Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with our incredible Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe! This classic dish brings together savory ground beef, a medley of tender vegetables, and light, fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s the ultimate one-pot meal, perfect for a filling, fast, and hearty dinner that the whole family will adore. Forget bland weeknight meals – this recipe promises satisfying flavors and a cozy, home-cooked feel in under 40 minutes!
Your Go-To 35-Minute Comfort Food: Ground Beef and Dumplings
If you’re a fan of the heartwarming simplicity and nostalgic taste of traditional Chicken and Dumplings, prepare to be captivated by this equally comforting Ground Beef and Dumplings version. It delivers all the hearty goodness and satisfying flavors you crave, but with the rich, savory depth of ground beef. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table quickly. Imagine tender beef enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce, topped with pillowy soft dumplings – pure bliss in every spoonful. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and coziness to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Adore This Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe
- Incredibly Quick: From start to finish, this meal is ready in just 35 minutes, making it faster than many takeout options.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying, perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you need a culinary hug.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to all ages, even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing affordable ingredients like ground beef and pantry staples, this recipe is kind to your wallet.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimizes cleanup, as the entire meal comes together in a single pot.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand, from different vegetables to various seasonings.
- Rich & Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, savory broths, and creamy soups creates an unbelievably delicious and robust sauce that coats every tender dumpling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Dumplings
It’s a common question, and one I’m happy to clarify! My intention was to create a “ground beef” rendition of the beloved chicken and dumplings, which traditionally uses chicken broth for its lighter, yet savory base. This approach allows the beef flavor to shine without being overwhelmed by a heavy beef broth, resulting in a unique and comforting taste profile. However, this is your kitchen, and your dish! If you prefer a more pronounced “beefy” flavor, absolutely feel free to substitute with an equal amount of low-sodium beef broth. The beauty of cooking is making it your own!
While this Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make on the stovetop in just 35 minutes, it can certainly be adapted for a slow cooker if you prefer. To do so, you’ll first need to brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a separate pan, then drain any excess fat. Once that’s done, transfer the cooked beef and aromatics to your slow cooker along with all the other liquid ingredients and seasonings. Stir everything thoroughly, then cover and cook on high for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the dumplings are fully cooked through and no longer doughy. Keep an eye on the consistency as slow cookers can vary.
This dish is wonderfully fulfilling on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. For a balanced plate, consider serving it with a crisp, fresh green salad or some simply steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. To soak up all that delicious, rich sauce, a side of crusty bread or homemade Dinner Rolls is always a fantastic choice. For a touch of Southern charm, a slice or two of sweet Cornbread or fluffy Cornbread Muffins would be absolutely perfect.
Yes, the thick, stew-like consistency is absolutely intentional and part of what makes this Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe so comforting and satisfying! It’s designed to be rich and robust, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully to the beef and dumplings. However, personal preferences vary, and if you prefer a thinner consistency, it’s very easy to adjust. Simply stir in a bit more low-sodium chicken broth, beef broth, or even a splash of milk until you reach your desired thickness. In a pinch, a little water can also work, but broth or milk will maintain the flavor better.
Leftovers of this hearty dish are fantastic and store very well! Once cooled, transfer your Ground Beef and Dumplings to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can gently warm larger quantities in a pot on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly heated, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe incredibly fast and convenient, you can certainly use your favorite homemade dumpling recipe. If using homemade drop dumplings, prepare them according to your recipe, then add them to the simmering beef mixture as instructed for the biscuit pieces. Ensure they cook through, which might take a few extra minutes compared to the pre-made biscuits, so check for a fluffy, non-doughy interior before serving. The flavor will be wonderful!
Essential Ingredients for Your Hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable comfort meal. For precise measurements, please refer to the full recipe card below.
- Ground Beef: The star of our dish! I recommend a lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease. This recipe is also incredibly versatile; feel free to substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile.
- Yellow Onion: Diced yellow onion provides a sweet, aromatic base that builds the foundation of the dish’s flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor depth, but if convenience is key, pre-minced jarred garlic works perfectly fine.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: While the recipe aims for a “chicken and dumplings” feel with ground beef, low-sodium chicken broth provides a rich, savory liquid without overpowering the beef. Using low-sodium ensures you can control the saltiness of the final dish, adding more to taste if needed. You can also use Homemade Chicken Broth. As mentioned, beef broth is a great alternative for a stronger beef flavor.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A convenient way to add color, nutrients, and texture. A standard mixed vegetable medley (peas, carrots, corn, green beans) is perfect, but you can customize with just peas and carrots, corn, or any combination you prefer.
