Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe | Easy One-Pot Dinner with Savory Gravy & Fluffy Dumplings
This Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and made in one pot. Seasoned ground beef simmers in a savory gravy with onions, garlic, and herbs, then topped with fluffy homemade dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavor. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or when you need something warm and filling. Easy to make and packed with protein, this dish is a timeless classic with a rustic twist.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For the beef base:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
For the dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Optional add-ins:
- Frozen peas or corn
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tomato paste
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season and simmer: Stir in thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Prepare dumpling dough: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms.
- Add dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Finish and serve: Check dumplings with a toothpick. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Beef base can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Prepare dumplings fresh for best texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.
- Freezer Tip: Freeze beef base separately; dumplings don’t freeze well.
- Customization: Use lean beef, whole wheat flour, or plant-based milk for a lighter version.
- Avoid Mistakes: Don’t overmix dumpling dough, and keep the lid closed while cooking to ensure fluffiness.