The warm aroma of Ground Beef and Dumplings wafts through your kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy embrace like a favorite blanket on a chilly evening. Each bite promises tender beef mingling with fluffy dumplings, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a hug in a bowl.
Picture this: it’s Sunday evening, and the week ahead looms large. You find yourself longing for that comforting taste of home-cooked goodness. As the steam rises from your pot, memories of family gatherings flash through your mind, where laughter echoed and plates were filled to the brim. Ground Beef and Dumplings is your ticket to reliving those cherished moments while igniting excitement for the deliciousness that awaits.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for Ground Beef and Dumplings is simple enough to whip up any day of the week.
- The rich flavor profile offers both savory beef and soft dumplings that melt in your mouth.
- Visually appealing with its hearty ingredients, it’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.
- Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, you can enjoy it any time you crave comfort food.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Dumplings
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty yet not overly greasy, ensuring a balanced flavor.
Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the savory meat mixture.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the dish with its aromatic qualities; don’t skimp on this!
Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels while still providing rich flavor.
Dumpling Mix: You can use store-bought or homemade dumpling dough; either way, they should be pillowy soft when cooked.
Carrots: Chopped carrots add color and natural sweetness, balancing out the savory notes beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients on the counter so you won’t have to hunt for them later. Chop your onions, garlic, and carrots; this will save you time as you cook!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Stir frequently until they become fragrant and translucent—about five minutes should do it!
Step 4: Add Broth and Carrots
Pour in the beef broth along with chopped carrots. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while you prepare your dumpling mix according to package instructions or your favorite recipe.
Step 5: Form Dumplings
Using two spoons or a cookie scoop, form small dumpling shapes from your prepared dough. Drop them gently into the simmering broth mixture.
Step 6: Cook Until Fluffy
Cover the skillet and allow the dumplings to cook for about ten minutes or until they puff up beautifully. They should be light and fluffy when done!
Transfer to plates and serve hot for an unforgettable meal that warms both heart and soul! Enjoy every bite of this fulfilling dish as it transports you back home—if only for dinner!
You Must Know
- Ground beef and dumplings create a cozy dish perfect for chilly nights.
- This recipe is not only delicious but also a great way to clean out your fridge.
- With its hearty flavors, it’s bound to be a new family favorite.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with ground beef and dumplings, start by browning the beef. While it sizzles, whip up the dough for your dumplings. This multitasking approach saves time and ensures everything is ready to serve simultaneously.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add colorful veggies like carrots or peas to enhance nutrition and flavor. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover ground beef and dumplings, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, microwave until steaming hot, ensuring the dumplings stay fluffy and the beef remains juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender dumplings, avoid over-mixing the dough; mix until just combined.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure ground beef reaches 160°F for safety.
- Serve with fresh herbs on top for that extra pop of flavor.
A few years ago, I made this dish for my friends during a game night. The laughter and compliments about how comforting and filling it was turned that evening into one of my favorite cooking memories!
FAQs:
What are the key ingredients for Ground Beef and Dumplings?
Ground beef and dumplings require simple ingredients that are easy to find. You will need ground beef, flour, baking powder, milk, salt, and pepper for the dumplings. For the stew, consider using onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and beef broth. These ingredients combine to create a hearty meal that warms you up on cold days.
How long does it take to prepare Ground Beef and Dumplings?
Preparing Ground Beef and Dumplings typically takes about 30 minutes for the preparation and another 30 minutes for cooking. The total time is around one hour. This makes it an excellent option for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but still want a comforting dish.
Can I customize my Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe?
Yes! You can customize your Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe by adding vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor. You could also use different spices such as thyme or rosemary to enhance the taste. Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients while maintaining the core elements of the dish.
Is Ground Beef and Dumplings suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Ground Beef and Dumplings freeze well, making them an excellent choice for meal prep. After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a pot or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion for Ground Beef and Dumplings:
In summary, Ground Beef and Dumplings is a delightful comfort food that combines tender meat with fluffy dumplings. It’s quick to prepare and easy to customize based on personal preferences. This dish freezes well, allowing you to enjoy it anytime you crave a hearty meal. With its simple ingredients and warm flavors, this recipe will surely become a household favorite.
Ground Beef and Dumplings
Ground Beef and Dumplings is the quintessential comfort food that warms both the heart and soul. This hearty dish features tender ground beef simmered in a rich, savory broth, complemented by fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings, it brings nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals to your dinner table. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite vegetables and seasonings, this recipe is ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup dumpling mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion, garlic, and carrots.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet; sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Pour in the beef broth and add chopped carrots; bring to a gentle simmer.
- While simmering, prepare the dumpling mix according to package instructions or your recipe.
- Form small dumplings using two spoons or a cookie scoop; drop them into the simmering broth.
- Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes until dumplings are fluffy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. - Enhance nutrition by adding colorful veggies like peas or corn. - Experiment with herbs such as thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
