Name: Ground Beef and Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed; ½ cup milk; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

When the craving for comfort food strikes, few dishes satisfy quite like a bowl of Ground Beef and Dumplings. It’s a cozy, one-pot wonder that layers savory ground beef in rich, flavorful gravy, topped with soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up all the goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want something that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is a winner every time.

This dish brings old-fashioned flavors into your modern kitchen. It blends simplicity and satisfaction into every bite, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy Sundays. The best part? It uses pantry staples and comes together easily, without sacrificing taste. Let the dumplings simmer gently atop the beef, and you’ve got a hearty, soul-warming meal ready to go.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the best balance of flavor and texture, opt for an 80/20 ground beef blend (80% lean, 20% fat). This ratio provides enough fat to keep the meat juicy and flavorful without making the dish greasy. If you prefer leaner options, a 90/10 blend works, but you may want to add a bit of extra butter or oil to enhance richness.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef and Dumplings

Ground Beef: The star of the show. Look for a blend with a bit of fat to add richness and body to the gravy.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture as it sautés.

Garlic: Essential for that savory, aromatic base.

Beef Broth: Forms the flavorful foundation for the gravy and helps simmer the dumplings to perfection.

Flour: Used to thicken the gravy and give it that hearty, comforting consistency.

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a touch of tang to elevate the beefy flavor.

Thyme: A subtle herb that pairs well with beef, adding a gentle, earthy flavor.

Salt & Pepper: Basic, but essential for balancing all the flavors.

All-Purpose Flour (for Dumplings): Forms the base of the dumplings, creating a light and fluffy texture.

Baking Powder: The rising agent that makes the dumplings puff up beautifully.

Milk: Brings moisture to the dumpling dough and helps create a tender bite.

Butter: Adds richness to the dumplings for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Fresh Parsley (optional): A bright garnish that adds color and freshness to the finished dish.

How To Make the Ground Beef and Dumplings

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir well. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Add the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the simmering beef and gravy. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes, or until they are puffed and cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the dumplings are done, remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and brightness. Serve warm in generous bowls.

How to Serve and Store Ground Beef and Dumplings

Serve this dish hot from the pan with a spoon to scoop up both dumplings and gravy in one go. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed green beans if you’re looking to balance the richness.

For storage, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or microwave in short bursts. If needed, add a splash of broth to loosen up the gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the dumplings extra fluffy?

Be sure not to overmix the dumpling dough and keep the lid on while they cook. Steam is what makes them rise and fluff up.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. Just be sure to season generously for the best flavor.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with soy sauce and a dash of vinegar, or use steak sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Peas, carrots, or even mushrooms can be sautéed with the onions for added nutrition and texture.

Do the dumplings freeze well?

Dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Just note the texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon thawing.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love these Ground Beef and Dumplings, you’ll probably enjoy these other savory favorites:

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sneak in mushrooms or go full classic? Did your dumplings puff perfectly?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more cozy, satisfying dinner recipes, be sure to follow along on my Pinterest: Life with Jam.

Ground Beef and Dumplings

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food—savory ground beef simmered in a rich, hearty gravy and topped with fluffy, tender dumplings. A cozy one-pot dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights but satisfying enough to make any evening feel special.

Instructions

1. Heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add onion and garlic to the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly add beef broth while stirring, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken.

4. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk until just combined to form a soft dough.

5. Drop spoonfuls of dough over the simmering beef. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes until puffed and cooked through.

6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.