Beef and Dumplings Stew

Ground Beef and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food, offering a warm and hearty dish that wraps you in a nostalgic embrace with every bite. This delightful recipe combines tender, seasoned ground beef with fluffy dumplings, creating a satisfying blend that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. With step-by-step instructions, even novice cooks can create this comforting meal with ease. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers will surely have everyone gathering around the table in anticipation.

Ingredients

To prepare your delicious Ground Beef and Dumplings, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (85 percent lean) – Rich and savory, providing a flavorful base for your dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds a touch of heartiness while sautéing.
• 1 small onion, diced – Aromatic and sweet, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – A fragrant punch that elevates the dish.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Adds depth with its concentrated, tangy richness.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the beef mixture and creates a savory coating.
• 1.5 cups beef broth – A robust liquid that makes the filling flavorful and comforting.
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme – A fragrant herb that adds an earthy note.
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika – A hint of smokiness to brighten the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing flavors.
• 0.5 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional) – Adds color and extra nutrition to the meal.

For the dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Provides the base for soft, fluffy dumplings.
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder – Ensures a light, airy texture.
• 0.25 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor in the dumplings.
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened – Adds richness.
• 0.5 cup milk (whole or 2 percent) – Creates a moist, tender dough.

Cooking Time & Tips For Ground Beef and Dumplings

Cooking Ground Beef and Dumplings typically takes about 45 minutes. You can opt for a quick preparation or a slow-cooked version, depending on your schedule. Quick preparation involves using freshly chopped ingredients and cooking them in one skillet, while slow preparation allows flavors to deepen by letting the beef mixture simmer longer.

Practical Tips for Success:

• Drain excess fat from the ground beef for a less greasy dish.
• Don’t rush the dumpling steaming; keeping the lid closed allows for a fluffy texture.
• Consider sautéing additional vegetables with the onion for extra flavor and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking it until it’s no longer pink. Use a spatula to break it into smaller pieces, allowing it to cook evenly. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to retain a healthier dish.

2. Next, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, imparting a lovely sweetness to your mixture.

3. Introduce the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The garlic will start to perfume the air, creating an inviting aroma for your dish.

4. Stir in the tomato paste, mixing well for about 1 minute. This enhances the flavor of your beef mixture with its rich, tangy character.

5. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken your dish, giving it a luscious consistency.

6. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously. This step is crucial for preventing lumps and ensuring a silky texture.

7. Season the mixture with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer uncovered for about 8-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking. If you choose to add frozen peas or mixed vegetables, stir them in now, letting them warm through.

8. While the beef mixture is simmering, you can prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

9. Work in the softened butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will give your dumplings their delightful texture.

10. Gradually stir in the milk until the dough forms a moist ball. Be careful not to overmix, or the dumplings may become tough.

11. Drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling dough onto the beef mixture. Spread them evenly across the surface, covering as much of the mixture as possible.

12. Next, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reducing the heat to low. Let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This is key for achieving light, fluffy dumplings.

13. After 15 minutes, remove the skillet from heat and allow it to sit for another 5 minutes before serving. This extra time lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

Ground Beef and Dumplings is an excellent dish for a casual family dinner, weekend gatherings, or even a cozy night in with loved ones. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a delightful twist, serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

Common Mistakes For Ground Beef and Dumplings

• Overcrowding the Skillet: Don’t rush the cooking process. Ensure there’s enough space in the skillet for even cooking.
• Skipping the Steaming Process: Resist the temptation to lift the lid while steaming the dumplings; this can lead to flat dumplings.
• Under-seasoning: Adjust the seasoning at every step. Taste as you go to find your preferred flavor profile.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

You can make the dish healthier by:

• Using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Incorporating more vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost nutrition.
• Replacing regular flour with whole wheat flour in the dumpling recipe for added fiber.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before adding the dumplings for steaming.

2. What if I don’t have baking powder?
   You can make a substitute with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish (without dumplings) for up to three months. Reheat gently and prepare fresh dumplings when you’re ready to enjoy.

4. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
   Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead.

5. What should I serve with it?
   A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement the dish beautifully.

6. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
   Yes! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs for the best flavor.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a comforting recipe that is easy to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for feeding the whole family, Ground Beef and Dumplings is just what you need. With its rich flavors and cozy texture, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Grab your ingredients and start cooking—your tastebuds will thank you!

Ground Beef and Dumplings

A comforting dish that features seasoned ground beef and fluffy dumplings, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the beef mixture

• 1 lb ground beef (85 percent lean) Rich and savory, providing a flavorful base.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil Adds a touch of heartiness while sautéing.
• 1 small onion, diced Enhances overall flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced A fragrant punch.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste Adds depth with its concentrated richness.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Helps thicken the beef mixture.
• 1.5 cups beef broth Makes the filling flavorful.
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme Adds an earthy note.
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika Brightens the dish.
• to taste salt and pepper Essential for balancing flavors.
• 0.5 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional) Adds color and nutrition.

For the dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour Provides the base for dumplings.
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder Ensures a light texture.
• 0.25 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened Adds richness.
• 0.5 cup milk (whole or 2 percent) Creates a moist, tender dough.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into smaller pieces.
• Drain excess fat from the ground beef.
• Add diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Stir in tomato paste for 1 minute.
• Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring to coat.
• Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring continuously.
• Season with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 8-10 minutes.
• If using, stir in frozen peas or mixed vegetables.

Dumpling Preparation

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Work in softened butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually stir in milk until dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
• Drop heaping tablespoons of the dumpling dough onto the beef mixture.
• Cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Steam for about 15 minutes.
• Let sit for another 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Consider sautéing additional vegetables with the onion for extra flavor. Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. For variations, substitute ground beef with lentils for a vegetarian option.

Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Family Dinner, Ground Beef and Dumplings, hearty meal