Ground Beef and Dumplings Tasty Comfort Dish

If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal, look no further than ground beef and dumplings. This dish combines savory beef, fresh veggies, and fluffy dumplings into one delicious comfort food. In this post, I’ll share the simple steps and ingredients needed to create this tasty dish. Get ready to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and enjoy a meal that satisfies both the belly and the soul!

Ingredients

To make delicious ground beef and dumplings, you will need the following items:

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– 2 carrots, diced

– 1 cup frozen peas

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 tablespoon tomato paste

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 teaspoons dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1 cup beef broth

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 3/4 cup milk

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The ground beef gives it a hearty base. The vegetables add flavor and texture. The seasonings enhance the taste, while the beef broth keeps everything moist. The dumpling mix, made from flour, baking powder, and milk, brings lightness to the meal.

When choosing your ground beef, look for a good balance of fat. This fat keeps the beef juicy and tasty. Fresh vegetables, like onion and carrots, add a nice crunch. Use frozen peas for convenience; they work perfectly in this dish. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This way, you won’t miss anything as you go. Cooking is fun, especially when you know you have everything ready to create a comforting dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Beef Filling

1. Browning the ground beef: Start by heating a large skillet on medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook it until it turns brown. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Drain any extra grease from the pan.

2. Sautéing vegetables: Next, add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, and 1 cup of frozen peas to the skillet. Sauté these veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them soft and tender.

3. Adding seasonings and beef broth: Now it’s time for flavor! Stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This makes the filling nice and thick. Remove it from heat and set aside.

Preparing the Dumpling Dough

1. Mixing dry and wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Then, add 3/4 cup of milk. Mix until everything is just combined.

2. Achieving the right dough consistency: The dough should feel soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.

Forming and Cooking Dumplings

1. Shaping dumplings: Take a spoon and scoop out some dough. Shape it into small balls, about the size of a walnut.

2. Combining dumplings with beef filling: Gently drop the dumplings on top of the beef filling in the skillet. Make sure they are spaced out evenly.

3. Time and temperature for cooking: Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. The dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through when done.

Sprinkle some fresh parsley over your dish before serving for a nice touch!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Beef Filling

To make the beef filling great, you should start by browning the ground beef. Use medium heat and break it apart for even cooking. After the beef cooks, drain any grease to keep the dish light.

Next, add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and frozen peas. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft. This step adds flavor and texture to your filling.

For flavor enhancement, mix in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. These ingredients deepen the taste. Don’t forget to season with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Finally, pour in beef broth and simmer for about 5 minutes. This thickens the mixture and makes it richer.

Dumpling Consistency

Getting the dumpling dough just right is key. Start by mixing all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Then, add milk slowly while stirring. The dough should feel soft, not sticky. If it’s sticky, you can add a bit more flour.

When forming dumplings, scoop out dough and shape it into small balls. Aim for walnut-sized pieces for even cooking.

To ensure fluffy dumplings, cook them on low heat. Cover the skillet and let them steam for 15-20 minutes. This step gives you light and airy dumplings.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation makes a meal special. Serve the ground beef and dumplings in shallow bowls. Arrange the dumplings nicely on top of the beef filling.

For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This simple touch enhances the dish’s look.

You can pair this meal with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. A side of crusty bread also works well to soak up the savory sauce. Enjoy your tasty comfort dish!

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These meats are leaner and still tasty. They work well with the same spices and veggies. If you want a vegetarian option, try mushrooms or lentils. Mushrooms add a nice umami flavor. Lentils give a hearty texture and are rich in protein.

Flavor Profile Changes

To spice things up, you can add chili or cayenne. This gives your dish a nice kick. If you prefer herbs, try rosemary or oregano. These herbs add a fragrant touch that brightens the meal.

Cooking Methods

You can change how you cook this dish, too. An Instant Pot or slow cooker makes it easy and quick. Just follow the same steps but adjust the time. Baking is another option. This creates a crispy top to the dumplings. Stovetop cooking keeps things simple and classic, making it great for a cozy dinner.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your ground beef and dumplings fresh, follow these tips:

– Refrigeration: Store leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps the food safe.

– Containers: Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. Glass or plastic containers work well.

Freezing Dumplings and Filling

Freezing is a great way to save your dish for later. Here’s how:

– Freezing Instructions: Let the beef filling cool first. Place dumplings and filling in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags.

– Thawing and Reheating: To thaw, place in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warm. You can add a little broth to keep it moist.

Following these storage tips will help you enjoy your ground beef and dumplings later without losing flavor or texture.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook dumplings?

Cooking dumplings takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You want to cover the skillet while they cook. The heat should be low, so they steam well. Check for fluffiness to know they are done.

Can I make dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can make dumplings ahead of time. Prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them before cooking.

What can I serve with ground beef and dumplings?

You can serve many sides with ground beef and dumplings. Here are some great ideas:

– Steamed green beans

– Roasted carrots

– A fresh garden salad

– Mashed potatoes

– A glass of red wine or iced tea

These options will enhance your meal’s flavors and make it even more comforting.

In this blog post, I detailed how to make delicious beef and dumplings. We covered the ingredients you’ll need, including ground beef and fresh veggies. I shared clear steps for cooking the filling and preparing fluffy dumplings. You learned tips for perfecting your recipe and variations to try, like using turkey or spices. Finally, I included storage info and helpful answers to common questions. With this knowledge, you can create a comforting meal that impresses everyone at your table. Go ahead and enjoy your cooking adventur