Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of ground beef and dumplings that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy nights at home. This hearty dish combines seasoned ground beef with a medley of vibrant vegetables, all topped off with fluffy dumplings that soak up the flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s a delightful one-pot meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Use a slotted spoon to drain any excess grease, leaving just enough for flavor.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together.
- While your beef mixture is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually stir in the milk and melted butter, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want your dumplings to be light and fluffy!
- Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering beef mixture. Don’t worry about them being perfect; they’ll puff up beautifully while cooking.
- Cover the pot with a lid and allow the dumplings to steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until they have risen and are fluffy and cooked through.
- Once done, ladle the beef, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls, making sure each dish is bursting with flavor.
Notes or Tips
For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of your favorite red wine to the broth while it simmers. If you love herbs, feel free to toss in some dried thyme or rosemary with the beef mixture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated on the stove, though the dumplings are best enjoyed fresh for the fluffiest texture!
Cooking Techniques
Brown the ground beef properly to develop rich flavors, and don’t skip the step of simmering the mixture. This not only enhances the taste but ensures the dumplings have the perfect cooking environment. Covering the pot while the dumplings steam is essential for creating that soft, fluffy texture we all crave.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work beautifully in this recipe for a lighter twist.
What vegetables can I substitute?
Feel free to use any frozen vegetables you have on hand, such as peas, carrots, or corn. Fresh vegetables can also be used; just chop them finely and adjust cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
This ground beef and dumplings recipe is a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food. With its rich flavors and fluffy dumplings, it’s bound to become a family favorite. So gather around the table, serve up a steaming bowl, and enjoy the cozy vibes this delightful dish brings to your home!