Ground Beef and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together tender, seasoned beef and fluffy, soft dumplings in a rich, savory broth. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ideal for family dinners or chilly evenings when you need a warm, filling meal. With pantry staples like ground beef, onion, garlic, and a quick homemade dumpling dough, this recipe comes together in under an hour. Its versatility allows for easy customization with vegetables or herbs, and the fluffy dumplings soak up the flavorful broth beautifully. It’s a nostalgic and homey meal that’s both budget-friendly and deeply satisfying.
For the Ground Beef & Gravy:
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups beef broth
For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup milk
Optional:
Fresh parsley for garnish
Frozen peas, carrots, or corn for extra flavor and texture
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until onions are softened. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a gentle simmer. Add any extra vegetables if using.
Step 4: Make Dumpling Dough
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir in milk until a sticky dough forms.
Step 5: Add Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth, leaving space between them. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked ground beef mixture into the pot with the dumplings. Stir gently to combine. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Dumpling Variations: You can flavor the dumpling dough with herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth.
Make It a Stew: Add frozen peas, corn, or carrots during the simmer for a complete one-pot meal.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Freezer-Friendly: Can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Calories: ~410 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 780mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g