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Perfect Chicken Dumplings Vegetables

As seen in: Evening Meals to Gather Around

This comforting dish melds tender shredded chicken with pillowy dumplings and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a savory broth. Aromatics like onions, carrots, celery, and garlic build a flavorful base sautéed in butter or olive oil. The chicken gently cooks until tender before being shredded and returned to the pot. Dumpling dough, made with flour, baking powder, and milk, is dropped onto the simmering broth and steamed until light and fluffy. Fresh parsley adds brightness at the end, making this meal perfect for cozy family dinners or leftovers that deepen in flavor.

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A woman named Sophie is smiling and holding a plate of food.
Created By Sophie
Last updated on Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:32:26 GMT
A bowl of chicken and dumplings with vegetables. Save Pin
A bowl of chicken and dumplings with vegetables. | sophietable.com

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a bold and comforting dish that layers flavor without the fuss of rolling individual tortillas. It combines hearty ground beef, melty cheese, and smoky enchilada sauce into layers that bake into a gooey, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole offers the pure delight of enchiladas in an easy-to-prepare format.

I first made this during a rushed week, and it quickly became my go-to because everyone in the family asks for seconds. The layers hold together beautifully yet stay tender and flavorful from the enchilada sauce soaking in.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: bringing rich, savory flavor that forms the essence of the casserole
  • Corn tortillas: that soak in sauce while keeping a lovely soft texture and traditional taste
  • Enchilada sauce: offering smoky, spicy depth that ties the whole dish together
  • Shredded cheese: a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, creating creamy, melty layers and a golden crust
  • Black olives: adding a briny pop that balances the richness and adds contrast
  • Diced onions: for aromatic sweetness and slight crunch
  • Seasonings: such as chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder that infuse the meat with unmistakable Tex-Mex flair

Ingredients

Look for freshly grated cheese for the best melt and buy a quality enchilada sauce with a smoky kick for the richest flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown and Season the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess grease. Add diced onions along with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir and cook until the onions soften and the spices become fragrant, building a flavorful base.
Simmer in Sauce:
Pour about two-thirds of your enchilada sauce into the skillet with the beef and onion mixture. Let it simmer gently for five minutes allowing the beef to soak up the smoky, spicy sauce.
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread a thin, even layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom to keep the tortillas moist and flavorful.
Start Layering:
Arrange 4 to 6 corn tortillas to cover the bottom of the dish evenly. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, sprinkle black olives, and generously add shredded cheese. Repeat the layers once more, finishing on top with tortillas, remaining sauce, and a final blanket of cheese.
Bake to Perfection:
Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help it set and serve neatly.
A slice of beef enchilada casserole with olives and cheese. Save Pin
A slice of beef enchilada casserole with olives and cheese. | sophietable.com

My favorite ingredient has to be the enchilada sauce because it brings all the layers together with its smoky and spicy character. One family dinner, we topped this casserole with fresh avocado and sour cream, turning a simple meal into a special occasion everyone still talks about.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within four days. When freezing, slice into individual portions, wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven or microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or shredded chicken work well as leaner alternatives to beef without losing flavor. Flour tortillas can be used but expect a softer, less traditional texture. You can swap black olives with sliced green olives or omit them if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

Top slices with sour cream, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime for brightness. Serve alongside Mexican rice, guacamole, or a crisp side salad to round out the meal.

Cultural Context

This casserole is a Tex-Mex twist on enchiladas that simplifies the traditional rolled dish, making it friendly for busy home cooks while layering all the classic flavors popular across the southwestern United States.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ How do I keep dumplings light and fluffy?

Be sure not to overmix the dough and keep the pot covered while dumplings steam. Lifting the lid too soon can prevent proper rising.

→ Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken works well. Add it near the end to warm through and meld flavors.

→ What can I substitute for milk in the dumplings?

Dairy-free milks like almond or oat milk make great alternatives for moisture and tenderness in the dumpling dough.

→ Which vegetables work best in this dish?

Carrots, celery, and onions form the base, but peas, green beans, or spinach can be added for extra color and nutrition.

→ Why do dumplings turn out tough sometimes?

Overmixing the dough or boiling too vigorously can make dumplings dense. Gentle stirring and simmering yield better texture.

→ Can this dish be frozen and reheated?

Yes, freezing in airtight containers is possible. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Perfect Chicken Dumplings Vegetables

Savory chicken, fluffy dumplings, and vibrant vegetables meld in a warm, satisfying one-pot dish.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Duration
40 Minutes
Overall Time
55 Minutes
Created By: Sophie

Recipe Type: Dinner

Skill Level: Simple

Cuisine Type: Southern American

Portion Size: 4 Number of Servings (4 servings)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Poultry

01 500 grams boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into pieces

→ Vegetables

02 150 grams carrots, diced
03 100 grams celery, diced
04 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 15 grams fresh parsley, chopped

→ Broth

07 1 litre chicken broth, low sodium

→ Dumplings

08 250 grams all-purpose flour
09 10 grams baking powder
10 5 grams salt
11 3 grams freshly ground black pepper
12 240 milliliters milk or buttermilk

→ Fats & Seasonings

13 30 grams unsalted butter or 30 milliliters olive oil
14 Additional salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Heat butter or olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 02

Add chicken pieces to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken, shred finely using two forks, and return it to the pot.

Step 03

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually stir in milk or buttermilk until a sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain light texture.

Step 04

Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop small spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering broth. Cover tightly and allow the dumplings to steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure proper rising and fluffiness.

Step 05

Gently stir chopped parsley into the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, ensuring each portion contains broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings.

Helpful Notes

  1. To avoid dense dumplings, do not overmix the dough and keep the lid closed while cooking to trap steam which aids in fluffy rising.
  2. Leftover chicken such as rotisserie can be used to reduce cooking time; add it during the last simmer step.
  3. For a dairy-free option, substitute milk or buttermilk with almond or oat milk.
  4. Vegetables like peas, green beans, or spinach can be added near the end for extra nutrients and color.
  5. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze in airtight containers. Reheat gently adding broth if dumplings absorb too much liquid.

Recommended Tools

  • Large Dutch oven or stockpot
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cookie scoop or two spoons
  • Tongs or slotted spoon

Allergen Information

Always review ingredients for any allergens and consult a healthcare provider with any concerns.
  • Contains gluten and dairy

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are estimates and shouldn't be considered professional health advice.
  • Calories: 420.5
  • Fat Content: 14.6 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 38.2 grams
  • Protein Content: 32.1 grams