Name: Unbelievably Tasty Ground Beef and Dumplings in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons melted butter

Jump to Recipe

Oh, friends, let me tell you about Ground Beef and Dumplings! Seriously, is there anything more comforting on a chilly evening? This isn’t just dinner; it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. My grandma used to make this for us after sledding all day, and I swear, it could cure any winter blues. The savory beef, the tender veggies, and those fluffy, cloud-like dumplings… *chef’s kiss*!

Ground Beef and Dumplings is the ultimate family meal, and it’s way easier to whip up than you might think. Don’t let the “dumplings” part scare you – it’s practically foolproof. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your rotation. Get ready for some serious comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Okay, so why should you try *this* recipe? Trust me, you’re gonna love it! It’s seriously the best for a few simple reasons:

Quick and Easy Comfort Food

Honestly, who has hours to spend in the kitchen? This Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe comes together fast. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Hearty and Filling Family Meal

This isn’t some wimpy little soup. It’s packed with beef, veggies, and those amazing dumplings. Even my teenage son loves it – and that’s saying something!

Delicious and Flavorful

The savory broth, the tender beef, the fluffy dumplings… it’s a flavor explosion! You’ll be scraping the bottom of the pot, guaranteed.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Dumplings

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make my amazing Ground Beef and Dumplings. Don’t skimp on the fresh veggies, they make all the difference!

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter

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

Okay, here’s the fun part: putting it all together! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious Ground Beef and Dumplings in no time.

Preparing the Ground Beef Base

First, grab your biggest pot and get that ground beef browning! Once it’s cooked, drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a greasy dinner. Then, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook ’em until they’re nice and soft, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds so much flavor, so don’t rush it!

Creating the Broth

Now, pour in that beef broth. Mmm, that’s the good stuff! Add your thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and bring everything to a boil. This is where all those flavors start to meld together. My favorite part is the smell!

Making the Dumplings

While the broth is heating up, let’s make the dumplings! In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, stir in the milk and melted butter until it’s *just* combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine. Seriously, don’t overmix. Trust me on this one.

Cooking the Ground Beef and Dumplings to Perfection

Alright, here comes the fun part! Reduce the heat to a simmer. Now, grab a spoon and drop spoonfuls of that dumpling dough right into the simmering broth. Try to space them out a bit so they have room to cook. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffy and golden. Careful when you check ’em – that steam can be hot!

Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Dumplings

Want to take your Ground Beef and Dumplings from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years.

Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough

Seriously, this is the BIGGEST mistake people make! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, and you’ll end up with tough, chewy dumplings. Yuck! Just mix until everything’s *barely* combined. Lumps are your friend here!

Simmer, Don’t Boil

A gentle simmer is key for cooking those dumplings perfectly. A rolling boil will make them tough on the outside and raw in the middle. We want light and fluffy, remember? So, keep that heat low and slow.

Adjust Seasoning to Your Preference

Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust! Maybe you like a little more thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Go for it! This is *your* Ground Beef and Dumplings masterpiece, so make it your own!

Ground Beef and Dumplings Variations

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down. Now, let’s get a little crazy! The best part about Ground Beef and Dumplings is that it’s super easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Don’t be afraid to experiment – you might just discover your new favorite version!

Adding Vegetables to Your Ground Beef and Dumplings

Wanna sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Peas, potatoes, corn… they all work great! I usually toss them in with the carrots and celery. Just make sure they’re chopped into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Frozen veggies are totally fine, too – no judgment here!

Using Different Broths

Out of beef broth? No problem! Chicken or vegetable broth will work just as well. It’ll change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be delicious. Chicken broth makes it a little lighter, while vegetable broth gives it a slightly sweeter taste. It’s fun to mix it up!

Adding Herbs and Spices

Want to kick up the flavor a notch? Try adding some garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of paprika. A bay leaf simmered in the broth adds a nice depth of flavor, too. Just remember to remove it before serving – nobody wants to bite into that!

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Dumplings

Alright, you’ve got your bubbling pot of Ground Beef and Dumplings… but what do you serve with it? Well, honestly, it’s pretty amazing on its own. But if you wanna round out the meal, here are a couple of my go-to sides.

Classic Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with a simple side salad! A little something green and fresh cuts through the richness of the stew perfectly. Or, some steamed green beans? Simple, healthy, and delicious!

Bread for Dipping

Okay, this is a MUST. Grab some crusty bread or soft rolls for soaking up all that amazing broth. Seriously, don’t skip this step! You’ll thank me later.

Storing and Reheating Ground Beef and Dumplings

Okay, so you made a big pot of Ground Beef and Dumplings (good for you!), and now you have leftovers. Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious for another day.

Storing Leftovers

Just let the Ground Beef and Dumplings cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to dig in again, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or, if you’re in a hurry, microwave it in a bowl. Just be sure to cover it so it doesn’t splatter everywhere! Oops, been there, done that!

Ground Beef and Dumplings FAQs

Got questions about making the *perfect* Ground Beef and Dumplings? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Don’t worry, there are no dumb questions when it comes to comfort food!

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ground beef, or you’re just trying to lighten things up, ground turkey or chicken works great. Just remember that they might cook a little faster than beef, so keep an eye on it. I’ve even used ground sausage before – talk about flavor!

Can I freeze Ground Beef and Dumplings?

Good news, yes you can! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stovetop. The dumplings might be a *little* softer, but it’ll still be delicious!

How do I prevent the dumplings from being gummy?

Ah, the dreaded gummy dumplings! The key is to not overmix the dough (I know, I sound like a broken record!). Also, make sure your broth is simmering gently, not boiling like crazy. And resist the urge to peek too often while they’re cooking! Letting the steam escape can mess with the texture.

Ground Beef and Dumplings: Nutritional Information

Okay, a quick note: These numbers are just estimates! Nutrition info can change a lot depending on the brands and ingredients you use, so don’t take it as gospel, okay?

Enjoy Your Homemade Ground Beef and Dumplings!

Alright, friends, I hope you love this Ground Beef and Dumplings as much as my family does! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. And hey, if you snapped a pic, share it on social media! Happy cooking!