Imagine a pot of ground beef stew bubbling gently on the stove, filling the kitchen with the rich, comforting aroma of beef and thyme.
The stew’s deep, savory hues contrast beautifully with the vibrant orange of sliced carrots and the warm, earthy tones of diced potatoes.
This dish is the epitome of comfort food, evoking memories of cozy family dinners and the warmth of home.
For me, this stew has been a lifesaver on cold winter evenings, when the comforting aroma and hearty flavors brought warmth and solace after a long day.
Whether you’re tackling a busy weeknight or planning a leisurely Sunday supper, this stew with its fluffy steamed dumplings is the perfect solution to satisfy and nourish. It’s a dish that brings people together, a culinary hug that warms both body and soul.
Ready? Let’s cook!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with a hearty mix of beef and vegetables.
- Uses pantry staples for a convenient and budget-friendly meal.
- Freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Offers a comforting and satisfying meal for the whole family.
- Provides a balanced dish with protein, carbs, and vegetables in one pot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef — choose lean for less grease
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil — opt for high smoke point oil
- 1 large onion, chopped — sweet onions add a subtle sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — use fresh for best flavor
- 4 cups beef broth — low sodium preferred
- 3 large carrots, sliced — organic for better taste
- 3 large potatoes, diced — Yukon Gold varieties work well
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste — double concentrated for richness
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme — fresh thyme can be used if available
- 1 teaspoon salt — adjust to personal taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper — freshly ground preferred
- 2 cups all-purpose flour — unbleached for healthier option
- 1 tablespoon baking powder — check expiration for effectiveness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt — use kosher for better flavor
- 1 cup milk — whole milk for creamier dumplings
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted — unsalted to control salt levels
Step-by-Step Method
Brown the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and brown it thoroughly. Confirm the beef is cooked evenly by stirring occasionally.
This step enhances the flavor of the stew by creating a rich base. If necessary, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent proper caramelization.
Soften the Aromatics
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Stir frequently to prevent burning. This process melds the flavors, forming the aromatic foundation of the stew that will infuse the entire dish.
Combine the Stew Ingredients
Pour in beef broth and add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and tomato paste. Season with thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Stir the ingredients to combine them evenly. This mix of vegetables and seasonings introduces heartiness and depth to the stew, setting the stage for a robust flavor profile.
Simmer Gently
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the stew to cook for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
This slow cooking process tenderizes the meat and vegetables, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep the pot partially covered to maintain moisture.
Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter, stirring to form a dough.
This simple dough will transform into tender dumplings that soak up the rich stew flavors. Confirm the mixture is smooth and free of lumps for the best results.
Steam the Dumplings
Form the dough into small balls and place them in a steamer basket. Position the basket over the simmering stew, cover, and steam for 20 minutes.
This cooking method keeps the dumplings light and fluffy while allowing them to absorb the stew’s aromatic steam, enhancing their taste.
Rest and Serve
Remove the pot from heat and let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This resting period allows the flavors to settle and intensify, making for a more satisfying dish. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the stew hot, with the dumplings nestled on top.
Ingredient Swaps
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat.
- Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- For gluten-free dumplings, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- If you’re on a budget, use chicken broth instead of beef broth, and consider using seasonal vegetables.
You Must Know
1. Brown in Batches: For the best flavor, brown the ground beef in batches to guarantee proper caramelization.
Overcrowding the pot can lead to steaming rather than browning.
2. Simmer Slowly: Allow the stew to simmer for the full 1.5 hours.
This slow cooking process helps the flavors meld together and guarantees the vegetables are tender.
3. Steam Dumplings: Make certain the dumplings are evenly sized before placing them in the steamer basket to guarantee consistent cooking.
Steam them over the stew for a perfect fluffy texture.
4. Rest Before Serving: Let the stew rest for 10 minutes after cooking.
This resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes the stew more flavorful.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
A splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce can add extra depth to the flavor.
Serving Tips
- Serve stew in deep bowls for easy enjoyment and to catch all the flavors.
- Pair with a side of crusty bread for dipping and added texture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a glass of red wine to complement the stew’s rich flavors.
- Accompany with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Ground beef stew can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
It’s perfect for making ahead and can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
For best results, freeze the stew without dumplings.
Make fresh dumplings when reheating.
Reheating
To gently reheat Ground Beef Stew with Steamed Dumplings, use a microwave on medium power.
An oven at low heat or a stovetop on low can also be used.
Stir occasionally for even warming.
Historical American Comfort Food
Although it’s often taken for granted, comfort food has a way of weaving nostalgia into every bite.
Picture a chilly evening with a hearty bowl of ground beef stew cradled in your hands, with its savory aroma wafting through the air.
This dish, deeply rooted in American culinary tradition, brings warmth and coziness, a reflection of simpler times when family recipes were passed down with love.
Imagine the rich, robust flavors melding together:
- Tender beef simmered to perfection, inviting you to savor each morsel.
- Velvety potatoes and sweet carrots, creating a delightful balance.
- Steamed dumplings that soak up the stew’s essence, offering a pillowy texture.
Each bite is a journey back home, where comfort and history blend seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re inspired to try this flavorful Ground Beef Stew with Steamed Dumplings!
Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or a splash of red wine for an extra depth of flavor.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Slow Cooker for This Stew Recipe?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker! I’d brown the beef first, then transfer everything except the dumplings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Steam dumplings separately before serving. It’ll make your home smell incredible!
What Can I Substitute for the Steamer Basket?
You can substitute a steamer basket with a colander that fits over your pot or even use foil to create a makeshift steamer. Just guarantee the dumplings aren’t touching the liquid for perfect steaming.
Is It Possible to Make the Stew Vegetarian?
Absolutely, you can make it vegetarian! I’d swap the ground beef for hearty mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead. These changes preserve the stew’s comforting richness while making it perfect for vegetarians. Enjoy!
How Can I Thicken the Stew if It’s Too Thin?
If your stew’s too thin, I’d whisk a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water, then slowly stir it into the simmering pot. It’ll thicken beautifully, inviting you to savor every comforting spoonful.
What Wine Pairs Well With This Beef Stew?
I recommend pairing a rich, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot with this beef stew. Their bold flavors complement the savory stew beautifully, creating a cozy, inviting dining experience you won’t forget. Enjoy!
Ground Beef Stew with Steamed Dumpling
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 steamer basket
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 4 cup beef broth
- 3 large carrots sliced
- 3 large potatoes diced
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until softened.
- Stir in beef broth, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1.5 hours.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
- Stir in milk and melted butter to form a dough.
- Form dough into small balls and place them in a steamer basket.
- Place the steamer basket over the simmering stew, cover, and steam for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
