Why You’ll Love Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable staples for a delicious meal.
- Hearty and Filling: A comforting dish that satisfies even the biggest appetites.
- Quick and Easy: Made with simple ingredients in under an hour.
Tools You’ll Need
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Potato masher or electric mixer
- Whisk
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This comforting dish combines savory ground beef, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or hearty weekend treat that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (or more, as needed)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth, adjusting the milk to achieve your desired consistency. Cover and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Let the gravy simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet, stirring to coat in the gravy.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto a plate.
- Top with the ground beef and gravy mixture.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Notes
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for creamy mashed potatoes.
- Deglaze the Skillet: Scrape up browned bits from the skillet when adding the broth for extra flavor.
- Customize: Add mushrooms, peas, or carrots to the gravy for added texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with steamed green beans or a simple garden salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with buttered rolls or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the gravy if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A: Yes! Instant mashed potatoes work well if you’re short on time, though homemade is always best.
Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the gravy.
Q3: What other meats can I use?
A: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a twist on this classic dish.
Conclusion: A Comfort Food Favorite
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a cozy, satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a little comfort on your plate.
Did you try this recipe? Share your thoughts and photos—we’d love to see your delicious creation!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g
Enjoy every hearty, flavorful bite!