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Homemade Minced Beef and Dumplings

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Homemade Minced Beef and Dumplings is a comforting British classic, featuring savory ground beef simmered in a rich onion gravy and topped with fluffy, golden dumplings. Hearty, warming, and full of traditional flavor, it’s the perfect dish for cozy nights and family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A comforting, budget-friendly meal
  • One-pot dish that’s easy to prepare
  • Fluffy dumplings baked right into the stew
  • Great for feeding the whole family
  • Classic British flavor with simple ingredients

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the beef filling:

  • Minced (ground) beef
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Carrots (diced)
  • Beef stock or broth
  • Tomato purée or paste
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Flour (for thickening)
  • Oil or butter
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional: peas, herbs like thyme or bay leaf

For the dumplings:

  • Self-raising flour
  • Suet (or cold grated butter as a substitute)
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Optional: fresh or dried herbs (parsley, thyme)

directions

  1. Heat oil or butter in a large, oven-safe pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onions and carrots, and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to coat.
  5. Add tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and pour in the beef stock. Stir well to combine.
  6. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Meanwhile, make the dumplings: In a bowl, mix self-raising flour, suet, salt, and herbs. Gradually add water and stir until a soft dough forms.
  8. Divide dough into small balls (about 8) and place them gently on top of the beef mixture.
  9. Cover the pot with a lid or foil and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes. Then remove lid and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes to let dumplings lightly brown (you can also finish in the oven at 400°F/200°C for golden tops).
  10. Serve hot with extra vegetables or crusty bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

  • Cheesy Dumplings: Add grated cheddar to the dumpling dough for extra richness.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
  • Veggie Boost: Stir in mushrooms, parsnips, or swede for more depth.
  • Lighter Version: Use lean beef or turkey mince.
  • Herb Upgrade: Add rosemary or sage to the filling or dumplings for a flavor boost.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.
To freeze, allow the dish to cool fully, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?

Yes, both work well, though beef gives the most traditional flavor.

What can I use instead of suet for dumplings?

Cold grated butter is a good substitute if suet isn’t available.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes—brown the meat first, then cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add dumplings during the last hour.

Are the dumplings supposed to be soft or crusty?

They should be soft and fluffy inside—remove the lid at the end to give them a slightly firmer top.

Can I bake the entire dish in the oven?

Yes, after simmering the filling on the stove, top with dumplings and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.

Can I add gravy granules?

If you want a richer flavor or thicker sauce, you can stir in gravy granules toward the end.

Do I need to peel the carrots?

Peeling is optional, but make sure they’re chopped small enough to cook through.

How do I know the dumplings are done?

They’ll puff up and be firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the beef filling in advance and reheat when ready to add dumplings.

What can I serve with it?

Mashed potatoes, peas, steamed greens, or crusty bread pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

Homemade Minced Beef and Dumplings is a classic, hearty meal that brings warmth and comfort to the table. With its rich, savory filling and pillowy dumplings, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home. Simple to make and endlessly satisfying, this is comfort food at its finest—perfect for cold evenings, family dinners, or a nostalgic taste of traditional British cooking.

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Homemade Minced Beef and Dumplings

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This Homemade Minced Beef and Dumplings recipe is hearty, flavorful, and the ultimate comfort food. Tender minced beef is simmered in a rich, savory gravy with onions and vegetables, then topped with light and fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavor. A family favorite for generations!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Scale

For the Minced Beef Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon oil or beef dripping

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 lb (450g) minced (ground) beef

  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced

  • 2 tablespoons tomato purée

  • 2 tablespoons plain (all-purpose) flour

  • 2 cups (500ml) beef stock

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • Salt, to taste

  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or diced swede/parsnip

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 cup (120g) self-raising flour

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (optional)

  • ½ cup (60g) shredded suet or 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

  • 4–5 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

Make the Minced Beef Stew:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

  2. Add minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

  3. Stir in carrots and tomato purée. Cook for 2 minutes.

  4. Sprinkle over flour, stir well, and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

  5. Slowly add beef stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, pepper, and salt. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until thickened and veggies are tender. Stir in peas at the end if using.

Make the Dumplings:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine self-raising flour, salt, and herbs (if using). Rub in suet or butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

  2. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.

  3. Divide dough into 6–8 dumplings and gently roll into balls.

Finish & Serve:

  1. Place dumplings on top of the simmering mince mixture. Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes (don’t lift the lid!).

  2. Remove lid and cook uncovered for another 5–10 minutes to let the dumplings firm up on top.

  3. Serve hot, spooning dumplings and gravy over mashed potatoes or buttered peas if desired.

 

Notes

  • For crispier dumplings, place the dish in the oven at 375°F (190°C) uncovered for the final 10 minutes.

  • Suet gives a traditional texture, but cold butter works just as well if you don’t have it.

  • Add a splash of red wine for deeper flavor.

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