If you are craving a cozy, hearty meal that fills both your belly and your soul, this Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe is an absolute must-try. Rich with savory ground beef, a decadent blend of creamy soups, and soft, pillowy dumplings made from refrigerated biscuit dough, this dish comes together in under an hour and delivers maximum comfort with every bite. The combination of melted cheese, Italian seasoning, and smothered mixed vegetables makes this recipe incredibly satisfying and perfect for sharing on a chilly evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet flavorful ingredients is the first step to creating a dish that tastes like a warm hug. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe such a standout.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the beef evenly.
- Lean ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base essential for that meaty richness.
- Diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
- Chopped garlic: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, robust aroma.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens and elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup: Delivers creamy, cheesy goodness to enrich the sauce.
- Condensed cream of bacon soup: Adds smoky, savory undertones that complement the beef perfectly.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the richness and builds a flavorful base for the stew.
- Half and half: Enhances creaminess and smoothness for that perfect silky texture.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Adds color, nutrition, and a tender crunch to balance the dish.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: Quick and easy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors.
How to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure it crumbles beautifully. Toss in the diced yellow onions to cook alongside the beef until the meat is nicely browned and the onions turn a lovely translucent shade. This browning step is crucial for building a rich, deep flavor base.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Liquids
Next, stir in the chopped garlic and Italian seasoning, letting their aromas mingle and wake up the senses. Pour in the condensed cheddar cheese and cream of bacon soups, followed by the chicken broth and half and half. Stir the mixture well, making sure everything is combined into a luscious, creamy sauce that promises comfort in every spoonful.
Step 3: Simmer with Vegetables
Throw in the frozen mixed vegetables and bring the entire pot to a boil. The vegetables add freshness as well as beautiful pops of color, which brighten the dish and provide a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Prepare Dumplings
While the stew returns to a boil, cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into six pieces per biscuit. These dough pieces will become your dumplings—soft, fluffy bites that soak up all the rich flavors bubbling below.
Step 5: Cook Dumplings
Add the biscuit dough pieces to the boiling mixture, giving it a gentle stir to distribute them evenly. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the dumplings to simmer for 15 minutes. This slow cooking process lets the dumplings puff up tenderly, absorbing the savory broth.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the dumplings are cooked through, remove the lid and stir the stew gently. Take the pot off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes; this helps the broth thicken slightly and perfects the texture. Now you’re ready to serve a warm, hearty plateful that’s guaranteed to brighten any day.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate the visual appeal and flavor of your dish. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of green and a hint of brightness. For a little extra zing, cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika works wonders on top.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe shines on its own, but pairing it with simple side dishes can round out your meal beautifully. Consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness or roasted root vegetables for added earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew in individual bread bowls made from hollowed-out round loaves. This turns the whole meal edible and adds a playful touch. Alternatively, dish the Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe into deep, colorful bowls to showcase the rich colors and textures, making every serving feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and prevent moisture from escaping.
Freezing
If you want to keep the comfort for longer, freeze the stew in individual portions before adding dumplings. Dumplings tend to lose their texture when frozen, so it’s best to add fresh biscuit pieces when reheating for optimal fluffiness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. To refresh the dumplings texture, add a splash of chicken broth or half and half as needed. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dumplings dense.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough for the dumplings?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully in this recipe and can add an extra layer of flavor, especially if you like experimenting with herbs or cheese in your dough.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can adapt it by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, along with vegetarian-friendly cream soups or homemade alternatives.
What can I use if I don’t have the specific soups?
If you don’t have condensed cheddar cheese or cream of bacon soup, you can make simple cheese or cream sauces from scratch using cheese, cream, and seasonings to mimic the flavor.
How do I make the dumplings fluffier?
Ensure you don’t over-stir once the dumplings are added and keep the heat at medium-low to let them gently cook and puff up without getting tough or dense.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales up nicely. Just use a larger pot for cooking and increase cooking times slightly to accommodate the extra volume, especially when adding dumplings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so truly comforting about a pot of Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe simmering on the stove, filling your home with inviting aromas. It’s a dish that feels like home, perfect for sharing with those you love or enjoying on a cozy night in. I hope you give it a try and make it a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Print
Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe features tender ground beef simmered with savory soups, mixed vegetables, and fluffy biscuit dough dumplings. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, it combines rich flavors and a creamy texture in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of bacon soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
Dumplings
- 1 (12 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough (10 biscuits)
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and crumble it well as it cooks. Add diced onions and continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onions become translucent.
- Add Flavor and Liquids: Stir in the chopped garlic and Italian seasoning. Then add the condensed cheddar cheese soup, condensed cream of bacon soup, chicken broth, and half and half. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Simmer with Vegetables: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Prepare Dumplings: While the soup mixture comes to a boil, cut each biscuit from the refrigerated dough into 6 pieces, making small bite-sized dumplings.
- Cook Dumplings: Add the biscuit pieces to the boiling mixture. Stir once to distribute, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the dumplings to cook through and puff up.
- Rest and Serve: After simmering, remove the lid and stir the mixture gently. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to thicken before serving hot.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef reduces excess grease and makes the dish healthier.
- Broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
- Ensure the dumplings are evenly cut to ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red chili flakes when stirring in the seasoning.
