Ground Beef and Dumplings
Ground Beef and Dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish that combines juicy, seasoned ground beef with soft, fluffy dumplings, making it a perfect family-friendly meal for chilly evenings.
Servings 6 servings
Calories 600kcal
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (85 percent lean) For optimal juiciness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil To sauté the vegetables.
- 1 small onion, diced Lends sweetness to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste Provides a rich flavor.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour For thickening the beef mixture.
- 1.5 cups beef broth Forms the base of the sauce.
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme Enhances the flavor profile.
- 0.5 tsp paprika Adds a subtle smokiness.
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning.
- 0.5 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional) For added nutrition.
Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Base for the dumplings.
- 1.5 tsp baking powder Provides lift to the dumplings.
- 0.25 tsp salt For flavor.
- 1 tbsp butter, softened To enrich the dough.
- 0.5 cup milk Whole or 2 percent milk works best.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if using lean beef.
- Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Mix in tomato paste and sprinkle flour over the mixture. Stir well to ensure distribution.
- Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened.
Dumpling Preparation
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Mix in softened butter until crumbly, then stir in milk to form a slightly sticky dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough over the simmering beef mixture.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, allowing dumplings to steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- After 15 minutes, the dumplings should be light and fluffy. Let stand uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding some Worcestershire or soy sauce to the beef mixture in step 4. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil sprinkled before serving can add freshness.