This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together creamy mashed potatoes topped with savory ground beef and rich gravy. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you need a comforting dish on a chilly night.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes (900 g, peeled and quartered)
- 1/2 cup milk (120 ml)
- 4 tablespoons butter (55 g)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef (450 g)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (480 ml)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (150 g)
Directions
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the 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, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. You can check doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork; they should be soft and easily pierced.
- Mash the Potatoes:
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the milk and butter to the hot potatoes.
- Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a richer mash, you can add more butter or a splash of cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and keep warm while you prepare the ground beef and gravy.
Cook the Ground Beef and Prepare the Gravy:
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef.
- Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Thicken the Gravy:
- Sprinkle the flour over the ground beef mixture. Stir well to combine, and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can cook it a bit longer or add a bit more flour.
- If using, stir in the frozen peas and carrots and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season to Taste:
- Taste the gravy and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
- Plate the Dish:
- Spoon a generous portion of the creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate or into bowls.
- Ladle the ground beef and gravy mixture over the mashed potatoes.
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the dish piping hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty meal.
Tips for Success
- Mashed Potatoes: For the creamiest mashed potatoes, make sure to use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Also, be sure to mash the potatoes while they’re still hot, as this makes them easier to mash and blend.
- Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer or add a bit more flour.
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the gravy or some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes with rich, savory gravy and tender ground beef is sure to warm your heart and fill your stomach. Serve it up for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly night. Enjoy!
