Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Boil the Potatoes:
They peel and quarter two to three large potatoes, and place the pieces in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes and bring to a boil over high heat.
Bring the mixture to a boil; then lower heat to medium and let cook until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. When the potatoes are soft, test by poking them with a fork.
Drain and Mash:
Drain the potatoes and put them back in the pot.
Well add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of butter. Mash potatoes until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the pot to keep the mashed potatoes warm while you make the gravy.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Brown the Beef:
Heat 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook it, breaking apart with a spatula for even browning, until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
Remove any excess fat from the skillet.
Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In a skillet with the ground beef, add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
Season with salt and pepper, stir again, and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, filling the beef with an aromatic odor.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Incorporate Flour:
Sprinkle the browned beef and onions with 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. With a whisk, continue stirring to incorporate and keep lumps at bay, cooking until the flour no longer tastes raw, about 2 minutes.
Add Broth and Seasonings:
Slowly whisk in 2 cups beef broth. Preventing lumps of gravy from forming.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon), salt, pepper and thyme (1/2 teaspoon, optional) for tastier flavor. Stir well to combine.
Simmer and Thicken:
Simmer and reduce the mixture for roughly 5 minutes.
For extra nutrition, add 1 cup frozen peas and carrots and cook until heated through.
Step 4: Serve the Dish
Assemble the Dish:
Spoon dollops of the creamy mashed potatoes on individual plates, or into individual bowls.
Spoon the ground beef gravy over the top, allowing it to run down the potatoes to create a rich, beautiful dish.
Garnish and Serve:
To add color and brightness, serve topped with fresh parsley, if you wish.
Serve now, while all the bits are hot.
Serving Suggestions:
This old-school supper is great with simple sides for a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:
Green Beans: Steam or roast fresh green beans for a crunchy, colorful addition.
Buttered Rolls: A warm roll or crusty bread on the side is just right for mopping up the gravy.
Side Salad: Mixed greens with a light vinaigrette can be a refreshing complement to the entree.
You can serve Sautéed Spinach: a little garlic, a little lemon — as a vegetable side and it will be a delicious, nutritious foil for the rich beef and potatoes.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Leftovers have a great home in this dish, and it reheats beautifully.
Refrigerate: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Mashed potatoes don’t always freeze well, so it’s better to cook potatoes fresh when you serve them again.
Reheat: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy thickened too much, add a splash of broth. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.
Recipe Variations:
Fancy up this classic dish with these fun variations:
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: You can make the mashed potatoes even extra creamy by adding shredded cheddar or Parmesan.
Fully Loaded: Stir in some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for more flavor and texture.
Herb-Infused Twist: Looking for a different spin? Or swap in thyme instead of rosemary, or use Italian seasoning, for a fresh perspective on the flavor.
Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and replace with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles. If you’re not going vegetarian, you can also replace the vegetable broth with a meat-based one.
Spicy Kick: Want some heat? It’s just a matter of adding a little cayenne pepper or tabasco sauce to the gravy for a bit of kick.
Conclusion:
This comforting, old-school Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes recipe is just the thing for family dinners on a weeknight or when you long for something warm and comforting. Served over creamy mashed potatoes with savory beef gravy, it’s a comforting meal that’s simple to make and easy on the palate. Serve this warm, tasty bites and Enjoy!
