Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food. This dish, with its rich and savory ground beef gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes, is perfect for cold evenings or when you need a hearty meal to warm your soul. It’s a dish that reminds me of home, where my family would gather around the dinner table and savor every bite. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the depth of flavors makes this recipe a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
For the Gravy:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon thyme (optional)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. You can check for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork; they should be soft all the way through.
Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of butter. Using a potato masher or fork, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot to keep the mashed potatoes warm while you prepare the gravy.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks for even browning. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This step infuses the beef with aromatic flavors, making the gravy even more delicious.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked beef and onions. Stir continuously to incorporate the flour evenly, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Stir well to combine.
Simmer and Thicken: Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it simmer a bit longer. For added nutrition and color, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, cooking until they are heated through.
Step 4: Serve the Dish
Assemble the Dish: Spoon generous portions of the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls. Top with the savory ground beef gravy, allowing it to cascade over the potatoes enticingly.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Meats: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute instead of ground beef. Swap beef broth with vegetable broth.
Additional Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the gravy for extra nutrition and variety.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or basil, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For extra creamy potatoes, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Use Day-Old Potatoes: If possible, use potatoes that have been boiled and chilled overnight. This helps them mash up fluffier and soak up the gravy better.
Don’t Overmix the Potatoes: Overmixing can make mashed potatoes gummy. Mash just until smooth.
Season Gradually: Taste and adjust the seasoning at each step to ensure the flavors are balanced and to your liking.
Low and Slow: Let the gravy simmer on low to meld the flavors and achieve a richer taste.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a classic dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. The rich, savory gravy combined with creamy mashed potatoes makes for a meal that’s comforting and filling. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
The appeal of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it brings together basic ingredients to create something truly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or as a hearty meal after a long day, this dish is sure to please.
In summary, this recipe is enjoyable to make and eat because it combines the comforting flavors of ground beef, onions, and garlic with the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes. It’s a timeless meal that offers both nourishment and delight. Gather your ingredients, follow these detailed instructions, and savor the heartwarming flavors of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes.
