Ground Beef and Dumplings

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Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this. Ground Beef and Dumplings is a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings together tender dumplings and savory seasoned beef in a thick, flavorful gravy. It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes on the first bite and feel instantly at home.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with a rustic, nostalgic dish, this one delivers. The dumplings soak up the beefy goodness and offer just the right amount of chew, while the beef and onion base infuses the dish with richness and depth.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

This recipe is a celebration of simplicity. It uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, making it a budget-friendly option for busy nights. The entire dish cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup, and the flavors only get better the next day. It’s kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and perfect for anyone who loves an old-fashioned meal made modern.

Can I Use a Different Type of Ground Meat?

Yes! While ground beef gives a traditional flavor and texture, this recipe is flexible. You can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner take, or even ground pork for added richness. Just be sure to adjust seasoning slightly depending on the meat, especially salt and spices, as leaner meats can benefit from extra herbs or broth flavor boosts.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef and Dumplings

To make the most of this dish, it’s important to use ingredients that build flavor at every step. From the savory base to the tender dumplings, each element contributes to the comforting end result.

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• All-purpose flour
• Beef broth
• Milk
• Baking powder
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Dried thyme
• Bay leaf
• Fresh parsley

How To Make the Ground Beef and Dumplings

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned. Break it up as it cooks and drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Sprinkle in a bit of flour and stir until it coats the meat. This will help thicken the sauce.

Step 3: Simmer the Gravy

Pour in beef broth, add dried thyme, a bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and milk. Add melted butter and stir until a sticky dough forms.

Step 5: Add the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dough directly onto the simmering beef mixture. Cover with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to keep the steam in.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy, remove the bay leaf, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Ground Beef and Dumplings

This dish is best served hot straight from the pot, scooped generously into bowls. The recipe makes enough for 4 to 6 people, depending on serving size. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to rehydrate the dumplings. This dish also freezes well; portion it into containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Ground Beef and Dumplings?

Steamed Green Beans

Their lightness balances the richness of the beef and dumplings.

Garlic Roasted Carrots

Sweet and savory roasted carrots complement the dish with natural sweetness.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Serve on the side if you’re feeling extra carby, they’re wonderful for sopping up gravy.

Apple Walnut Salad

The crispness and acidity bring a fresh contrast to the creamy dumplings.

Creamed Spinach

This adds even more comfort to your plate with extra veggies.

Pickled Beets

A tangy, sharp addition that wakes up the palate.

Cornbread Muffins

Add some sweetness and texture with these Southern favorites.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Their umami and buttery texture are a natural pairing with beef-based meals.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If Ground Beef and Dumplings hits the spot, try these cozy favorites next:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Easy Chicken Fried Rice
• Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup
• Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri
• Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or try turkey instead? Maybe you added some peas or mushrooms? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated cozy meals and classic recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next go-to comfort dish.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Dumplings is more than a dish – it’s comfort in a bowl. With tender dumplings and a rich, savory beef filling, it captures everything we love about home-cooked meals. Whether you’re looking for something warm on a chilly night or just craving a meal that feels like a hug, this one delivers every single time.

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