Ground Beef & Dumpling

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Savor the comforting taste of homemade Ground Beef & Dumpling, a delightful one-pot meal perfect for family dinners. This hearty recipe combines tender ground beef simmered in a savory broth, accompanied by pillowy dumplings that soak up all the flavor. Quick to prepare and full of satisfying goodness, it’s a go-to dish that will warm you from the inside out.

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2025-10-14T12:27:44.454Z

This recipe for Ground Beef & Dumpling is a comforting dish that the whole family will love. Ideal for chilly evenings, it’s simple enough for weeknight meals yet delicious enough for special occasions.

A Hearty Family Meal

There's something intrinsically comforting about a one-pot meal, and this Ground Beef & Dumpling recipe embodies that warmth and richness. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, it brings a sense of togetherness to the dinner table. The foundation of this meal is the ground beef, which provides a hearty and flavorful base that everyone will love. Each bite is packed with protein, ensuring you feel satisfied long after the meal.

The addition of vegetables like carrots and celery enhances the nutritional value of this dish, adding color and texture while infusing the broth with a natural sweetness. Not only does this make for a delicious meal, but it also allows you to sneak in some extra servings of vegetables for picky eaters. The combination of savory broth and tender beef creates a symphony of flavors that's hard to resist.

Fluffy Dumplings that Delight

What truly elevates the Ground Beef & Dumpling recipe are the dumplings themselves. These fluffy, pillowy bites soak up the delicious flavors of the broth, making each mouthful a delightful experience. Prepared with simple ingredients, they are quick to whip up and can be added to the pot while the beef and broth come together. The key to the perfect dumpling lies in not over-mixing the batter; it ensures that they remain light and airy.

These dumplings can be customized too! Feel free to incorporate herbs or spices that match your family's preferences. Adding fresh parsley or chives can give them a lovely pop of flavor, making the dish even more appealing. Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of the overall meal, these dumplings are sure to be a new favorite.

Meal Prep and Storage

One of the great advantages of this Ground Beef & Dumpling recipe is its meal prep potential. You can easily double the ingredients to have leftovers or freeze portions for future dinners. If you decide to freeze some, consider cooking the beef and broth mixture in advance and preparing your dumplings fresh when you're ready to eat. This approach ensures your dumplings remain perfectly fluffy.

To reheat, simply warm up the beef broth on the stove and add the dumplings, allowing them to steam until heated through. This method preserves the taste and texture of the dish, making a quick, satisfying dinner that tastes as great as when it was first made. Enjoy this comforting meal throughout the week while savoring its remarkable flavors!

Ingredients

For the Beef and Broth

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup melted butter

Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped before you start cooking for a seamless experience.

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.

Add the Vegetables and Broth

Stir in the carrots and celery, then add the beef broth. Bring to a simmer, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Make the Dumplings

In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined.

Add Dumplings to the Pot

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture onto the simmering broth. Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Once the dumplings are cooked, serve your Ground Beef & Dumpling hot and enjoy a flavorful meal!

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

To ensure your Ground Beef & Dumpling meal turns out perfectly, consider several important tips. Firstly, use a high-quality beef broth for the base of your dish, as it significantly enhances the overall flavor. Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought options can deliver excellent results. Additionally, taste the broth before adding any salt, as it may already have sufficient seasoning.

Another tip to attain tender dumplings is to avoid opening the pot while they're cooking. This allows the steam to trap and create fluffy dumplings. Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil to prevent them from becoming dense. Following these tips will help elevate this dish to a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Pairing Suggestions

While Ground Beef & Dumpling is a satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can enhance your dining experience. A simple green salad, drizzled with a light vinaigrette, adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. Alternatively, roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or green beans can add a lovely crunch and myriad nutrients.

Consider finishing your meal with a light dessert, like a fruit compote or a slice of pie, to maintain the comforting theme without overwhelming the palate. These pairing suggestions can help create a well-rounded meal to impress your family and friends while ensuring a delightful and fulfilling dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for a lighter option.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings and ensure the broth is gluten-free.