If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of savory beef with fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings, this Ground Beef and Dumplings Stew Recipe is your new best friend. A delightful twist on the classic chicken and dumplings, this stew brings together perfectly browned ground beef, vibrant mixed vegetables, and tender biscuit dumplings all simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Ready in just over half an hour, it’s simple enough for any weeknight yet special enough to become a family favorite. Let me take you through this cozy journey that’s sure to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your belly with happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan filled with cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of light brown onions, forming one even layer covering the pan's base. In the middle, there is a small pile of finely grated yellow cheese resting on top of the meat. The pan handles are white, and the cooking surface underneath has a white marbled texture. An onion bulb is placed nearby on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this stew lies in its straightforward and pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in building deep flavor, satisfying texture, and vibrant color. These ingredients keep the dish approachable but never boring, making every bite a delicious surprise.

1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that gives the stew its rich, meaty flavor and satisfying protein.
1 cup diced yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and a fragrant depth once sautéed with the beef.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a savory punch that enhances all the other flavors.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth): The liquid foundation that keeps everything moist and stew-like without overpowering the dish.
12 ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables: A colorful medley that delivers freshness, texture, and nutrition with zero fuss.
10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup: Adds creamy sharpness and a velvety texture that’s decidedly comforting.
10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup: Builds richness and smoothness for that classic stew taste.
1 cup milk: Lightens the heaviness and helps the dumplings remain tender.
1 cup heavy cream: Brings indulgent creaminess so every spoonful feels luxurious.
2 teaspoons dried oregano: Offers warm, earthy herbal notes that elevate the stew.
1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a subtle brightness and freshness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces the garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savoriness and depth.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides mild heat and complexity for balance.
1 (12 ounce) can refrigerated biscuits (10 biscuits): The secret to those fluffy, tender dumplings that soak up all the delicious sauce.

How to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions

Start by adding your ground beef and diced yellow onions to a large pot. Cook over medium heat, breaking apart the beef until it’s fully browned and the onions turn soft and translucent. This step releases the beef’s mouthwatering flavor and builds the savory foundation for the stew. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep the stew from getting greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute. This quick step unlocks the garlic’s aroma, infusing the beef mixture with a fragrant depth without burning it.

Step 3: Build the Stew Base

Pour in your chicken broth along with the frozen mixed vegetables, cheddar and cream of chicken soups, milk, and heavy cream. Sprinkle in your dried oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly and crank the heat up to bring it to a boil. This mixture forms the rich, creamy sauce that will coat every bite of beef and dumplings with flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings

While the stew is coming to a boil, take your refrigerated biscuits and cut each one into six pieces—or any size you like. These biscuit pieces will become your fluffy dumplings, so feel free to adjust the size based on how big you want your dumplings to be.

Step 5: Add Dumplings and Simmer

Once the stew reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low-medium and carefully add the biscuit pieces one at a time, stirring gently to combine. Cover your pot with a lid and let everything simmer for 15 minutes. The dumplings will puff up beautifully, soaking in flavors and offering pillowy texture throughout the stew.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Before serving, taste your stew and add salt and pepper as needed to round out the flavors. Give it a final gentle stir and prepare to enjoy the cozy, satisfying meal you’ve just made.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Dumplings Stew Recipe

A close-up image of a creamy yellow dish in a white bowl, showing three round biscuit-like layers partially covered by thick sauce. The sauce is mixed with small colorful vegetables like green peas, orange carrot cubes, and yellow corn kernels, along with visible bits of ground meat and green beans. A wooden spoon is lifting a portion of the dish, highlighting the creamy texture and the biscuit base underneath. The dish looks rich and hearty, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of shredded sharp cheddar on top can brighten the dish, adding a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness or richness. A drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also works wonders for those who love a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or lightly steamed green beans. A crusty loaf of bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of the luscious stew sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stew in individual bread bowls carved from sourdough or rustic rolls. Or, layer the stew over fluffy mashed potatoes for an elevated comfort food experience that’s sure to impress family or guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Ground Beef and Dumplings Stew Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days stored in an airtight container. The flavors even deepen after resting overnight, making leftovers an easy and satisfying next-day meal.

Freezing

Because dumplings tend to soften further after freezing, it’s best to freeze the stew without dumplings if you plan for long-term storage. Spoon the stew into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag and freeze for up to 3 months. You can always add fresh biscuit dumplings when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the stew evenly. If you froze the stew without dumplings, add fresh biscuit pieces during reheating and simmer until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?

Absolutely! Fresh carrots, peas, corn, and green beans work wonderfully and will add excellent texture and color. Just chop them into uniform pieces and sauté or steam briefly before adding to the stew to ensure they cook evenly.

Is there a substitute for refrigerated biscuits in this Ground Beef and Dumplings Stew Recipe?

If you don’t have refrigerated biscuits, you can make your own simple biscuit dough or drop spoonfuls of homemade dumpling batter made from flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. The key is to create soft dough pieces that will steam in the liquid.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then add all ingredients except the biscuits to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add biscuit pieces during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to allow them to cook through without becoming overly soggy.

How do I adjust the seasoning if my stew tastes bland?

Seasoning is key! Taste your stew before serving and gradually add salt, pepper, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for umami. Fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, can also lift the flavors.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

You can, but keep in mind that ground turkey or chicken is leaner and will produce a lighter stew. You may want to add a bit more fat, like olive oil, when browning the meat to keep the texture moist and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about a bowl of Ground Beef and Dumplings Stew Recipe that wraps you up in warmth and satisfaction. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little taste of home and heart. Once you try this dish, I promise it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your cooking arsenal. So grab those simple ingredients and dive into this cozy stew—you’re going to love every spoonful!