Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes

Why Make This Recipe

Ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes is a comforting meal that warms both the heart and the belly. This dish combines soft, creamy mashed potatoes with savory ground beef and rich gravy. It’s an easy recipe that uses simple ingredients and can be prepared in under an hour. Perfect for family dinners or when you need a satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.

How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4-5 russet potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes: In a large pot, cover the potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the water completely. While the potatoes are hot, return them to the pot and mash them with a potato masher or hand mixer. Add the butter and milk, beat until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. Make the Ground Beef and Gravy: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the ground beef and vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the gravy. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens slightly. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Assemble and Serve: Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates. Top with the ground beef and gravy. Enjoy!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes

Serve this dish hot, right after you make it. You can top it with some chopped parsley for added freshness or a sprinkle of cheese if you like. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or salad to complete the meal.

How to Store Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container. Keep the ground beef and gravy separate from the mashed potatoes to maintain their textures. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warm.

Tips to Make Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes

• Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best mashed potatoes.
• Don’t rush the cooking of the ground beef; make sure it’s well-browned for better flavor.
• Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less beef broth.
• You can add vegetables like peas or carrots to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of ground beef. Add some herbs like rosemary or parsley for a different flavor. You can also use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a low-carb option that makes a great mash.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes if you prefer a quicker option. Just follow the package instructions.

2. What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth, but the flavor will be different.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the ground beef and gravy separately from the mashed potatoes. Thaw and reheat before serving.