Ground Beef and Dumplings

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, you’ve come to the right place! Ground Beef and Dumplings is a family favorite in our home. The rich flavors of ground beef paired with tender dumplings create a delightful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even special family gatherings. It’s easy to prepare, and the best part? Everyone loves it!

This recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into a hearty meal. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a craving for something comforting, this Ground Beef and Dumplings dish will surely hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delicious meal without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the savory flavors and soft dumplings—perfect for picky eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it earlier in the day and simply reheat it for dinner, saving time on busy nights.
• Deliciously Comforting: This dish is like a warm hug on a plate; it’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use what you have on hand! It’s flexible enough to adapt to your pantry staples.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delightful dish. You might be surprised at how easy it is to find everything you need!

For the Beef Mixture

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

For the Soup Base

• 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup
• 10.5 oz condensed cream of bacon soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half and half

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (I used a 12 oz package with 10 biscuits)

Variations

One of the best things about Ground Beef and Dumplings is its flexibility! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Sneak in extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
• Change up the dumplings: Use homemade biscuit dough or even gnocchi for a different texture!

How to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This step is crucial as it prepares your cooking surface, allowing the ground beef to brown nicely.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks. Crumbling it well ensures that every bite has that delicious flavor. Keep cooking until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Add Onions

Stir in your diced onions with the beef. Cooking them together brings out their natural sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of your dish.

Step 4: Garlic & Seasoning Time

Now it’s time to add chopped garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir well for about one minute—this allows those aromatic flavors to bloom beautifully.

Step 5: Create Your Creamy Base

Pour in both the cheddar soup and cream of bacon soup along with chicken broth and half-and-half. Stir until everything is well combined; this creamy mixture will be the heart of your dish.

Step 6: Mix in Veggies

Add those frozen mixed veggies next! Stir everything together and bring your mixture to a gentle boil. This step ensures that all ingredients meld together perfectly.

Step 7: Prepare Your Dumplings

While waiting for your mixture to boil, open your biscuit dough package and cut each biscuit into six pieces. This will create fluffy dumplings that soak up all that wonderful sauce.

Step 8: Add Dumpling Dough

Once boiling, carefully drop your biscuit pieces into the pot. They’ll expand as they cook, creating pillowy dumplings everyone will love!

Step 9: Simmer Away

Stir gently, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes; this step allows those dumplings to cook through while soaking up all that flavor.

Step 10: Final Touches

After simmering, remove the lid and give everything a good stir again. Letting it rest off heat helps thicken up that delicious sauce just right.

Step 11: Serve & Enjoy!

Your Ground Beef and Dumplings are ready! Ladle into bowls, serve hot, and watch everyone dig in with smiles on their faces.

This cozy dish is sure to become a staple at your dinner table!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Dumplings

Making Ground Beef and Dumplings can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips!

• Use lean ground beef: Choosing lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease, making your dish healthier while still keeping it flavorful.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking helps thicken the soup mixture, giving you that perfect creamy consistency.
• Customize your veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite frozen vegetables or whatever you have on hand. This adds variety and keeps the recipe fresh each time you make it!
• Experiment with seasonings: While Italian seasoning is fantastic, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a little heat, or some fresh herbs if you have them on hand for extra flavor.
• Make it ahead of time: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve it—perfect for meal prepping!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Dumplings

Serving Ground Beef and Dumplings is just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can elevate this comfort food into something special.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the dish.
• Grated cheese: A light dusting of shredded cheese on top right before serving gives an extra layer of creaminess that cheese lovers will adore.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Soft and warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious creamy soup. Plus, who doesn’t love garlic?
• Simple green salad: A refreshing green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a nice contrast to the hearty dumplings.
• Steamed broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli not only adds nutrition but also balances out the richness of the main dish with its mild taste.
• Mashed potatoes: For a truly indulgent experience, serve alongside buttery mashed potatoes that complement the dumplings beautifully.

I hope these tips and serving suggestions inspire you to create your own delightful version of Ground Beef and Dumplings! Enjoy every comforting bite with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Dumplings dish is not only comforting and delicious, but it also excels at meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance for busy weeknights, ensuring you have a hearty meal ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, consume within 1 month.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or half and half if it has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Ground Beef and Dumplings that might help clarify your cooking experience!

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Ground Beef and Dumplings?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. It will provide a lighter flavor while still being a delicious option in this comforting recipe.

How can I make Ground Beef and Dumplings healthier?

You can make this dish healthier by using leaner ground beef or even substituting with ground chicken or turkey. Additionally, consider adding more vegetables or using whole-grain biscuit dough for added fiber.

How long does it take to cook Ground Beef and Dumplings?

This recipe takes approximately 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying option for weeknight dinners.

Can I make Ground Beef and Dumplings without using biscuit dough?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for an alternative, consider using homemade dumpling dough or even dumpling wrappers that suit your preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this wonderful Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe as much as I do! It’s a fantastic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to the table. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to share your experience; I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!