Ground Beef and Dumplings (Printable Version)

A comforting meal of seasoned ground beef in rich gravy, crowned with tender, fluffy dumplings.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Meat and Fats

01 - 450 g ground beef (85% lean)
02 - 15 ml olive oil (optional)
03 - 60 g unsalted butter, softened

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

04 - 1 small onion, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 240 ml frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 15 ml tomato paste
08 - 15 ml all-purpose flour
09 - 130 g all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
10 - 15 ml baking powder
11 - 3 g salt

→ Liquids and Seasonings

12 - 480 ml low sodium beef broth
13 - 5 ml dried thyme
14 - 5 ml paprika
15 - 160 ml milk (whole or 2%)
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
02 - Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, approximately 4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
03 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Gradually pour in beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Season with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened.
04 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in softened butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just combined.
05 - If desired, fold frozen peas or mixed vegetables into the beef mixture. Spoon dumpling batter over the simmering mixture. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Using leaner ground beef reduces fat content, and adding vegetables like carrots or celery enhances flavor. Ensure dumplings are fully cooked by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.