Ground Beef and Dumplings – The Ultimate Cozy One-Pan Dinner

If comfort food had a personality, Ground Beef and Dumplings would be the friend who always knows how to make you feel better. There’s something about that hearty beef gravy bubbling under pillowy dumplings that just screams “home.” Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a slow Sunday dinner, this dish delivers that perfect balance of cozy and satisfying.

It’s also one of those meals that feels a little fancy (hello, fluffy dumplings!) but uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have. And honestly, any recipe that requires just one pan deserves a gold star in my book.

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What is Ground Beef and Dumplings?

Ground Beef and Dumplings is an all-American comfort meal that brings together two ultimate dinner heroes: juicy ground beef and tender, cloud-like dumplings. Think of it as a cross between a beef stew and a pot pie but easier—no rolling dough or turning on the oven required.

The beef cooks in a savory gravy, while dollops of soft dumpling dough steam right on top, soaking up all that flavor. The result? A hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that tastes like it’s been simmering all day (even though it’s on the table in under an hour). If you love cozy one-pan meals, you’ll also adore Hearty Meatball Stew and Beef and Macaroni Soup.

Reasons to Try Ground Beef and Dumplings

If you’ve ever stared at a pack of ground beef wondering what to make that isn’t tacos (again), this is your sign. This Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe is hearty enough for a Sunday dinner yet simple enough for a Tuesday night. The one-pan method keeps cleanup minimal, and the ingredients are affordable and easy to find.

Plus, the dumplings—oh, the dumplings—are light, buttery, and practically melt in your mouth. Even picky eaters will dig in. It’s comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, which makes it perfect for busy parents or anyone craving a warm meal that feels like a hug.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings

For the Beef Base:

• 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
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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

Instructions to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings

Let’s break down this Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe step by step so you can confidently make this cozy classic from scratch. Each stage is simple, satisfying, and—best of all—uses just one pan. Ready to fill your kitchen with that irresistible home-cooked aroma? Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics (Step by Step)

Begin by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your finely diced onion and let it cook for about 3–4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. This gentle sautéing builds the base of flavor that makes the Ground Beef and Dumplings so comforting. Add minced garlic and stir for about a minute—just until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells like something delicious is about to happen.
Pro Tip: If you love aromatic bases, you might also enjoy the veggie-infused start of our Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder—another warm, family favorite.

Step 2: Brown the Beef (Step by Step)

Add one pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring occasionally so the meat browns evenly on all sides. Once the beef loses its pink color, take a moment to drain any excess fat to keep your dish rich but not greasy. Stir in two tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. This step deepens the color and adds a savory richness that will carry through the entire dish.
Flavor Boost Idea: Add a few diced mushrooms at this stage for an earthy twist, similar to what’s used in our Traditional Chunky Pepper Beef Pies.

Step 3: Make the Gravy (Step by Step)

Now it’s time to create that luscious gravy. Sprinkle two tablespoons of flour evenly over the beef and stir well to coat everything—this is what will thicken your sauce. Slowly pour in two cups of beef broth while continuing to stir. You’ll see the mixture transform into a velvety, bubbling gravy. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme, then let it simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. The aroma? Absolutely drool-worthy. This rich gravy will be the cozy blanket your dumplings rest on.
Helpful Resource: If you’ve ever struggled with thickening sauces, check out our guide in One-Pot Creamy Chicken Soup for more step-by-step gravy consistency tips.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough (Step by Step)

While your gravy simmers, it’s dumpling time! In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add 2 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter. Use a fork or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until you have a crumbly, coarse texture—kind of like wet sand. This step is what gives your dumplings that tender, fluffy bite. Stir in ½ cup of milk just until the dough comes together. It should be thick and sticky, not smooth.
Quick Tip: Keeping the butter cold is crucial—just like when making biscuits or Irish Potato Pie. The steam from those cold butter pockets makes the dumplings airy and light.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings (Step by Step)

Now for the best part—bringing everything together. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of your dumpling dough directly onto the simmering beef mixture. Don’t worry about perfection; the rustic look adds charm. The key here is to make sure each dumpling has enough space to puff up while cooking. Once all the dough is added, cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dumplings steam for 15–20 minutes.

Important: Don’t lift the lid during this step! Steam is what cooks the dumplings, and letting it escape too early could make them dense instead of pillowy. Go pour yourself a drink, set the table, or scroll through more cozy dinner ideas like our Crockpot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.

Step 6: Finish and Serve (Step by Step)

When your timer goes off, lift the lid and admire your masterpiece. The dumplings should be puffed, tender, and cooked all the way through. To check, insert a toothpick into one—it should come out clean. Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve your Ground Beef and Dumplings piping hot, preferably with a spoon big enough to catch both beef and dumpling in one bite.
Serving Suggestion: Pair it with a crisp side salad or a bowl of Easy Sweet Potato and Apple Soup for a balanced, comforting meal.

Step 7: Optional Variations (Step by Step)

Want to make this recipe your own? Try adding frozen peas, carrots, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to the dumpling dough before cooking. For a lighter twist, use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef. If you’re into a little spice, toss in a dash of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for extra warmth. These little tweaks keep the recipe fun, fresh, and adaptable—perfect for whatever’s in your fridge.
Inspiration Corner: If you’re loving easy skillet dinners, you’ll also enjoy our Low Carb Taco Casserole or Big Mac Casserole for more simple weeknight wins.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Dumplings

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a few simple sides can round out the meal beautifully. Try a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a bit of freshness. A side of Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots adds a lovely sweetness, while Easy Cheesy Vegetable Chowder makes for a comforting combo on chilly nights. If you’re really leaning into comfort, a slice of crusty bread or homemade biscuits for extra gravy dipping never hurts.

Key Tips for Making Ground Beef and Dumplings

Keep the butter cold when making the dumplings—that’s what gives them that perfect fluffy texture. Avoid overmixing the dough; a light hand is key. When simmering, make sure your gravy isn’t too thick before dropping in the dumplings, as it will thicken further while cooking. If you’re feeling creative, toss in mushrooms, frozen peas, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra burst of flavor. And most importantly, don’t peek while the dumplings cook! Letting them steam undisturbed gives them that soft, cloud-like finish.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Ground Beef and Dumplings

If you somehow have leftovers (good luck with that!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy. You can also microwave individual servings—just cover them to keep the dumplings from drying out. This dish doesn’t freeze well since the dumplings can get soggy, so enjoy it fresh whenever possible.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great and lightens up the dish.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time? You can mix the dry ingredients, but add the butter and milk right before cooking.
My gravy got too thick—what now? Just stir in a bit of broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend for both the beef base and dumplings.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe is everything comfort food should be—warm, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for those nights when you need dinner to feel a little extra special without extra effort. Pair it with a cozy soup like Delicious Creamy Tortellini Soup or Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Noodle Soup and you’ve got yourself a feast worth sharing.

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