Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings : Perfect Dinner

Posted on May 12, 2025 ·

By Lyndy

ground beef and dumplings in a bowl with text overlay that reads ground beef and dumplings

When comfort food is calling, few dishes deliver the warmth and satisfaction of Ground Beef and Dumplings. This classic meal combines juicy, seasoned ground beef with soft, fluffy dumplings simmered in rich broth. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and exactly what your dinner table needs—whether it’s a cozy Sunday meal or a fancy ground beef dinner for two.

This dish blends down-home simplicity with robust flavor, making it a favorite among families, couples, and anyone craving a rustic, nourishing meal. Whether you’re new to making dumplings or you’ve mastered your way around meat-based casseroles, this easy Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe will become a new go-to for your rotation.

Why This Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe Is Perfect for Dinner

This recipe checks every box for a fulfilling meal:

  • It’s affordable and uses pantry staples
  • It’s flexible enough for casual weeknights or fancy ground beef dinners
  • It can be portioned easily for dinner for 2 with ground beef
  • It’s a true comfort classic that satisfies

The combination of a thick, savory beef mixture with soft, drop-style dumplings brings together taste, texture, and nostalgia in a single pot. No oven required, no fancy techniques—just a hearty dish that comes together on the stove in under an hour.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

To recreate this warming dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Ground Beef Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works best)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if beef is leaner)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)

These basic ingredients come together to form a dish that feels anything but ordinary.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need to Make This Hearty Meal

You don’t need much to make ground beef dumplings at home, just a few everyday kitchen items:

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Mixing bowls (for dumpling dough)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle
  • Knife and cutting board

This simple setup makes cleanup easy and prep quick, ideal for weeknight meals.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Ground Beef Dumplings

Here’s how to make the ultimate ground beef and dumplings from scratch:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat the beef evenly. Slowly add the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a gravy-like consistency. Stir in frozen vegetables at this point if using.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until the dough comes together.

Step 5: Add Dumplings to the Pan

Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough on top of the beef mixture. You should get 6–8 dumplings. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.

Step 6: Simmer and Cook

Let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. They will puff up and cook through using the steam and heat from the beef mixture.

Step 7: Serve

Once dumplings are cooked through, remove from heat and let sit uncovered for 5 minutes. Serve hot, scooping a portion of beef with one or two dumplings into each bowl.

Tips for Perfectly Tender Dumplings and Flavorful Beef

  • Don’t peek while dumplings steam: The trapped steam is key to fluffy results.
  • Keep the beef sauce slightly saucy: It thickens as it simmers with the dumplings.
  • Add herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives adds freshness just before serving.
  • Use cold milk and butter: This helps create a light, tender dumpling dough.

Dinner for 2 Ground Beef: How to Adjust the Recipe for Smaller Portions

This recipe can be easily halved for a cozy dinner for 2 with ground beef. Use ½ lb of beef, reduce the broth to ¾ cup, and cut dumpling ingredients in half. Use a smaller skillet and the same cooking method. The result is a warm, home-cooked meal that doesn’t overwhelm or waste ingredients.

Fancy Ground Beef Dinners: Elevating a Humble Dish

Though grounded in rustic simplicity, you can upgrade this dish for fancy ground beef dinners with a few elegant twists:

  • Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon
  • Add a splash of cream to the beef mixture for richness
  • Swap in gruyère or parmesan in the dumpling dough
  • Finish with a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil

These upgrades transform the dish from comfort food to an impressive entrée for date night or small gatherings.

Variations: Ground Pork and Beef Recipes for Dinner

Want to mix it up? Try these easy variations using a mix of meats:

  • Ground pork and beef: Use half of each for a richer flavor. This blend is juicier and perfect for dumplings.
  • Ground turkey: For a leaner, lighter version of the recipe.
  • Add chopped spinach or kale to the beef mixture for added greens.
  • Cheesy dumplings: Mix shredded cheddar into the dumpling dough.

These swaps make the recipe even more versatile and fit various dietary preferences.

What to Serve With Ground Beef and Dumplings

This one-pot meal is filling on its own, but you can round it out with:

  • A side of steamed green beans or broccoli
  • Garden salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
  • Roasted carrots or sweet potatoes
  • A slice of crusty bread to mop up extra gravy

Light, fresh sides contrast nicely with the heartiness of the beef and dumplings.

Storing and Reheating Ground Beef Dumplings

To store: Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat: Microwave on medium in 30-second intervals, or reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying.

To freeze: While the beef mixture freezes well, dumplings may become soft. If freezing, consider freezing just the beef mixture and making dumplings fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Dumpling Recipes

Avoid these common pitfalls for perfect results:

  • Lifting the lid during steaming lets moisture escape and prevents dumplings from rising.
  • Overmixing dumpling dough makes them tough. Stir just until combined.
  • Simmering too hot may scorch the bottom and cook dumplings unevenly. Low and slow is key.
  • Too much flour in the beef mix can make it paste-like. Stick to the measured amount.

With these tips in mind, your dumplings will be light and the beef deeply flavorful every time.

FAQ: Ground Beef Dumplings Recipe Tips

Can I use biscuit mix for the dumplings?
Yes! You can use store-bought biscuit dough or baking mix like Bisquick if you’re short on time.

What other spices can I use?
Oregano, sage, or rosemary can add different flavor profiles. Adjust to taste.

Can I add cheese to the dumplings?
Definitely! Mix ¼ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the dry dough ingredients before adding milk.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Freeze the cooked beef mixture on its own. Make the dumplings fresh when reheating for best texture.

Final Thoughts: Cozy, Filling, and Family-Approved

This Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s versatile, budget-conscious, and packed with the kinds of flavors that bring people back for seconds. Whether you’re planning a casual ground beef Sunday dinner or dressing it up for a special night, this dish fits every occasion with ease.

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Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings : Perfect Dinner


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 45

Description

When comfort food is calling, few dishes deliver the warmth and satisfaction of Ground Beef and Dumplings.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Ground Beef Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works best)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if beef is leaner)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat the beef evenly. Slowly add the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a gravy-like consistency. Stir in frozen vegetables at this point if using.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until the dough comes together.

Step 5: Add Dumplings to the Pan

Using a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough on top of the beef mixture. You should get 6–8 dumplings. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.

Step 6: Simmer and Cook

Let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. They will puff up and cook through using the steam and heat from the beef mixture.

Step 7: Serve

Once dumplings are cooked through, remove from heat and let sit uncovered for 5 minutes. Serve hot, scooping a portion of beef with one or two dumplings into each bowl.

Notes

  • Don’t peek while dumplings steam: The trapped steam is key to fluffy results.
  • Keep the beef sauce slightly saucy: It thickens as it simmers with the dumplings.
  • Add herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives adds freshness just before serving.
  • Use cold milk and butter: This helps create a light, tender dumpling dough.
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 395 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 21g

Keywords: Ground Beef and Dumplings

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