Ground Beef and Dumplings
A comforting dish combining savory ground beef with tender, fluffy dumplings, perfect for family dinners on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85 percent lean) for a perfect balance of flavor and health
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional for added richness
- 1 small onion, diced to add sweetness and depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for aromatic goodness
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste for a hint of tang and color
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce
- 1.5 cups beef broth the base for a savory sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme for earthiness
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika to impart a subtle smokiness
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables optional for a pop of color and nutrition
Dumpling Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for a sturdy dumpling base
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder for lift and fluffiness
- 0.25 teaspoon salt to season the dough
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened adding richness
- 0.5 cup milk whole or 2 percent, to bring it all together
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. If you’re using leaner beef, consider draining any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion into the skillet and sauté until it’s soft, which should take about 4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Mix in the tomato paste and allow it to cook for a minute. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to combine.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste, then let it simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Preparing the Dumplings
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the softened butter until coarse, and then gradually add in the milk to form a dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the beef mixture in the skillet, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Cooking and Serving
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing the dumplings to steam for about 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, check the dumplings for doneness. If fluffy and cooked through, let them sit uncovered for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
To elevate your dish, consider adding fresh herbs, a dash of cayenne pepper, or incorporating additional vegetables like carrots. If you're short on time, prep the beef mixture ahead of time.