Description: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic ground beef and gravy recipe, generously served over a bed of creamy, homemade mashed potatoes. This dish is a symphony of savory flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. Tender ground beef is simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, then spooned over a mountain of light and fluffy mashed potatoes. Every bite is a delightful combination of hearty, creamy, and utterly satisfying goodness. Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic taste of home or simply craving a soul-warming meal, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot and leave you feeling completely nourished.
Ingredients:
- For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half (for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream, warmed
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Before you begin, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable. Chop the onion and garlic, measure out the flour, spices, and liquids, and peel and quarter the potatoes. Having everything organized beforehand will allow you to focus on the cooking itself and ensure the best results.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. A fork should easily pierce through the potato with little resistance.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot.
- Add the warmed milk or heavy cream and the softened butter to the potatoes.
- Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
Step 4: Make the Gravy:
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the ground beef and onion mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Cook the flour for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add the milk or half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and ground black pepper to the skillet.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, about 10-15 minutes. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth or milk to thin it out.
Step 5: Season and Serve:
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt to taste.
- To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy mashed potatoes onto a plate or bowl.
- Top the mashed potatoes with a generous helping of the ground beef and gravy.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Classic Comfort: This recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying, perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re craving something nostalgic.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add different vegetables to the gravy, use different herbs and spices, or substitute the mashed potatoes with rice or noodles.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein, making this recipe a great option for budget-conscious meals.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser that everyone in the family will enjoy, from kids to adults.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ground beef and gravy.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed green beans, broccoli, or peas for a healthy and colorful side dish.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Corn on the Cob: Corn on the cob is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ground beef and gravy.
- Biscuits or Rolls: Warm biscuits or rolls are a great addition to this meal, perfect for mopping up the gravy.
Tips:
- Use Good Quality Ground Beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend of ground beef for the best flavor. The higher fat content will add richness to the gravy.
- Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the ground beef helps to develop their flavors and add depth to the gravy.
- Cook the Flour Properly: Make sure to cook the flour for at least 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Simmer the Gravy Slowly: Simmering the gravy slowly allows the flavors to meld together and the gravy to thicken properly.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors.
- Make Ahead: The ground beef and gravy can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the gravy, such as mushrooms, carrots, or peas.
- Mashed Potato Variations: For extra flavor in your mashed potatoes, try adding roasted garlic, sour cream, or cream cheese.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 30-35g
- Sodium: 700-900mg (depending on the amount of salt added and the sodium content of the beef broth)
Conclusion:
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of this classic comfort food.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. However, ground turkey tends to be leaner than ground beef, so you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet when cooking the turkey to prevent it from drying out. Also, keep in mind that ground turkey has a slightly different flavor profile than ground beef, so the overall taste of the dish will be slightly different.
Q2: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable for the slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet as directed in the recipe. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking, if desired.
Q3: What can I substitute for the beef broth?
A: If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the gravy will be slightly different depending on the type of broth you use. You can also use bouillon cubes or granules dissolved in water.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to the gravy?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the gravy is a great way to boost the nutritional value of the dish and add more flavor. Some good options include sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, peas, or chopped bell peppers. Add the vegetables to the skillet along with the onions and garlic and sauté until they are tender.
Q5: How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
A: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream to the mashed potatoes for added richness and tanginess. Be sure to warm the milk or cream before adding it to the potatoes to prevent them from becoming cold and clumpy. Using a ricer instead of a masher can also result in smoother, creamier potatoes.
