef with soft dumplings, making it a perfect comfort food for chilly evenings.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
Rich Flavors: The combination of herbs and spices in the beef filling creates a deliciously savory experience that everyone will love.
Customizable: You can easily modify the filling by adding your favorite vegetables or spices, making it a versatile dish.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients for Ground Beef and Dumplings

– Ground beef and vegetable components:

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– 2 carrots, diced into small cubes

– 1 cup frozen peas

– Seasoning and broth details:

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 tablespoon tomato paste

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– 2 teaspoons dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1 cup beef broth

– Dumpling preparation ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 3/4 cup milk

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped finely for garnish

Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smooth and fun. Each item plays a key role in building rich flavors. The ground beef provides a hearty base, while vegetables add color and texture. The spices and broth bring depth to the dish. Lastly, the dumplings give that perfect comfort food touch. Enjoy the cooking journey!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Beef Filling

Browning the ground beef

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown it well, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s browned, carefully drain any excess grease. This keeps the filling from being too oily.

Sautéing the vegetables

Next, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, and 1 cup of frozen peas to the skillet. Stir the mixture and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender and fragrant.

Seasoning and simmering the filling

Now it’s time to add flavor. Mix in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This will thicken the filling slightly. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.

Preparing the Dumpling Dough

Mixing dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure they are well combined.

Adding milk and forming the dough

Gradually pour in 3/4 cup of milk. Mix until just combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour to reach the right consistency.

Combining Everything

Forming dumplings and placing them in the skillet

Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the dough and shape them into small balls, about the size of walnuts. Carefully drop these dumplings onto the seasoned beef filling in your skillet. Space them out evenly.

Cooking the dumplings correctly

Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the dumplings to steam and expand until they are fluffy and cooked through. Enjoy the comforting aroma as they cook!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfectly Fluffy Dumplings

To make your dumplings fluffy, start with the right dough. The dough should feel soft but not too sticky. If it is too wet, add more flour. You want it just right.

When cooking the dumplings, steam is key. Cover your skillet with a lid to keep the steam in. This helps the dumplings rise and cook evenly. Keep the heat low to avoid burning them.

Enhancing Flavor

To boost flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder or onion powder. These spices can add a nice depth to your dish. You might also try a pinch of cayenne for heat or some Italian herbs for a twist.

For broth, beef broth works great, but you can use chicken or vegetable broth. Each option adds its own taste. If you like a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the broth. It makes a big difference!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your dumplings. Consider adding a mix of parsley, chives, or thyme to the dough for an extra aromatic touch.
Adjust Filling Consistency: If your beef filling seems too dry, add a splash more beef broth while it simmers. A moist filling will enhance the overall flavor and texture.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder to give the beef filling a unique twist that suits your taste buds.
Check Dumpling Doneness: To ensure the dumplings are cooked through, you can cut one in half before serving. It should be fluffy and not doughy in the center.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat. This change makes the dish lighter. Ground turkey has a milder taste, so add extra spices to boost flavor. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.

For dumplings, try dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This way, you can enjoy this meal while meeting dietary needs.

Flavor Twist Ideas

Explore regional flavors to make this dish unique. For an Asian twist, add soy sauce and ginger to the beef. You can use rice flour for dumplings. For an Italian flair, mix in some Italian herbs and use parmesan in the dumplings.

Seasonal vegetables can also change the dish. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In fall, use pumpkin or squash for a warm touch. These additions keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it.

Storage Information

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftovers of ground beef and dumplings, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. For refrigeration, use a container that seals tightly to keep moisture in. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.

To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. This keeps the meal fresh for up to three months. Make sure to label the container with the date. When reheating, take it from the freezer and thaw it in the fridge overnight.

For best reheating results, use the oven or stove. Heat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. If using the microwave, cover it to trap steam. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, you can expect ground beef and dumplings to last about three days. If stored properly, they should remain safe to eat. In the freezer, this meal can last for up to three months. After that, the taste and texture may decline. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.

FAQs

How do you know when the dumplings are done?

You can tell dumplings are done when they puff up and are no longer sticky. The color will change to a light golden hue. Gently poke one with a fork. If it feels firm and springs back, it’s ready. Cooking them for 15-20 minutes ensures they steam well. Check the beef filling too; it should be bubbling. If you see steam escaping, it’s a good sign they are cooked through.

Can you make dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare dumplings ahead of time. Make the dough and shape the dumplings. Lay them on a tray and cover with plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for one day. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag. When ready to cook, add them directly to the beef filling. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use store-bought dumplings?

You can use store-bought dumplings for this dish. They save time and effort. Choose a brand that cooks quickly. Adjust the cooking time based on package directions. You may need to reduce the amount of broth used. This keeps the dish from becoming too watery. Taste the filling to ensure it pairs well with the dumplings. Store-bought options can be a great shortcut for busy nights.

You learned how to make delicious ground beef and dumplings. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips for perfect results. You can even try fun twists and variations to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers the right way to keep them fresh. Now, go ahead and put your skills to the test! Enjoy your meal and impress your friends and family with this classic dis

Savory Ground Beef & Herb Dumplings

A hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef and fluffy herb dumplings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced into small cubes
1 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup beef broth
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 quarters cup milk
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped finely for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet or frying pan set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it is browned, breaking it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease to keep the filling from becoming too oily.
To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and frozen peas. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
Incorporate the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, dried thyme, paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the beef broth and allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly into a rich filling. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Gradually add the milk to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft yet not overly sticky; if it's too wet, add a little more flour as needed.
With a spoon, scoop out portions of the dough and shape them into small balls roughly the size of walnuts. Ensure they are well-formed but not overly compact.
Carefully drop the formed dumplings onto the surface of the seasoned beef filling in the skillet, spacing them evenly throughout. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the dumplings to steam and expand until they are fluffy and cooked through.
Once the dumplings are ready, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot in shallow bowls, ensuring each bowl contains a nice portion of both beef filling and dumplings.

Notes

For an attractive serving, arrange the beef filling and dumplings neatly in shallow bowls. Garnish with additional freshly chopped parsley and consider adding a slice of crusty bread on the side for a complete meal experience.

Keyword beef, comfort food, dumplings, herbs