Classic Beef and Dumplings: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Classic Beef and Dumplings
Classic Beef and Dumplings is a dish that envelops you in warmth and comfort, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings at home. The combination of savory minced beef and fluffy dumplings creates a hearty meal that satisfies even the heartiest of appetites. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for cooks of all ages and skill levels.
A Personal Story Behind My Classic Beef and Dumplings Journey
Growing up, my grandmother often made Beef and Dumplings for Sunday dinners. The aroma of seasoned beef simmering on the stove combined with the anticipation of those fluffy dumplings always made me feel at home. It became a cherished family tradition, and now, I’m excited to share this comforting recipe with you, hoping it brings the same joy to your table as it did to mine.
What Makes This Classic Beef and Dumplings Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out for its rich flavors and straightforward cooking methods. Using simple, fresh ingredients like ground beef, onions, and carrots, it strikes a balance between hearty and wholesome. The dumplings, made from scratch, add a delightful, fluffy texture that complements the savory beef perfectly. Plus, whether you choose to use vegetable shortening or beef suet, you can customize it to your taste, ensuring that each bite is satisfying.
The Full Classic Beef and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef
- ¾ cup (96 grams) yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup (118 ml) beef broth
- ½ cup (64 grams) carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (354 ml) beef broth (low sodium if possible)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 cup (220 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 5 tablespoons vegetable shortening or shredded beef suet
- ½ cup (118 ml) water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- For the minced beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it browns, breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer until slightly reduced, approximately 5 minutes.
- Mix in the chopped carrots and flour. Cook for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Pour in the remaining beef broth, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- For the dumplings:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
- Rub in the vegetable shortening or beef suet until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures your dumplings will be fluffy.
- Add water gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
- Divide the dough into equal portions and roll them into balls.
- Turn off the heat under the beef mixture and place the dough balls on top, ensuring they don’t touch each other too much.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the dumplings are golden brown.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Classic Beef and Dumplings
Serve your Classic Beef and Dumplings with a side of steamed green vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist. If you’re looking for variations, consider adding peas or corn to the beef mixture for extra flavor and color. For those who prefer a bit of spice, a dash of hot sauce can elevate the dish nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Beef and Dumplings
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the dumplings and bake when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option, but the dish may taste different.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
Classic Beef and Dumplings
Equipment
- Oven-proof skillet Ensure it's large enough for the beef and dumplings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.75 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 cup beef broth No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
- 0.5 cup carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups beef broth low sodium if possible
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 5 tablespoons vegetable shortening or shredded beef suet
- 0.5 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat the vegetable oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it browns, breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer until slightly reduced, approximately 5 minutes.
- Mix in the chopped carrots and flour. Cook for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Pour in the remaining beef broth, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
- Rub in the vegetable shortening or beef suet until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures your dumplings will be fluffy.
- Add water gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
- Divide the dough into equal portions and roll them into balls.