Description
Just Like Grandma Used to Make!
This Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is classic comfort food at its best! Just like grandma’s home-cooked meals!
Ingredients:
Fluffy mashed potatoes
Juicy ground beef & onion gravy
Butter, garlic & seasonings
Easy steps:
Boil potatoes & mash with butter & milk.
Sauté beef, onions & garlic until browned.
Add broth & seasonings, then simmer into thick gravy.
Serve over mashed potatoes & enjoy a nostalgic meal!
Want more flavor? Add a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce!
#HomestyleCooking #ComfortInABowl #ClassicAndDelicious
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions to recreate this classic dish perfectly every time.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube 2 lbs of russet potatoes. Boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
- Make the Mashed Potatoes: Add 4 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of warm milk to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
- Cook the Beef: While potatoes boil, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef and one finely chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onions are soft (about 7-10 minutes). Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute.
- Create the Gravy: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked beef and onion mixture. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook the flour. Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened.
- Serve: Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto a plate or bowl. Ladle the hot ground beef and gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. For a pop of color and freshness, serve with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette. A warm, crusty dinner roll is perfect for soaking up any extra gravy.
How-to Summary
Boil and mash potatoes with butter and milk. Separately, brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Make a gravy by adding flour and beef broth to the beef mixture, then simmer until thickened. Serve the savory beef gravy directly over the fluffy mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. Prepare the mashed potatoes and beef gravy separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to the potatoes and gravy to loosen them up.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy? For a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch. Mix 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering beef and broth mixture.
How can I make the mashed potatoes richer? For extra creamy potatoes, substitute some of the milk with sour cream or cream cheese. You can also roast a head of garlic and squeeze the soft cloves into the potatoes while mashing.
Is it possible to use a different type of meat? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are excellent substitutes. For a deeper flavor, try using ground sausage.
My gravy is too thin/thick. How do I fix it? If too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce, or create a small cornstarch slurry to stir in. If too thick, simply stir in additional beef broth, a few tablespoons at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining Potatoes Well: Excess water will make your mashed potatoes runny. Drain thoroughly and let them steam in the pot for a minute after draining.
- Undercooking the Flour: When making the gravy roux, cook the flour with the beef fat for a full 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Adding Cold Liquid to the Roux: Ensure your beef broth is warm or at room temperature when adding it to the flour mixture to prevent lumps.
- Overworking the Potatoes: Over-mashing potatoes can release too much starch, making them gluey. Mash just until smooth.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate tribute to homestyle cooking, delivering deep, savory flavors and comforting textures in every bite. It’s a forgiving, versatile recipe that invites personal touches, from a dash of Worcestershire sauce to your favorite herbs. By following this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can reliably create a nostalgic, satisfying meal that truly feels just like grandma used to make. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner, this classic dish is sure to become a cherished staple in your home.
