Hearty Ground Beef Dumplings

This ground beef and dumplings recipe turns simple ingredients into a cozy meal perfect for chilly nights when you want something filling and satisfying. The rich beef gravy combined with light fluffy dumplings makes it a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

I first made this after craving a classic comfort meal but wanted something that came together quickly. It has since become a weekend favorite for when I want a hearty meal without complicated steps.

Ingredients

• One pound of ground beef: with about 85 percent lean content gives enough fat for flavor without being greasy
• Olive oil: optional but helps in sautéing the onions nicely
• Fresh onion and garlic: build a base of savory flavor essential for the gravy
• Tomato paste: adds richness and helps thicken the sauce with a slight tang
• All-purpose flour: used both in the gravy and dumplings providing the right structure
• Low sodium beef broth: lets you control salt levels and enhances the beef flavor
• Dried thyme: brings a subtle herbal note that pairs well with beef
• Paprika: adds earthiness and mild smokiness lifting the overall taste
• Salt and pepper: key to seasoning the entire dish well
• Frozen peas or mixed vegetables: add color and extra nutrients but can be skipped if you prefer
• Softened unsalted butter: in the dumplings enriches their texture
• Milk: moistens the dumpling dough for softness and tenderness
• Baking powder: makes the dumplings rise to a fluffy finish

Instructions

Build the beef base:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add ground beef. Cook thoroughly until it browns and crumbles. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break apart the meat for even cooking. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.

Add aromatics gradually:

Add the diced onion to the beef and cook until translucent and tender about four minutes. Follow with minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant but not burnt.

Create the sauce:

Stir in tomato paste and cook for one minute to amplify its flavor. Sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture and mix well to coat everything. This helps thicken the gravy. Pour in the beef broth bit by bit while whisking to avoid lumps. Season with thyme paprika salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for eight to ten minutes until it thickens nicely.

Prepare dumpling dough:

In a separate bowl combine flour baking powder and salt. Use your fingertips or a fork to cut in softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Slowly add milk and gently mix until just combined avoid overmixing to keep dumplings light.

Combine and cook dumplings:

If you want vegetables stir peas or mixed veggies into the beef sauce now. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter over the simmering gravy. Cover loosely with a lid to trap steam and let cook for 15 to 20 minutes until dumplings puff up and a toothpick inserted comes out clean meaning fully cooked.

My favorite part has always been the dumplings their pillowy texture paired with the deeply savory beef gravy feels like something my grandmother might have served on a cold winter day. It reminds me of family gatherings where the kitchen was filled with warmth and rich aromas.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating gently warm the mixture in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the dumplings. Adding a splash of broth or water can help refresh the sauce.

Ingredient Swaps

If you want to lighten the dish swap half the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken but keep the fat content for flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a different but still tasty variation. Try fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley in place of thyme for a fresh twist.

Serving Ideas

Serve this dish with a green salad for contrast and brightness. A side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots pairs well with the hearty flavors. Crusty bread alongside is perfect for sopping up the rich gravy and extra dumpling sauce.

This recipe brings back comfort food memories for me every time I make it. One weekend my kids insisted on helping drop the dumpling spoonfuls and their excitement watching them rise made it an instant favorite all around.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of ground beef is best for this dish?

Use 85% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat, which helps keep the mixture juicy and rich.

→ Can I add vegetables to the beef mixture?

Yes, frozen peas or mixed vegetables like carrots and celery can be added to enhance flavor and nutrition.

→ How do I know when dumplings are fully cooked?

Dumplings are done when they puff up and a toothpick inserted comes out clean without any dough sticking.

→ Is it possible to make the dumplings lighter and fluffier?

Using baking powder and gently folding the batter helps create airy, tender dumplings that rise well over the beef mixture.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can brown the beef and prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time, but cook the dumplings just before serving to retain their light texture.

→ What can be used instead of beef broth?

For a different flavor, vegetable broth can be substituted, but it will alter the overall taste slightly.