Ground Beef and Dumplings Soup Recipe
This Ground Beef and Dumplings Soup Recipe is the perfect cozy meal to warm you up on any day when comfort food is a must. Imagine tender, juicy ground beef simmered with savory onions, a luscious blend of cheddar cheese and cream of bacon soup, and tender mixed veggies all swimming in a creamy broth. Then, fluffy, soft biscuit dough pieces cook right in the pot, turning into delightfully pillowy dumplings that soak up every bit of that rich flavor. This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl that you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though the ingredients for this dish are straightforward, each one plays a pivotal role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the savory ground beef to the creamy bisque base and the tender dumplings, every component adds something special to make this soup truly unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the beef and soften the onions, enhancing the base flavors.
- Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and richness to the soup.
- Diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Chopped garlic: Brings a fragrant punch that elevates the whole dish.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses classic herb flavors, balancing the soup perfectly.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup: Creates a creamy, cheesy backbone.
- Condensed cream of bacon soup: Enhances smoky, savory complexity.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the soup light yet flavorful, tying together all the ingredients.
- Half and half: Adds rich creaminess without overwhelming the broth.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Bring pops of color and wholesome nutrition.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The secret to quick, fluffy dumplings cooked directly in the soup.
How to Make Ground Beef and Dumplings Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown Beef and Onions
Start by heating olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and crumble it thoroughly as it cooks, ensuring every bit gets cooked evenly. Toss in the diced yellow onions and continue cooking until the beef is richly browned and the onions have turned translucent. This step is essential as it builds the foundation of savory flavor your soup will depend on.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Liquids
Once your beef and onions are perfectly cooked, stir in the chopped garlic and Italian seasoning for that aromatic touch. Next, pour in the condensed cheddar cheese soup and cream of bacon soup, followed by the chicken broth and half and half. Stir everything together until it’s fully combined, creating a creamy and flavorful base for the soup.
Step 3: Simmer with Vegetables
Throw in the frozen mixed vegetables right into the bubbling pot. Let the soup come to a boil, allowing the veggies to thaw and start melding with the rest of the ingredients. This not only enhances the texture contrast but also adds brightness and color, making each spoonful even more satisfying.
Step 4: Prepare Dumplings
While the soup is boiling, grab the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into six pieces. This easy prep step transforms the biscuit dough into bite-sized dumplings that will cook directly in your soup, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Step 5: Cook Dumplings
Add the biscuit pieces to the boiling soup and give it a gentle stir to evenly distribute them. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the dumplings simmer for about 15 minutes, during which they’ll puff up and become soft pockets of doughy goodness nestled in the creamy broth.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
After simmering, remove the lid and stir the soup gently. Then, take the pot off the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes so the soup can thicken slightly and the flavors settle. Serve it piping hot and watch how quickly everyone dives in for seconds of this ultimate comfort in a bowl.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Dumplings Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions brings a fresh pop of color and a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness of the soup beautifully. For those who love a little bite, a crack of black pepper or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a fun kick.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread on the side provides a welcome crunch and textural contrast. Even a light coleslaw or roasted vegetables pairs wonderfully by balancing out the creaminess of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour this soup into rustic bowls, top with your favorite garnish, and serve it in a bread bowl for an extra special presentation. You could also ladle it into small cups as an appetizer at a dinner party or portion it into mason jars for a charming packed lunch or picnic option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after a day, making leftovers just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
This soup freezes well in portioned freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the dumplings may change texture slightly after freezing, becoming a bit denser, but reheating gently will revive their softness as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. Adding a splash of broth or half and half can help revive the creamy texture if the soup has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like diced carrots, peas, and corn work wonderfully. Just add them a bit earlier in the cooking process so they become tender but still crisp and vibrant.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the half and half with a plant-based milk like canned coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese soup alternatives or homemade creamy bases. The flavor will be a bit different but still deliciously comforting.
Can I make the dumplings from scratch?
Yes! If you prefer, you can whip up your own biscuit or dumpling dough instead of using refrigerated biscuit dough. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces so they cook fully in about 15 minutes.
How thick should the soup be when serving?
The soup should have a creamy yet slightly thick consistency, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still comfortably scoopable with the dumplings and vegetables.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a large enough pot to accommodate the increased volume and adjust cooking times slightly. It’s a fantastic recipe to feed a family or a gathering with minimal extra effort.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that feels like a warm embrace, the Ground Beef and Dumplings Soup Recipe is just the ticket. Its hearty beefy base, creamy broth, and tender dumplings make it a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. I hope you give it a try soon and discover why it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep close to your heart forever.
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Ground Beef and Dumplings Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Ground Beef and Dumplings recipe combines savory browned lean ground beef and onions with flavorful condensed soups and Italian seasoning, simmered with frozen mixed vegetables and finished with soft, fluffy biscuit dumplings. The result is a hearty, creamy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for a family dinner in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of bacon soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 (12 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough (10 biscuits)
Instructions
- Browns Beef and Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and crumble it well as it cooks. Add diced yellow onions and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions become translucent.
- Add Flavor and Liquids: Stir in chopped garlic and Italian seasoning to the browned beef and onions. Then add the condensed cheddar cheese soup, condensed cream of bacon soup, chicken broth, and half and half. Stir the mixture thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Simmer with Vegetables: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the pot and bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat.
- Prepare Dumplings: While the mixture is boiling, open the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into 6 equal pieces to create small dumpling bites.
- Cook Dumplings: Add the biscuit dough pieces directly into the boiling mixture. Stir once to distribute the dumplings evenly, then cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 15 minutes allowing the dumplings to cook through and absorb flavors.
- Rest and Serve: After 15 minutes, remove the lid and stir the mixture gently. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for a few minutes so the stew thickens slightly. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty bowl of ground beef and dumplings.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and keep the dish healthier.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted with fresh chopped vegetables of your choice.
- Cut biscuit dough into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking of dumplings.
- Letting the dish rest after cooking helps thicken the stew for a better texture.
- For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after removing dumplings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
