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A comforting bowl of Ground Beef And Dumplings, showcasing tender dumplings simmering in a rich, savory ground beef gravy.

Easy Ground Beef and Dumplings

This recipe transforms humble ground beef and dumplings into a comforting and delicious meal. By browning the beef properly, building a flavorful broth, and gently mixing the dumplings, you can create a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. It's a perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or large pot
  • Spoon
  • Medium bowl
  • whisk
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned on all sides. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and water. Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots.
  6. While the broth simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  7. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  8. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter (about 2 tablespoons each) into the simmering broth, spacing them evenly apart.
  9. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, as this can cause the dumplings to deflate.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, brown the ground beef in batches to avoid steaming. Avoid overmixing the dumpling batter for light and fluffy dumplings. Do not lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking. Store leftover ground beef and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can substitute other vegetables for the peas and carrots, such as green beans, corn, or potatoes. For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth or add a beef bouillon cube to the broth.