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- 1 lb (450g) minced beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 cups beef broth - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil The main ingredients are key to a tasty dish. The minced beef gives you a hearty base. Onions and garlic add depth and flavor. Carrots and peas bring color and nutrition. Tomato paste and beef broth create a rich sauce. Worcestershire sauce adds a bit of zing. Thyme, salt, and pepper round out the taste. - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/2 cup milk - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional) Dumpling ingredients are simple but important. The flour and baking powder give structure. Butter adds richness and flavor. Milk makes the dough soft and light. You can add parsley for a fresh taste. This mix creates fluffy dumplings that soak up the beef sauce perfectly. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing onions and garlic: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir them often. Cook until the onion turns soft and clear, about 3 to 4 minutes. 2. Browning the minced beef: Now, add 1 pound of minced beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break the meat into small pieces. Cook until it turns brown, around 5 to 7 minutes. If there is excess fat, drain it carefully. 1. Incorporating carrots and peas: Stir in 2 diced carrots and 1 cup of frozen peas. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the carrots are slightly tender. 2. Adding tomato paste and broth: Next, mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat and cover it partially. 1. Mixing dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. 2. Forming the dough: Cut in 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup of milk until it forms a soft dough. If you like, add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for a nice flavor. 1. Dropping batter onto beef mixture: Once your beef mixture is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the top. Make sure the dumplings are evenly spaced. 2. Steaming process: Cover the pot with a lid. Allow the dumplings to steam on top of the beef mixture for about 15 to 20 minutes. They should be fluffy and fully cooked. Now you have a warm dish of minced beef and dumplings ready to enjoy! To make light and fluffy dumplings, you need to watch the dough. Here are some tips: - Use cold butter. Cut it into the flour quickly. This helps keep the dumplings soft. - Don't overmix the dough. Stir just until combined. Overmixing makes the dumplings tough. - Add milk slowly. You want a soft dough, not too sticky. Adjust the milk if needed. Adding herbs can make your dish shine. Here are some ideas: - Try fresh parsley or thyme. They boost the taste of the dumplings. - Use garlic powder. This adds a nice twist to the beef mix. - Pair with sides. Mashed potatoes or green beans work great. They add texture and flavor. These tips help create a tasty meal that warms your heart. Enjoy the cooking process! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality minced beef can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Opt for organic produce when possible. Don’t Skip the Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley not only add flavor but also brighten the dish visually. Consider adding chives or thyme for extra depth. Check Dumpling Cooking Time: Ensure that the dumplings are fully cooked by checking them with a toothpick. They should be fluffy and not doughy inside. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to the beef mixture, such as bell peppers or cumin, to create your own twist on this recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch the minced beef for chicken or turkey. Both options work well and keep the meal light. For chicken, use the same cooking method. Just make sure it reaches a safe temperature. Turkey adds a nice flavor too and is a great leaner choice. For vegetarian options, try using lentils or mushrooms. Both give great texture and flavor. Cook them the same way as the beef. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition. You can change up the dumplings for fun. Try making herb-infused dumplings by adding fresh herbs like chives or rosemary. This adds a nice twist to the flavor. Just mix the herbs in with the dry ingredients. Another tasty option is cheese-filled dumplings. You can place a small piece of cheese in the middle of each dumpling before cooking them. As they steam, the cheese melts, creating a gooey surprise. It’s a fun way to enjoy this dish! To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Place the minced beef and dumplings in a container with a tight lid. This will keep them fresh. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. For the best containers, use glass or BPA-free plastic. These are safe and do not absorb smells. Label the container with the date to track freshness. You can reheat minced beef and dumplings in a few ways. The microwave is quick, but use low power to avoid drying them out. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Another method is to use a pot on the stove. Add a splash of beef broth or water. Heat on low, stirring gently until hot. This method keeps the dumplings fluffy. For both methods, check the temperature. Food should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat and tastes great. To make your dumplings softer, you can adjust the cooking time. If you cook them for too long, they can become tough. Steaming them for 15-20 minutes is usually best. Also, the way you mix the ingredients matters. When you combine the flour and butter, do not overmix. Mix just enough to form a soft dough. This keeps the dumplings light and fluffy. Yes, you can freeze minced beef and dumplings. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. The dish can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat. Stir gently until hot throughout. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook. Great sides for minced beef and dumplings include steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Try a green salad with a light vinaigrette. Roasted carrots or peas also work well and add color to your plate. For drinks, I suggest a hearty red wine or a light beer. Both pair nicely with the rich flavors of the dish. Enjoy your meal! This article covered how to make minced beef and dumplings. We discussed the key ingredients, from minced beef to the dough. You learned how to prepare the beef mixture, add flavor, and perfect the dumplings. I shared tips on enhancing the taste and suggested variations for protein and dumpling styles. Finally, we explored storage and reheating methods. Enjoy making this dish. It's filling and delicious, perfect for any meal.

Savory Minced Beef & Fluffy Dumplings

A hearty dish featuring minced beef cooked with vegetables, topped with fluffy dumplings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb minced beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, around 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the diced carrots and frozen peas, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
  • Add the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk gradually until a soft dough forms. If desired, mix in chopped parsley for added flavor.
  • Once the beef mixture is simmering, drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter over the surface. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam on top of the beef mixture for about 15-20 minutes, until they are fluffy and cooked through.
  • After the dumplings are fully cooked, gently fluff them with a fork and mix them in with the beef stew.
  • Serve warm in bowls, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword beef, comfort food, dumplings