Ground beef and dumplings is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This hearty casserole combines the rich flavor of seasoned ground beef with fluffy dumplings, making it not just a filling dinner but also a family favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s about comfort and nourishment. The combination of tender ground beef simmered with savory vegetables and topped with pillowy dumplings creates a balanced and wholesome dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners but can also be served at gatherings to share the love of home-cooked food. Moreover, the simplicity of this recipe allows it to be made quickly and efficiently, saving you time in the kitchen while delivering fantastic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- While the beef mixture simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined; do not overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the simmering beef mixture, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Transfer the skillet or mixture to a preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings have risen and are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
This ground beef and dumplings casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that everyone will love. The combination of textures and flavors creates a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Variations and Tips
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like peas or green beans to increase the nutritional value and brighten the dish.
- Use Different Proteins: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just be mindful of the cooking times and adjust them accordingly.
- Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some chili powder or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture to give it a spicy kick.
- Dumpling Variations: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought biscuit dough instead of making your own dumplings, which can make this meal even quicker to prepare.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the beef is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the dumplings when placing them in the skillet; they need space to rise and expand without becoming dense.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your ground beef and dumplings with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Hot biscuits or a slice of crusty bread make excellent complements for soaking up the rich flavors of the casserole.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the dumplings’ texture better than a microwave.
Final Thoughts
Ground beef and dumplings is a dish that brings together wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors, making it a staple for many households. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or hosting friends, this recipe will fill bellies and warm hearts. Enjoy the delightful process of preparing this dish, and be ready to see smiles all around the table.
In conclusion, try out this easy-to-follow recipe for ground beef and dumplings. It’s sure to become a family favorite! Make your own recipe card with WP Recipe Maker below to keep this gem handy for future dinners.
Ground Beef and Dumplings Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined; do not overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the simmering beef mixture, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Transfer the skillet or mixture to a preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings have risen and are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.