Get ready for the ultimate comfort meal with Ground Beef and Dumplings—a dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl! Savory ground beef mingles with tender dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth, creating a one-pot wonder that’s as cozy as it is satisfying. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need something hearty on the table fast, this recipe is a personal favorite for its simplicity, nostalgia, and crowd-pleasing appeal. If you love recipes that taste like family and home, this is one you’ll want to make on repeat.

Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a long grocery list for Ground Beef and Dumplings—simple, everyday ingredients really shine here! Each one plays an important role, from building deep, savory flavors to creating the fluffiest, dreamiest dumplings imaginable.

Ground beef: The star of the dish, providing hearty protein and incredible richness.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth to the base.
Garlic: Punches up the flavor with aromatic, robust notes.
Beef broth: Lends a flavorful, comforting foundation to the sauce and simmering liquid for the dumplings.
All-purpose flour: Essential for creating those light, pillowy dumplings.
Baking powder: Gives the dumplings the perfect rise and tenderness.
Salt: Brightens and balances every flavor in the pot.
Sugar: Just a pinch helps round out the taste of the dumplings.
Milk: Moistens the dumpling dough for the softest possible texture.
Olive oil: Keeps the dumplings rich and tender, while adding a hint of fruitiness.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex, savory undertone you don’t want to skip.
Black pepper: Gives the dish a little warmth and bite without overwhelming the flavors.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but perfect for a bright pop of color and freshness at serving time.

How to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks—you want those little crumbles to soak up all the seasoning and flavor. Once it’s cooked through and has a bit of crispy color, drain off any excess fat so your finished Ground Beef and Dumplings don’t turn out greasy.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Vegetables

To your browned beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic (and any extra veggies you love, such as peas or carrots). Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and any favorite herbs. Let everything cook together for a few minutes, until the onion turns sweet and translucent and the flavors have a chance to blend.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth

Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring the beef broth to a gentle simmer. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, another pinch of salt, and black pepper to layer even more flavor into the foundation of your Ground Beef and Dumplings. The simmering liquid will soon become home to your fluffy dumplings.

Step 4: Mix in the Dumplings

Now it’s time to make dumpling magic. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk, and olive oil to create a dough that’s soft but not too sticky. Using two spoons or a small scoop, drop dollops of dough straight into the simmering broth. Space them out so they have room to puff up beautifully as they cook.

Step 5: Simmer the Dish

Cover your pot and let everything simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. The dumplings will float to the top and turn gorgeously fluffy when they’re done. Resist the urge to peek too often—the steam inside helps the dumplings cook evenly and stay feather-light.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

When the dumplings have finished cooking, gently fold in your savory ground beef mixture. Give everything a careful stir to combine, being sure not to break up those beautiful dumplings. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like, and dig in to the comforting goodness of Ground Beef and Dumplings!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Dumplings

Garnishes

Nothing completes a bowl of Ground Beef and Dumplings quite like a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The vibrant green adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness. For something extra cozy, a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or even a pinch of grated cheese can elevate each hearty bite.

Side Dishes

This dish is a complete meal in itself, but it’s hard to resist serving it alongside crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls to mop up that amazing broth. A crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette brings balance to the meal and makes every spoonful of Ground Beef and Dumplings feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Ground Beef and Dumplings in individual ramekins or adorable mini cocottes for a fun, dinner-party-worthy presentation. You can also top each bowl with an extra dollop of herbed butter or a swirl of sour cream for a beautiful, restaurant-style finish. Kids will love it in mugs—perfect for cozying up on the couch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Ground Beef and Dumplings, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making lunch or dinner a breeze later in the week. The flavors meld and deepen, so leftovers are truly a treat.

Freezing

Ground Beef and Dumplings can be frozen, though for best results, freeze just the ground beef and broth mixture without the dumplings. When you’re ready to enjoy, make fresh dumplings to float on top. If you do freeze the dumplings, note that they may become a bit denser after thawing but will still be delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Ground Beef and Dumplings on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of extra broth if needed to loosen things up. Give it a gentle stir now and then so the dumplings don’t break apart. You can also microwave leftovers in short bursts, covering the bowl with a damp paper towel to keep everything moist.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While the deep flavor of ground beef is classic in Ground Beef and Dumplings, feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. Adjust your seasonings to taste, as these meats are milder.

What can I add for more veggies?

This recipe is endlessly adaptable: toss in diced carrots, frozen peas, corn, or even chopped spinach along with the onions and garlic. You’ll add color, vitamins, and make the dish even heartier.

Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?

Dumpling dough is best made just before cooking to ensure it stays light and fluffy. If you really need to prepare ahead, mix the dry ingredients in advance and add wet ingredients just before dropping into the broth.

Why did my dumplings turn out dense?

Dense dumplings often result from over-mixing the dough or uncovering the pot too often while they cook. Mix until just combined and keep the lid on to lock in steam for the softest dumplings.

Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?

You can absolutely adapt Ground Beef and Dumplings to the slow cooker! Brown your beef and sauté vegetables first, then add everything but the dumplings into the cooker. Add dumplings in the last hour so they don’t overcook.

Final Thoughts

When you’re craving something soul-soothing and simple, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Ground Beef and Dumplings. I hope you give this recipe a try, share it with loved ones, and make it your own—it’s a dish that turns every meal into a cozy celebration of home.