Savory Southern-Style Beef Dumplings in Tomato Gravy
This comforting Southern-style beef dumplings recipe features tender beef-filled dumplings simmered in a hearty, lightly spiced tomato gravy. Perfect for a satisfying stovetop dinner that blends rich flavors with a homey touch.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Dumplings
- Tomato Gravy
Let’s make it
Dumplings
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to mix dry ingredients.
Dumplings
Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a fork until a soft dough forms; do not overmix. Set aside while preparing the gravy.
Tomato Gravy
Heat vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Tomato Gravy
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef and brown, breaking up with a spoon until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Tomato Gravy
Stir in tomato purée, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and brown sugar. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Tomato Gravy
Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the gravy simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings.
Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the prepared dumpling dough by tablespoonfuls onto the simmering gravy, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Dumplings
Cook dumplings in the simmering tomato gravy covered over low to medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain steam.
Dumplings
Once dumplings are cooked, gently stir the dish to incorporate the dumplings without breaking them. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot, spooning the beef dumplings with tomato gravy into bowls. Optional sides include collard greens or cornbread for a complete Southern-style dinner.
Tips & notes
For lighter dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough to keep them tender. Simmer the gravy gently to prevent burning on the bottom. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
Saving it for later
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy if needed.
Reheating
Reheat in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a little beef broth or water if the gravy is too thick during reheating.
