9 Cozy Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipes for a Fancy Yet Easy Dinner

Nothing satisfies quite like a hot, hearty plate of ground beef and dumplings. This comforting classic brings together rich, savory meat and soft, fluffy dumplings in a single skillet. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal, a ground beef Sunday dinner, or even a warm, cozy dinner for 2 with ground beef, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for both casual nights and more elegant occasions, it fits just as easily into your fancy ground beef dinners repertoire as it does your regular comfort food cravings.

What sets this dish apart is its simplicity and adaptability. The ingredients are humble—ground beef, onion, broth, and a handful of pantry staples for the dumplings—but the result is rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting. These ground beef and dumplings recipes can also be customized in endless ways. Want to elevate it for guests? Add mushrooms and herbs. Looking to stretch leftovers? Double the dumpling mix and use it to top other stews or casseroles. Whether you’re making it for the family or crafting a ground beef dumplings recipe for a romantic dinner at home, this meal checks every box.

If you’re also a fan of cozy meals like this, you’ll love our other rustic favorites like meatball casserole or million dollar chicken casserole for your next hearty supper.

Save

What Are Ground Beef Dumplings?

To begin, ground beef dumplings are made by simmering seasoned ground beef in a rich gravy or broth, then topping it with soft, biscuit-like dumplings that steam until fluffy. The dumplings absorb the flavors of the beef mixture and puff up beautifully, making every bite rich and satisfying. This type of dumpling is spoon-dropped and rustic—not rolled or filled—which keeps preparation simple and stress-free. It’s a timeless one-pot dish perfect for beginners, home chefs, or anyone short on time but big on appetite.

This recipe also makes a lovely pie dinner idea when served in oven-safe ramekins or skillets and finished with a buttery crust. Similar to our cheesy sour cream chicken, it proves you don’t need complicated ingredients for a high-impact meal.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make the base of this ground beef and dumplings recipe. For the meat mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

For the dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• ½ cup milk
• Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish

How to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings Step by Step

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, then stir in the garlic. Once fragrant, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for one minute to deepen the flavor. Sprinkle in the flour and mix well to coat the meat. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme, then season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until a sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing as it can make the dumplings tough.

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough evenly over the simmering beef mixture. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings steam for 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t lift the lid during this time—steam is what cooks the dumplings through and gives them their pillowy texture.

When the dumplings are set and the beef mixture is bubbling, your dish is ready to serve. Garnish with herbs if desired and enjoy hot.

Save

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter or fork (optional)

Dinner for 2 Ground Beef Version

Cooking for two? This recipe easily scales down to a dinner for 2 with ground beef. Simply halve the ground beef and dumpling ingredients and prepare in a smaller pan. You’ll still get the same rich flavor and tender dumplings without having to store extra portions, though it reheats beautifully if you do have leftovers.

Looking for more two-serving comfort meals? Try our creamy lemon dill salmon pasta for a rich, elegant twist on simple ingredients.

Make It Fancy: Elegant Ground Beef Dinner Tips

Want to dress it up for a fancy ground beef dinner? Add sautéed mushrooms and fresh herbs to the beef, use garlic butter in the dumpling dough, or serve it with a side of roasted vegetables. You could also top the dish with freshly grated Parmesan or a dollop of crème fraîche before serving. Presentation-wise, it looks beautiful in individual ramekins or shallow bowls garnished with microgreens or a drizzle of olive oil.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Dumplings

• Keep the butter cold when making the dough
• Don’t overmix the dumpling batter
• Make sure the pot is tightly covered during steaming
• Avoid excess liquid in the beef base

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much broth, which results in soupy consistency
• Undercooking the dumplings
• Overcrowding the skillet with too many dumplings
• Forgetting to thicken the beef base properly

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Dumplings

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze the cooked beef mixture and make fresh dumplings later when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

What to Serve With Ground Beef and Dumplings

The dish is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light side like steamed green beans, a crisp arugula salad, or cucumber snack bites. For dessert, try banana cream hand pies to complete your comfort-food feast.

Ground Pork and Beef Recipes for Dinner Lovers

Feeling adventurous? Mix ground pork and beef for a more complex flavor. Pork adds moisture and richness, which works beautifully in dumplings or stuffed dishes. You can also substitute chicken or turkey for a leaner version. Check out our beef and cheddar ranch pasta for another cozy one-dish meal that’s great with either meat combo.

Save

FAQs About Ground Beef and Dumplings

Can I use biscuit dough instead of dumpling dough?
Yes, canned or homemade biscuit dough works in a pinch.

Can I make this with chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Just season the chicken mixture accordingly.

How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Conclusion and Call to Action

This ground beef and dumplings recipe is everything a cozy meal should be: hearty, flavorful, affordable, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back family dinner or planning a more elegant evening meal, this dish brings satisfaction in every bite.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your fellow comfort food lovers and subscribe to our blog for more ideas. From weeknight saviors to classic favorites, we bring you the best in ground beef dumplings recipes, casseroles, and more hearty dinners you’ll crave again and again.

Print