Ground Beef and Dumplings (One-Pot Comfort Meal)

There’s something deeply comforting about a pot of ground beef and dumplings simmering on the stove. The smell of beef, herbs, and fluffy dumplings fills the kitchen and pulls everyone to the table before dinner is even ready. This hearty one-pot comfort meal is all about warmth, flavor, and togetherness. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this dish wraps you up in home-cooked goodness that feels like a hug in a bowl.

When I first made this recipe, I wanted something that delivered the same cozy flavor as chicken and dumplings but with the rich, satisfying taste of beef. One bite in, my kids asked for seconds, and it quickly became part of our weekly dinner rotation.

If you love hearty skillet dinners that bring people running to the table, you’ll probably enjoy my ground beef pasta bake with mozzarella too.

Table of Contents

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

What makes ground beef and dumplings foolproof is the balance of hearty texture and deep flavor. Each spoonful delivers a bit of everything: tender beef, creamy broth, and soft dumplings that soak up all the goodness.

• Quick to make with just 35 minutes from start to finish.
• One-pan recipe for easy cleanup.
• Mild flavors that both kids and adults enjoy.
• Easy to customize by adding peas, carrots, or even ground turkey for a lighter version.

For another cozy dinner that captures the same spirit, check out my cheesy hamburger rice casserole.

Ingredients for the Best Ground Beef and Dumplings

The beauty of ground beef and dumplings lies in how simple it is to make. You don’t need fancy ingredients or long prep time. Everything you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge.

For the Beef Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using leaner beef)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups beef broth (use low sodium for better control of salt)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables

For the Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)

These simple ingredients create a creamy, savory dish that feels indulgent but comes together in less than an hour.

If you love creamy dishes made with ground beef, you’ll also enjoy my creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta.

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make this hearty meal. A few kitchen basics will do the job:

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

These tools make cooking and cleanup quick and easy — perfect for busy weeknights.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings

Here’s how to make this hearty one-pot dinner from scratch.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Break it up as it cooks so it stays crumbly. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir to coat evenly. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a gravy-like consistency.
At this point, you can add your frozen peas or mixed vegetables if desired.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and use a fork to mix until the dough looks crumbly. Slowly stir in milk until the dough forms. Don’t overmix; the less you work it, the fluffier the dumplings will be.

Step 5: Add Dumplings to the Pan

Drop heaping tablespoons of dough on top of the simmering beef mixture. You should get 6–8 dumplings. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low.

Step 6: Steam and Cook

Let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. This is what makes them tender and airy.

Step 7: Serve

Once cooked through, remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Scoop beef and dumplings together for the perfect cozy dinner bowl.

If you like one-pan meals with similar comfort vibes, try my ground beef orzo in tomato cream sauce.

Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Dumplings and Flavorful Beef

Making ground beef and dumplings is simple, but a few small tricks can make it absolutely perfect every time. These tips will help you get tender dumplings, rich gravy, and that true comfort food flavor.

• Don’t lift the lid while cooking: The steam trapped inside helps the dumplings rise and cook evenly.
• Keep your dough light: Overmixing makes dumplings dense. Stir just until combined.
• Use cold butter and milk: This keeps the dough soft and flaky.
• Simmer gently: If the heat is too high, the sauce will thicken too fast and the bottom may burn.
• Add veggies at the right time: Toss frozen vegetables in once the gravy thickens so they stay colorful and firm.
• Check seasoning at the end: The flavors deepen as the sauce cooks, so taste before serving.

If you enjoy hearty comfort food recipes that are simple but satisfying, my Southwest ground beef and sweet potato skillet is another must-try.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about ground beef and dumplings is how flexible it is. You can adjust the flavor, texture, or ingredients to suit your mood or what’s already in your kitchen.

Make It Creamier

Add ¼ cup of heavy cream or a small spoonful of sour cream to the gravy for a silky, rich texture.

Add More Veggies

Try diced carrots, mushrooms, or spinach for color and nutrition. The vegetables balance the richness of the beef and make it a wholesome meal.

Give It a Southern Twist

Swap the drop dumplings for flat-style dumplings by rolling the dough thin and cutting it into strips before adding to the beef mixture.

Lighten It Up

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Keep the broth and seasoning the same for a lighter, still flavorful version.

Add a Cheesy Finish

Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top before serving for a gooey, melty comfort layer.

You can also make this dish ahead by cooking the beef mixture first, then adding fresh dumplings when you’re ready to serve. For another quick skillet meal that layers flavor beautifully, you might like my ground beef Philly cheesesteaks.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Dumplings

This meal is hearty enough to stand alone, but adding a few light sides creates a balanced and inviting dinner spread.

• Green Beans or Broccoli: Steamed or sautéed for a fresh contrast.
• Garden Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
• Roasted Carrots or Sweet Potatoes: Add color and natural sweetness.
• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up the gravy.
• Simple Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Great for stretching the meal when serving a crowd.

If you prefer something a little soupier for cold nights, my creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup is another cozy favorite that pairs perfectly with these sides.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Dumplings

Ground beef and dumplings is the kind of recipe that reminds you why homemade dinners are worth it. It’s hearty, affordable, and comforting, yet simple enough to make on any night of the week. Every spoonful brings soft, pillowy dumplings nestled in savory beef gravy — the kind of food that warms you from the inside out.

This dish fits right in with the kind of cooking I love most here at Noor Recipes: meals that bring people together, fill the kitchen with laughter, and make dinner something to look forward to.