- Condensed Cheddar Soup: This adds a creamy, cheesy richness that makes the sauce extra decadent and flavorful.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Essential for that classic, creamy, savory base, reminiscent of traditional dumplings. Use your favorite brand or try making some Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup. For a unique twist, Cream of Mushroom Soup can also be used.
- Milk: Helps to thin out the condensed soups slightly and contributes to the creamy texture of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to an exceptionally rich and velvety sauce. While you can use all milk if heavy cream isn’t available, the sauce might be slightly less thick and luxurious. The milk and heavy cream combination offers the best balance.
- Dried Oregano, Dried Parsley, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: A blend of classic seasonings that perfectly complements the beef and vegetables, creating a well-rounded and aromatic flavor. If you’re not a fan of oregano, poultry seasoning can be a good substitute.
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: These are the easiest way to make fluffy, tender dumplings! I typically use a 12-ounce tube of regular-sized refrigerated biscuit dough (not the “Grands” style, which are much larger). The exact size or brand isn’t critical; just choose a type you enjoy. You can adjust the quantity slightly based on how many dumplings you prefer.
- Black Pepper and Salt: To taste, for final seasoning adjustments.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Ground Beef and Dumplings
Follow these straightforward steps to create a hearty and comforting meal in just 35 minutes!
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, add your ground beef and diced yellow onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is thoroughly browned and cooked through, and the onions are softened and translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot to prevent the dish from becoming oily. Return the pot to the stove. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for just 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Combine Liquids, Vegetables, and Seasonings
To the pot with the cooked beef, onions, and garlic, add the low-sodium chicken broth, frozen mixed vegetables, condensed cheddar soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, heavy cream, dried oregano, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients well to combine them thoroughly, ensuring no lumps of soup remain. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings
While the beef and sauce mixture is heating up and beginning to boil, take your refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into six equal pieces. You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference for dumpling size. Aim for consistent sizes for even cooking.
Step 4: Add Dumplings and Simmer
Once the mixture in the pot is at a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low-medium. Gently add the cut biscuit pieces to the pot, one at a time, spacing them out slightly. Stir carefully to ensure they are submerged and combined with the sauce. Place a lid on the pot and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking. The dumplings will puff up and become tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
After 15 minutes of simmering, remove the lid. Taste the Ground Beef and Dumplings and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt and black pepper. Serve immediately, piping hot, and enjoy this incredibly hearty and flavorful comfort meal!
Explore More Comforting Recipes
If you loved this Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe, you might enjoy these other delicious and comforting dishes:
- Classic Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
- Slow Cooker Beef and Dumplings
- Chicken and Bisquick Drop Dumplings
- Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
- White Chicken Chili with Cornbread Dumplings
- Cracker Barrel Style Chicken and Dumpling Soup
- Crock Pot Chicken and Cheese Dumplings
Ground Beef and Dumplings
Everything you love about chicken and dumplings, but with ground beef instead. Tender beef and pillow-like, fluffy dumplings in a rich, stew-like sauce.
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
6
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth, see notes)
- 12 ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup
- 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (12 ounce) can refrigerated biscuits (approximately 10 biscuits, see notes below)
Instructions
To a pot, add 1 pound ground beef and 1 cup diced yellow onion. Cook and crumble until the meat is brown and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and return the cooked meat and onions to the pot.
To the pot, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 12 ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables, 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup, 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 cup milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat.
While the mixture is starting to boil, cut each refrigerated biscuit into six pieces (you can cut them as big or as small as you prefer for your dumplings).
Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low-medium and carefully add the biscuit pieces one at a time. Stir gently until they are combined with the sauce.
Place a lid tightly on the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the dumplings.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For more substitutions or answers to common questions, please refer to the FAQ section and ingredient list provided above.
- To maintain a flavor profile similar to classic chicken and dumplings with ground beef, chicken broth was used. However, if you prefer a richer, more pronounced beef flavor, feel free to substitute with beef broth.
- This recipe uses a 12-ounce can of regular-sized refrigerated biscuits (typically 10-15 biscuits, depending on the brand like Pillsbury Flaky Layers, not the larger “Grands” size). You can adjust the number of biscuits based on your preference for how many dumplings you desire in the stew. The 12-ounce quantity is a good guideline, but exact adherence is not critical.
Dinner, Main Course
American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 51g |
Protein: 25g |
Fat: 45g |
Sodium: 1274mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 7g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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