A classic Australian one-pot meal, Mince and Dumplings is not just a perfect mid-week budget meal but also one for camping when using a Dutch oven. Ground beef is simmered in a rich gravy with vegetables, then topped with homemade dumplings.
The mince (ground beef) stew is a popular meal in its own right. You can omit making the dumplings and serve the stew with fresh bread or mashed potatoes. It is similar to the American stew used to make sloppy Joes.
The dumpling recipe is a very basic one but can be substituted with a savory scone or an American biscuit, producing similar results. Traditionally, the dumplings are cooked by the steam coming off of the stew but modern versions require a top heat on the Dutch oven to brown.
Dutch Oven Mince and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
Mince Stew
- 1 pound ground beef mince
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 cup peas fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons gravy powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch corn flour
Easy Dumplings
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 cups self-rising flour self rising
Equipment
- 12 inch Dutch oven
Directions
Mince Stew
- Heat the Dutch oven then add the beef. Keep stirring as it browns to make sure the grind breaks up evenly.
- Add the onions and garlic while continuing to stir until they become transparent.
- Add the carrots, peas, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock, stir then leave to slowly come to a boil.
- In a cup add the water, gravy powder, and cornstarch. Use a fork to whisk until smooth.
- When the stew is gently simmering add the gravy slurry and stir until thickened. Reduce the heat to a low while preparing the dumplings.
Dumplings
- Add the cream to the self-rising flour and use a knife to stir until starting to form a dough.Â
- Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and lightly kneed until it comes together (overworking the dough will create a chewy texture). Break off pieces of the dough to create small balls.
- Place the dumplings on the top of the beef stew then place the lid on top.
- Cook for about 12 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.Option 1 – Steamed: Simply keep the stew overheat, such as on a gas stove or campfire, the boiling stew will cook the dumplings. The dumplings will look pale and moist. This is the traditional way it is cooked.Option 2 – Baked: Set the Dutch oven up to bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) with coals above and below. The dumplings will look brown and have a crust.
Nutritional Information
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Dutch Oven Main Dish