Ground Beef and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food. The rich, savory broth envelops tender ground beef and pillowy dumplings, making every bite an absolute delight. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
The combination of beef and fluffy dumplings offers a hearty, satisfying meal that can easily become a household favorite. Whether you serve it on a cold night or during a gathering, it will be met with smiles and empty bowls. The dish is easy to prepare and the ingredients are simple, yet the flavor is unmatched.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups beef broth
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup cornmeal
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 cup milk
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
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Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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While the broth is heating, make the dumplings by mixing together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
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Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
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Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the dumplings have puffed up and are cooked through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Comfort of Ground Beef and Dumplings: A Hearty, Satisfying Meal
Ground Beef and Dumplings is one of those timeless comfort food recipes that has been passed down through generations. It combines simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or looking for a cozy meal to serve guests, this hearty dish is sure to please.
A Heartwarming Classic: The Perfect Winter Meal
When the weather gets chilly and you crave something that will warm you from the inside out, Ground Beef and Dumplings is the answer. The combination of ground beef, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings is undeniably comforting. This dish has a rustic, homestyle feel, making it ideal for those looking for a meal that can nourish both body and soul.
The beauty of Ground Beef and Dumplings lies in its simplicity. It’s a dish that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. You can prepare it quickly, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or preparing for a gathering, this dish can be made in one pot, cutting down on the cleanup and maximizing flavor.
The Savory Blend of Beef and Dumplings
At the heart of this dish is the ground beef. It’s tender and juicy, simmered in a rich broth that intensifies the flavors. The beef is complemented by a delicious broth made with beef stock, tomato paste, and a variety of seasonings, creating a deeply savory base. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and thyme brings a depth of flavor, while salt and pepper balance the richness of the beef.
The dumplings, on the other hand, are the perfect contrast to the hearty beef stew. Fluffy and tender, they soak up the savory broth, becoming a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat. The dumplings are light yet filling, making them a perfect addition to the meal. They have just the right amount of density to complement the beef and broth without being too heavy.
Why This Recipe Works: The Perfect Balance of Ingredients
Ground Beef and Dumplings is a well-balanced meal that covers all the bases: protein, vegetables, and carbs. The beef provides a hearty protein, while the broth adds rich flavors. The dumplings, made from a simple combination of flour, cornmeal, and baking powder, act as the perfect vehicle to soak up the delicious liquid.
What makes this dish even better is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your taste by adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn to the stew. If you want to make it even more robust, adding a splash of red wine or a few tablespoons of cream to the broth can elevate the flavors. While the traditional version of Ground Beef and Dumplings is delicious as it is, you can always make small tweaks to suit your personal preferences.
One-Pot Wonders: Easy Cleanup and Minimal Effort
One of the main reasons people love Ground Beef and Dumplings is that it’s a one-pot wonder. You can brown the ground beef, sauté the onions and garlic, and then simmer everything together in one pot. The dumplings are added last and cooked right in the same pot, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
This one-pot approach makes for minimal cleanup and less time spent in the kitchen. It also ensures that all the ingredients are cooked together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means that even novice cooks can prepare it with confidence.
Perfect for Family Meals or Special Occasions
Ground Beef and Dumplings is the kind of dish that works perfectly for any occasion. It’s comforting enough to be the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner, yet impressive enough to serve at a small dinner party. The dish is hearty, filling, and offers a delightful mix of textures—tender beef, soft dumplings, and flavorful broth—that makes it a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
This recipe is also great for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch and store the leftovers in the fridge for a few days. The flavors only get better the next day as they continue to meld together, making it a great option for lunch or dinner throughout the week. You can even freeze it for future meals, ensuring you have a comforting dish on hand whenever you need it.
The Versatility of Dumplings: Variations and Additions
While the recipe as written is delicious, there are numerous ways to add your personal touch. For instance, you can make the dumplings using different flours, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour, to cater to dietary preferences. For a heartier version, consider adding grated cheese to the dumpling batter, which will melt as it cooks and add an extra layer of flavor.
Additionally, you can experiment with different seasonings in the broth. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a few tablespoons of Dijon mustard can add a tangy kick that balances the richness of the beef. Fresh herbs such as rosemary or sage can elevate the flavor profile, while a hint of garlic powder or onion powder can further enhance the dish.
Conclusion: A Timeless Recipe for All Seasons
Ground Beef and Dumplings is the kind of dish that brings comfort, flavor, and satisfaction to the table. It’s a classic recipe that never goes out of style and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or just craving a cozy, homey meal, this dish will always hit the spot.
The rich, savory beef and tender dumplings come together in a symphony of flavors, while the one-pot cooking method ensures easy cleanup. Plus, the versatility of the recipe allows for countless variations, making it a dish that can be tailored to fit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Next time you’re in need of a comforting, hearty meal, look no further than Ground Beef and Dumplings. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household, offering a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and warmth with every bite.