Comforting Ground Beef and Dumplings – One-Pot Classic

This recipe delivers hearty comfort in a single pot, giving you rich flavors and a filling meal with very little effort. Tender dumplings float in a savory beef stew base, making it the kind of dish that warms you inside and out. The ground beef cooks down with onions, garlic, and carrots, soaking up flavor before being simmered with broth, herbs, and seasonings. Then, fluffy dumplings made from simple pantry staples are dropped right on top to steam gently until soft and golden.

The best part about this meal is how it combines ease with homestyle taste. Every spoonful brings together juicy ground beef, vegetables, and pillowy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it all cooks together in one pot, saving both time and cleanup while filling your kitchen with the irresistible smell of simmering stew and fresh dumplings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pot ground beef and dumplings recipe stands out for being satisfying and easy while keeping true to classic flavors.

Comfort food: A rich stew base paired with soft dumplings hits all the cozy notes.

One-pot convenience: Everything cooks together, making it simple and mess-free.

Family appeal: Both adults and kids enjoy the savory beef and tender dumplings.

Budget-friendly: Ground beef and basic dumpling ingredients keep costs low.

Versatile: Adjust the vegetables, herbs, or broth to match your taste.

Quick prep: No need for complicated steps or fancy equipment.

Here’s a little extra touch that makes it even better: a sprinkle of parsley or chives right before serving adds freshness and color, balancing the rich flavors.

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Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1 lb ground beef
  
• 1 medium onion, diced
  
• 2 carrots, sliced
  
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
  
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 4 cups beef broth
  
• 1 cup frozen peas
  
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
  
• 1 tsp dried thyme
  
• 1 tsp dried parsley
  
• 1 tsp paprika
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  
• 2 tsp baking powder
  
• ½ tsp salt
  
• ½ tsp garlic powder
  
• 2 tbsp butter, cold and cubed
  
• ¾ cup milk
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Beef and Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the beef develops a rich flavor.

2. Build the Stew Base

Mix in tomato paste and seasonings, stirring to coat the beef and vegetables. Slowly pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a steady simmer. Add peas and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes, giving the flavors time to blend. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

3. Make the Dumpling Dough

While the stew simmers, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl. Cut in cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly. Stir in milk gently to form a soft dough, being careful not to overmix.

4. Add Dumplings to the Pot

Scoop small spoonfuls of the dough and drop them directly into the simmering stew. Space them apart so they don’t stick together as they expand. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

5. Finish and Serve

After 15 minutes, check that the dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy in the center. Ladle the beef and dumplings into bowls and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Heartier stew: Add diced potatoes or parsnips for extra texture.
  
• Extra flavor: Stir in Worcestershire sauce for a richer broth.
  
• Herb boost: Fresh rosemary or thyme can replace dried herbs.
  
• Creamy twist: Mix in a splash of cream before adding dumplings.
  
• Protein swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder for heat.
  

Serving Suggestions

This dish works beautifully on its own as a complete dinner, but you can pair it with sides to make the meal even more satisfying. A crisp green salad balances the richness of the stew. Crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for soaking up extra broth. For drinks, a glass of iced tea or red wine complements the hearty flavors. Leftovers reheat well the next day, making it great for meal prep or lunches.

Final Thoughts

Comforting Ground Beef and Dumplings bring old-fashioned flavor together with modern convenience. Everything comes together in one pot, giving you a hearty, satisfying dinner without too much fuss. It’s filling, warm, and customizable, which makes it a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving something cozy, this dish guarantees comfort with every bite.