Ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, offering a warm, savory, and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something hearty, this dish combines flavorful ground beef in a rich gravy, generously ladled over smooth mashed potatoes. Adding a homemade touch elevates this simple dish to a family favorite, with rich textures and deep flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it on its own or alongside some vegetables, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
-
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt to taste
-
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by preparing the potatoes. Peel and cube the potatoes, then place them in a large pot. Cover with salted water and bring to a boil. Boil the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, drain the water. Add the butter and milk to the drained potatoes. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste, and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. As the beef begins to brown, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
After draining the fat, sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture. Stir the flour into the beef and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw taste of the flour. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and continue to stir until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
To serve, spoon generous portions of the creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Ladle the beef and gravy mixture over the mashed potatoes. Optionally, you can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or serve with steamed vegetables on the side.
Cooking Note:
- For an even richer gravy, you can substitute some of the beef broth with heavy cream. This will give the dish a creamier texture, perfect for those who enjoy an indulgent meal.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, allow the sauce to simmer for a few additional minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- To save time, you can prepare the mashed potatoes while the ground beef is browning, making the cooking process more efficient.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is incredibly versatile. While it stands well on its own, you can pair it with a variety of side dishes for a complete meal. Some great ideas include:
- Steamed Vegetables: Carrots, peas, or broccoli complement the rich beef and gravy.
- Buttered Rolls: A fresh, crusty roll to mop up any leftover gravy.
- Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad balances the richness of the dish.
Tips:
- Make It Ahead: The mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra butter or milk to restore their creaminess.
- Add Veggies: Stir some peas or carrots into the gravy during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor.
- Customize the Flavor: Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef and gravy for added depth and aroma.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 900mg
FAQs:
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative that can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that turkey has a milder flavor, so you may want to add extra seasonings, such as paprika or thyme, to enhance the taste.
2. How do I make the mashed potatoes even creamier?
For ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, you can substitute heavy cream for the milk. Using a hand mixer or potato ricer will also help create a smoother texture. Just be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze both the mashed potatoes and the beef gravy. Store them separately in airtight containers. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a saucepan for the gravy and in the microwave for the potatoes, adding a bit of milk or butter to restore the creaminess.
4. How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If the gravy is too thin, you can create a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water. Slowly stir this mixture into the gravy and cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.
5. What can I add to the gravy for extra flavor?
You can add a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a deeper umami flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick for those who like a bit of heat.
Conclusion:
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. The smooth mashed potatoes combined with the rich, savory gravy create a dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. This recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable to fit your tastes. By adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or even switching up the protein, you can make this classic dish your own. Serve it to your family, and it will surely become a regular in your meal rotation.
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Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
-
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt to taste
-
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by preparing the potatoes. Peel and cube the potatoes, then place them in a large pot. Cover with salted water and bring to a boil. Boil the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, drain the water. Add the butter and milk to the drained potatoes. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste, and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. As the beef begins to brown, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
After draining the fat, sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture. Stir the flour into the beef and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw taste of the flour. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and continue to stir until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
To serve, spoon generous portions of the creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Ladle the beef and gravy mixture over the mashed potatoes. Optionally, you can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or serve with steamed vegetables on the side.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- For an even richer gravy, you can substitute some of the beef broth with heavy cream. This will give the dish a creamier texture, perfect for those who enjoy an indulgent meal.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, allow the sauce to simmer for a few additional minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- To save time, you can prepare the mashed potatoes while the ground beef is browning, making the cooking process more efficient.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sodium: 900mg
- Protein: 25g