If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining savory, well-seasoned ground beef with fluffy, tender biscuit dumplings, all swimming in a creamy, flavorful sauce filled with vegetables, it’s the kind of dish that quickly becomes a family favorite. This recipe masterfully blends simple ingredients into a satisfying, soul-warming dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in delivering taste, texture, and vibrant color to the final dish. From the browned beef that forms the hearty base to the flaky biscuit dough that transforms into soft dumplings, every component comes together beautifully.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and sauté onions for depth of flavor.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb): The protein-packed heart of the dish, delivering rich savory notes.
- Diced yellow onion (1 cup): Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch to balance the creaminess.
- Chopped garlic (1 tablespoon): Boosts aromatic intensity with its pungent and inviting scent.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): Infuses the dish with herby warmth and complexity.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup (10.5 oz can): Creates creamy, cheesy richness without fuss.
- Condensed cream of bacon soup (10.5 oz can): Adds smoky, savory depth and extra creaminess.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Builds flavorful liquid and helps marry all the ingredients together.
- Half and half (2 cups): Gives a luscious creaminess that makes the dumplings and sauce irresistibly smooth.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (2 cups): Offers vibrant color, textural contrast, and a nutritional boost.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (12 oz, 10 biscuits): The surprise ingredient that turns into fluffy dumplings soaking up all those delicious flavors.
How to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Brown Beef and Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula, and toss in the diced onions. Cook together until the beef is beautifully browned and the onions turn translucent. This step builds a flavorful foundation that makes the whole dish sing.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Liquids
Next, stir in the chopped garlic and Italian seasoning, letting their aromas wake up your kitchen. Pour in the condensed cheddar cheese soup, cream of bacon soup, chicken broth, and half and half. Stir everything until it forms a smooth, creamy sauce that promises indulgence in every bite.
Step 3: Simmer with Vegetables
Introduce the frozen mixed vegetables to the simmering mixture and bring it all to a gentle boil. The vegetables add subtle sweetness and eye-catching color, making this meal both visually and nutritionally appealing.
Step 4: Prepare Dumplings
While the pot is coming to a boil, cut each refrigerated biscuit into six equal pieces. These small dough chunks are set to become the fluffy dumplings that make this Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe so special.
Step 5: Cook Dumplings
Toss the biscuit pieces directly into the boiling mixture, then stir briefly to prevent sticking. Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. During this time, the dumplings puff up and soak in all those rich flavors effortlessly.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the lid, give the stew a gentle stir, and then take the pot off the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes—the sauce will thicken to the perfect consistency, and you’ll be ready to serve a piping hot, unforgettable meal.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing the presentation and flavor with simple garnishes can elevate your Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe even further. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top to add a burst of green freshness and a mild oniony note that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, refreshing side salad or steamed green beans adds welcome crunch and brightness, perfectly complementing the hearty stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the ground beef and dumplings in individual ramekins or mini Dutch ovens. You can also sprinkle some shredded sharp cheddar over the top and pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes to create a golden, bubbly crust that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’re going to want to save any leftovers from your Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe because these flavors only deepen overnight. Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making sure to cool it completely before sealing.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this comfort meal later, freeze the cooked Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe in portions using freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just remember that dumplings may soften a bit after freezing and thawing but the taste remains fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the dairy from curdling. Add a splash of chicken broth or half and half if the mixture seems too thick. Stir frequently and warm until heated through, then serve and enjoy all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of dough for the dumplings?
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuit dough is convenient and yields fluffy dumplings, you can experiment with homemade biscuit dough or even store-bought puff pastry cut into pieces. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to make this Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe gluten-free, opt for gluten-free biscuit dough or substitute with gluten-free flour dumplings. Also, double-check that the soups and broth you use do not contain gluten ingredients.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Of course! Fresh vegetables like diced carrots, peas, corn, and green beans work wonderfully. Just add them a little earlier to the pot so they have enough time to cook through and soften properly.
What can I substitute for the soups in this recipe?
If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make a homemade creamy base with butter, flour, milk, shredded cheddar, and cooked bacon bits for similar flavors. It takes a bit more time but tastes just as delicious.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time for a busy weeknight?
Prepare everything up to the point before adding the biscuit pieces, then refrigerate the stew base overnight. When ready to eat, bring it to a boil, add the dumplings, and continue cooking as directed to enjoy a fresh, hot meal with less prep time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and soul-satisfying about this Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe that makes it a go-to for any occasion when you want to feel cozy and cared for. Easy to make with pantry staples and frozen veggies, it delivers hearty goodness that everyone at the table will appreciate. I can’t wait for you to try it and add this gem to your repertoire of favorite comfort dishes!
Print
Ground Beef and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe combines savory browned beef and onions with creamy soups, chicken broth, and mixed vegetables, topped with tender, biscuit-based dumplings simmered to perfection. It’s a comforting one-pot meal that is quick to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
Liquids and Soups
- 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. Stir in the diced yellow onions and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
- Add Flavor and Liquids: Stir in the chopped garlic and Italian seasoning to infuse the mixture with flavor. Then add the condensed cheddar cheese soup, cream of bacon soup, chicken broth, and half and half. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer with Vegetables: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
- Prepare Dumplings: While the mixture is coming to a boil, cut each refrigerated biscuit into 6 pieces to form the dumplings.
- Cook Dumplings: Carefully add the biscuit pieces into the boiling mixture. Stir gently, cover the pot with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the dumplings simmer for 15 minutes until cooked through and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lid and stir the mixture. Take the pot off the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes so the filling thickens. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, filling meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease in the dish.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted with fresh vegetables if preferred.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough is a convenient shortcut, but homemade biscuit dough can be used for a more traditional texture.
- Simmer gently with the lid on to ensure dumplings cook evenly without drying out.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
