One-Pan Steak Pepper Dumpling Dinner – Easy & Flavorful Recipe

Looking for a hearty, all-in-one dinner that delivers big flavors with minimal cleanup? This Steak & Pepper Dumpling Skillet is your answer! Imagine tender strips of juicy steak, vibrant bell peppers, and fluffy dumplings simmered together in a rich, peppery gravy—all cooked in a single pan.

Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for weekend gatherings, this recipe combines convenience with restaurant-quality taste. Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleasing dish, along with pro tips, nutritional info, and answers to common questions.

Why This Recipe Works

✔ One-Pan Convenience – No juggling multiple pots and pans
✔ Perfect Flavor Balance – Savory steak, sweet peppers, and pillowy dumplings
✔ Customizable Heat – Adjust the pepper level to your taste
✔ Meal Prep Friendly – Tastes even better as leftovers

Ingredients for Steak Pepper Dumplings

For the Steak & Pepper Base

• 1.5 lbs (680g) sirloin steak, sliced against the grain

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil for high-heat cooking)

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green for color), julienned

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 cup beef stock (we recommend Better Than Bouillon)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Dumplings

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur works best)

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup whole milk

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sear the Steak to Perfection

• Heat oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat

• Pat steak dry with paper towels (key for good browning!)

• Sear steak in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not cooked through

• Transfer to a plate and tent with foil

2. Build the Flavor Base

• In the same pan, sauté onions and peppers for 4-5 minutes until softened

• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant

• Stir in spices: black pepper, salt, paprika, and thyme

3. Create the Sauce

• Pour in beef stock while scraping up the flavorful browned bits (fond)

• Add soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce

• Return steak to pan with any accumulated juices

4. Make the Dumpling Dough

• Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl

• Make a well in center and pour in milk and melted butter

• Gently stir until just combined (don’t overmix—lumpy is good!)

5. Cook the Dumplings

• Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough over the simmering steak mixture

• Cover tightly with a lid and don’t peek for 15 minutes (this creates steam for fluffy dumplings)

6. Serve and Enjoy!

• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions

• Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation

Pro Tips for Best Results

🔥 Steak Selection – Sirloin or flank steak work great, but ribeye adds extra richness
🌶 Spice Variations – Add 1/2 tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat
🥛 Dumpling Texture – For extra-fluffy dumplings, use cold milk and don’t overmix
🍲 Gravy Thickness – Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water if you prefer thicker sauce

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Nutrition data from USDA Food Database)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work particularly well—adjust cooking time to 25 minutes total.

How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for:

• 3 days in refrigerator

• 1 month in freezer (thaw overnight before reheating)

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use:

• Gluten-free 1:1 flour blend

• Tamari instead of soy sauce

• Check that your Worcestershire sauce is GF

More Delicious Recipes to Try

• Tom Tuesday’s Famous Beef Stew – The ultimate comfort food

• Perfect Pan-Seared Steak – Master the crust

• Easy Drop Biscuits – Great with soups and stews

Final Thoughts

This Steak & Pepper Dumpling Skillet delivers restaurant-quality flavors with home-cooked simplicity. The combination of juicy steak, vibrant peppers, and cloud-like dumplings makes it a guaranteed family favorite.

For more foolproof recipes and cooking tips, visit Tom Tuesday Dinner—where we make great meals easy!

Happy Cooking! 👨‍🍳🔥