There’s something magical about the combination of ground beef and dumplings that warms the heart and fills the belly. Picture this: tender, savory beef simmering in a rich broth, surrounded by fluffy dumplings that soak up all that delicious flavor. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want to snuggle up with a comforting dish.
I remember the first time I made ground beef and dumplings for my family. The aroma wafted through the house, drawing everyone into the kitchen like moths to a flame. The moment we dug in, I knew I had created something special—a recipe that would become a staple in our home during family gatherings and cold winter nights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This hearty dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Each bite offers an explosion of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
- It’s visually appealing with golden-brown dumplings floating atop savory broth, providing comfort food at its best.
- Ground beef and dumplings are versatile enough to be enjoyed any day of the week or served at celebratory dinners.
I still smile thinking about my family’s delighted faces as they savored every bite of this dish.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option while still ensuring juicy flavor.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; chop finely for even distribution.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse the dish with aromatic goodness; crush or mince them well.
Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness to your preference.
Dumpling Mix: Choose a ready-made mix or make your own from flour, baking powder, milk, and butter.
Carrots: Diced carrots not only add color but also sweetness; use fresh ones for best results.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley elevate the flavors; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings
Sautéing the Aromatics: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant. Toss in minced garlic shortly after; let them mingle until aromatic.
Browning the Beef: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned all over—about 5-7 minutes—ensuring no pink remains. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Add Broth and Carrots: Pour in beef broth along with diced carrots; bring everything to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes so flavors meld beautifully together.
Preparing the Dumpling Batter: In a separate bowl, combine your dumpling mix ingredients according to package instructions or your homemade recipe; ensure it’s smooth but thick enough to hold shape when dropped into soup.
Dropping Dumplings into Soup: Use a spoon to drop dollops of dumpling batter onto the surface of simmering soup; avoid overcrowding them! Cover tightly with a lid and cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes—this steams them perfectly.
Finishing Touches: Once dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top for added color and aroma before serving hot!
Now grab yourself a bowl (or two) of this delightful ground beef and dumplings mix—because trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Content
Fresh herbs enhance flavor. Chopped parsley or dill adds brightness to ground beef and dumplings. I learned this from my grandma, who always said, “A sprinkle of green makes everything keen!”
Use high-fat ground beef. It keeps the meat moist and flavorful during cooking. A lesson learned after my first dry beef disaster—never again!
Monitor dumpling size closely. Consistent sizes ensure even cooking and a delightful texture. I once had mini dumplings alongside giant ones; talk about a culinary identity crisis!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by browning the ground beef in a large pot, then add onions and garlic for aromatic depth. While that simmers, prepare your dumpling dough so everything cooks harmoniously.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also experiment with different spices such as paprika or thyme to elevate your dish’s profile.
Storing & Reheating
Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days, reheating on low heat to preserve tenderness and moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough; gentle folding creates a light texture.
- Always taste your beef mixture before adding more seasoning to avoid oversalting.
- Remember, simmer gently rather than boil aggressively for tender dumplings!
I remember the first time I made ground beef and dumplings for my family. The laughter and compliments were priceless, making it a cherished dish in our household.
FAQ
Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe.
What can I serve with ground beef and dumplings?
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How do I prevent my dumplings from becoming too tough?
Avoid overmixing the dough; handle it gently for soft, fluffy dumplings every time!
Ground Beef and Dumplings
Ground Beef and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender, savory beef with fluffy dumplings, all cooked in a rich broth. This cozy dish is perfect for chilly evenings, filling your home with delightful aromas that will draw everyone to the kitchen. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups dumpling mix (or homemade: 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 cup milk, 4 tbsp butter)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Sauté chopped onions until translucent; add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart as it browns for about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and add diced carrots. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the dumpling batter according to package instructions or your homemade recipe; it should be thick enough to hold shape.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter onto the simmering soup without overcrowding. Cover tightly and cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: For added nutrition and flavor, consider mixing in vegetables like peas or using spices such as paprika. Cool leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
