Cozy Homemade Minced Beef and Dumplings Recipe for Cold Days

When hunger strikes, this hearty minced beef and dumplings recipe promises pure comfort.

My grandmother used to craft these delectable parcels with incredible love and skill.

Rich, savory beef nestles beneath pillowy dough that melts in your mouth.

Each bite carries memories of warm kitchen gatherings and shared laughter.

The tender meat combines perfectly with soft, delicate dumplings crafted from simple ingredients.

Home cooking doesn’t get much more satisfying than this classic dish.

Let’s jump into creating a meal that warms both stomach and soul.

Why Homemade Minced Beef And Dumplings Is Comfort Food You Can’t Miss

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you crave something deliciously homemade but don't have hours to cook.
• Master One-Pot Cooking Magic: Everything comes together in a single skillet, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making this dish a dream for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort and washing up.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: The recipe offers flexibility with optional ingredients like peas and adaptable seasonings, allowing you to personalize the dish based on your family's taste preferences or what's available in your pantry.
• Nutrition-Packed Family Pleaser: Packed with protein from beef, vegetables for nutrients, and a rich, savory sauce, this meal provides a balanced dinner that both kids and adults will enjoy, making mealtime stress-free and satisfying.

What Goes Into Homemade Minced Beef And Dumplings

• Minced Beef: Hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance for the dish. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the base. Fresh onions with firm texture work best.
• Garlic: Enhances overall savory profile with its aromatic qualities.

• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and color to the dish. Fresh, crisp carrots provide the best texture.
• Tomato Puree: Creates smooth, rich base and adds depth to the sauce. Look for pure, high-quality tomato puree.
• Frozen Peas: Optional vegetable that adds color and subtle sweetness. Fresh or frozen both work well.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency. Use fresh, non-clumpy flour.
• Beef Stock: Provides liquid base and enhances meaty flavor. Low-sodium stock allows better seasoning control.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex, tangy depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Dried Thyme: Contributes earthy, herbal notes to the dish.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Cooking Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking. Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best.

How To Make Homemade Minced Beef And Dumplings Step By Step

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and break it apart using a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is golden brown and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Add diced carrots and pour in the tomato puree. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Create Silky Sauce Base

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir well to coat all ingredients. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5: Develop Liquid Base

Gradually pour in the beef stock while stirring constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let the stew simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens. Stir in frozen peas during the final few minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Fluffy Dumplings

In a separate bowl, mix flour with baking powder. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then pour in milk and stir just until a soft dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the simmering beef mixture, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes until the dumplings puff up and are light and tender.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the beef stew into warm bowls and top each serving with a few fluffy dumplings. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy this cozy, comforting dish while it’s hot.

Helpful Tips For Homemade Minced Beef And Dumplings

• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste to intensify the beef's rich, savory profile.
• Veggie Flexibility: Swap carrots with diced celery or parsnips for varied nutrition and texture without compromising the dish's heartiness.
• Perfect Thickening Technique: Ensure smooth consistency by whisking flour gradually and stirring continuously to prevent lumpy sauce formation.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional dumplings with cauliflower dumplings or serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
• Batch Cooking Hack: Double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick, delicious meals during busy weeknights.

The Right Way To Store Homemade Minced Beef And Dumplings

• Preserve your delicious minced beef and dumplings with ease.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Store the dish for up to 3-4 days in the fridge, ensuring maximum flavor and safety.
• When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat in a covered pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture and prevent burning.
• Freeze portions for longer storage, keeping them fresh for up to 3 months in sealed freezer-safe containers.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the texture and taste just as delightful as the first serving.
• Avoid refreezing once thawed to maintain the best quality and food safety standards.

Perfect Sides For Homemade Minced Beef And Dumplings

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, hearty beef flavors. These wines cut through the meat's richness and enhance the savory depth of the dish.
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Serve with crusty sourdough or rustic country bread to soak up the delicious gravy. The bread's texture and slight tanginess perfectly balance the meaty stew.
• Crisp Green Salad Contrast: Add a light, fresh mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. The salad's brightness will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, dense minced beef and dumplings.
• Cool Beer Companion: Choose a malty amber ale or brown ale that matches the comfort food's warmth. The beer's caramel notes will harmonize beautifully with the beef's deep, savory profile.

Tasty Changes To Homemade Minced Beef And Dumplings

• Spicy Southwest Style: Swap traditional seasonings with chili powder, cumin, and diced green chilies. Add corn kernels for extra texture and sprinkle fresh cilantro before serving.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace thyme with oregano and rosemary. Mix in diced bell peppers and swap beef stock for rich tomato base. Top with crumbled feta cheese for Mediterranean flair.
• Mushroom Hunter's Comfort: Incorporate wild mushrooms like porcini or shiitake alongside beef. Deglaze pan with red wine instead of beef stock. Finish with fresh parsley and black pepper for earthy richness.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Season beef with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add water chestnuts and baby bok choy for crunch. Garnish with sliced green onions and a drizzle of sriracha sauce for bold flavor.

Homemade Minced Beef And Dumplings FAQs Answered

• What makes this minced beef dish special?

This homemade recipe combines rich, hearty beef with vegetables and delicious seasonings, creating a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. The slow simmering helps develop deep, complex tastes that make every bite satisfying.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can easily substitute ground turkey, lamb, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.

• How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?

Try adding some extra cheese on top or serving it with a side of mashed potatoes. Kids often enjoy meals with familiar, comforting ingredients, and the tender meat and soft vegetables in this recipe are typically appealing to children.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, this dish is an excellent option for affordable home cooking. It uses simple, accessible ingredients like ground beef, basic vegetables, and pantry staples, making it a cost-effective meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.

Homemade Minced Beef And Dumplings Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty homemade minced beef and dumplings delight culinary enthusiasts with rich, comforting flavors straight from grandma’s kitchen. Savory meat nestled among pillowy dough promises warmth and satisfaction in each wholesome spoonful you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) minced (ground) beef

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or diced swede/parsnip

Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon oil or beef dripping
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 2 tablespoons plain (all-purpose) flour
• 2 cups (500ml) beef stock
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Dumpling Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120g) self-raising flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (optional)
• ½ cup (60g) shredded suet or 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 4–5 tablespoons cold water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions in a heated skillet with oil until translucent and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.
2. Introduce minced garlic and quickly toast to enhance its aromatic qualities without burning.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small crumbles and browning evenly to develop rich caramelized flavors.
4. Add chopped carrots and tomato puree, stirring to create a robust base for the stew, allowing vegetables to soften slightly.
5. Dust the mixture with flour, carefully coating the ingredients and stirring continuously to eliminate any raw flour taste and create a smooth texture.
6. Gradually pour beef stock into the pan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, consistent sauce.
7. Season the sauce with Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, freshly ground black pepper, and salt, balancing the flavors and adding depth.
8. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting the liquid reduce and vegetables tenderize while developing a rich, hearty consistency.
9. In the final moments of cooking, fold in sweet green peas for a burst of color and additional nutritional value.

Notes

• Boost flavor by caramelizing onions slowly, allowing natural sugars to develop a richer, deeper taste profile.
• Drain excess fat from beef after browning to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated meat flavor.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or alternative gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or zucchini for increased vitamins and fiber content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg