Ground Beef and Dumplings

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Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than a warm, hearty bowl of Ground Beef and Dumplings. It wraps you in coziness with every bite. This rustic dish brings together savory seasoned beef and fluffy, tender dumplings simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy that tastes like home.

It’s one of those recipes that takes basic pantry ingredients and transforms them into something magical. The kind of dinner that fills the kitchen with incredible smells and draws everyone to the table before it even hits the bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something wholesome and filling.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

This recipe is a weeknight savior and a comfort classic all in one. The beef is browned to perfection with onions and garlic, then gently simmered in a savory broth. The dumplings, made from scratch or using biscuit mix, soak up all the rich flavors while puffing up to golden tenderness.

Everything comes together in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s budget-friendly, super customizable, and a total crowd-pleaser that hits the spot every single time.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Dumpling?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with homemade biscuit-style dumplings or quick drop dumplings using Bisquick. You can also go Southern-style with flat, noodle-like dumplings for a heartier bite. Even canned biscuit dough can be used in a pinch.

The key is to let the dumplings steam over the simmering beef mixture without stirring too much, which keeps them light and fluffy.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef and Dumplings

This cozy one-pot meal calls for simple ingredients that work together to create something irresistibly good. Each item plays a specific role in layering flavor and texture.

Ground beef gives this dish its rich and meaty base. Choose lean for less grease or go full flavor with an 80/20 blend.

Onion adds depth and sweetness when sautéed with the beef.

Garlic brings warmth and a little kick that makes everything taste better.

Beef broth is the soul of the dish, creating a savory base for the gravy.

Worcestershire sauce adds a punch of umami and enhances the beefiness.

All-purpose flour thickens the broth into a luscious gravy.

Milk brings creaminess to the dumpling batter.

Baking powder helps the dumplings rise into soft pillows.

Salt and pepper keep everything balanced and flavorful.

All-purpose flour (for dumplings) is the base for tender dumplings.

Butter adds richness and flavor to the dumplings.

How To Make the Ground Beef and Dumplings

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir to coat. Cook for another minute, then slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, then bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Make the Dumplings

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter until just combined. The batter should be thick but scoopable.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter on top of the simmering beef mixture. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 12-15 minutes, undisturbed, until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop into bowls and serve hot, making sure everyone gets a dumpling or two with that rich beefy sauce.

How to Serve and Store Ground Beef and Dumplings

This recipe serves around 4 to 6 people generously, depending on appetites and sides. Serve it straight from the pot for a warm and inviting presentation, ladling generous portions of beef and dumplings into bowls. It pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of parsley or cracked pepper.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

What to Serve With Ground Beef and Dumplings?

A Crisp Green Salad

Something fresh and crunchy helps balance the richness. A salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great contrast.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a colorful and nutritious side.

Buttery Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn brings out the savory notes in the beef and adds summery brightness.

Garlic Bread

Mop up all that delicious gravy with a slice of crispy, buttery garlic bread.

Sauteed Spinach

Quickly wilted spinach with garlic is light, easy, and adds a pop of color.

Pickled Vegetables

Tangy pickles or beets add sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the dumplings.

Apple Slaw

Sweet and tart, a crunchy apple slaw gives the meal a refreshing twist.

Mashed Turnips or Parsnips

If you want to double up on comfort, mashed root vegetables are a cozy, earthy addition.

Want More Ground Beef Ideas?

If this Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe hits the spot, you’ll definitely want to explore these other hearty meals:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it anytime you crave comfort in a bowl.

And if you give it a try, let me know how it turned out! Did you add some herbs to the dumplings? Maybe a splash of cream in the gravy? I love hearing your twists and questions – let’s make dinner better together.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food classics on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next weeknight winner!

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