Are you looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any day of the week? Look no further than this delicious Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes recipe. This dish combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef and savory gravy with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a classic comfort food that’s sure to please any palate.
Ingredients:
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Start by cooking the potatoes. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk or cream. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste. Keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Prepare the Gravy
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously. Add the Worcestershire sauce and optional herbs. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken into a gravy, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- To serve, spoon a generous amount of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate.
- Top the mashed potatoes with the ground beef and gravy mixture.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- For an even richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the beef and onion mixture before adding the flour.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make a great garnish and add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- This meal pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to add a touch of lightness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is not just a meal; it’s comfort in a bowl. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for guests. This dish brings back memories of family dinners, making it a perfect recipe for those who enjoy traditional, home-cooked meals.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is a staple for anyone looking to recreate a classic culinary delight. So next time you’re in need of a comforting meal, remember this ground beef and gravy recipe – your taste buds will thank you!
Serving and Storage Tips for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Serving Tips:
- Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve the mashed potatoes and ground beef gravy hot. This ensures that the potatoes are creamy and the gravy is smooth.
- Garnish: Enhance the visual appeal and taste by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even green onions. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can also add a nice touch.
- Accompaniments: While this dish is hearty on its own, you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or broccoli to add color and nutritional balance. A simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast.
- Bread on the Side: Offering a slice of crusty bread or a roll can be perfect for sopping up any leftover gravy on the plate, ensuring that none of the delicious sauce goes to waste.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the ground beef and gravy and mashed potatoes will last for 3 to 4 days. It’s best to store them separately to maintain the best texture and to make reheating easier.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat the mashed potatoes in a microwave, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a little extra milk or butter if the potatoes have dried out. For the beef and gravy, reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat until it is thoroughly warmed. If the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge, thin it with a little water or additional broth as it heats.
- Freezing: For longer storage, the ground beef and gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. However, mashed potatoes may become grainy and watery when thawed; if you need to freeze them, add a bit more butter and cream when reheating to help restore the texture.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen gravy and beef in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as directed above. If in a rush, you can also thaw and reheat directly in the microwave or on the stove, using low heat and stirring frequently to prevent burning.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes remains delicious and safe to eat, whether served fresh or as leftovers. Enjoy your meal with the assurance that you can savor the same comforting flavors even on another day!
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other types of ground meat such as turkey, chicken, or pork, depending on your dietary preferences. Keep in mind that leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken will produce less fat, so you might need to add a little extra oil or butter to compensate for the dryness and to help develop flavor in the gravy.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour used to thicken the gravy with a gluten-free alternative such as cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry before adding it to the beef and broth to avoid clumping.
3. What are some tips for making the creamiest mashed potatoes?
For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use a potato variety that is high in starch like Russets or Yukon Golds. Boil the potatoes until they are very tender, and drain them well before mashing. Warming the milk or cream before adding it to the potatoes can also help achieve a smoother texture. Additionally, mashing the potatoes with a potato masher or ricer ensures they remain light and fluffy without becoming gluey, which can happen with overmixing.
4. How can I add more flavor to the beef gravy?
There are several ways to enhance the flavor of the beef gravy:
- Cooking Wine: Add a splash of red wine to the skillet after browning the meat and cook it off before adding the flour.
- Herbs: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage for added depth.
- Umami Boosters: Ingredients like a teaspoon of tomato paste, soy sauce, or a dash of Dijon mustard can deepen the umami flavor of the gravy.
- Aromatics: Don’t shy away from adding more garlic, or perhaps some diced celery or bell peppers when sautéing the onions.