Make Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
How to Make Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
At a neighborhood event, I tried this tasty food for the first time. Potlucks can be a mixed bag. You might politely try some foods and then happily go back for more. My husband and I both really liked the dish with ground beef and gravy on top of mashed potatoes. I had to ask for the recipe because we both really liked it. Not just us, but also other people. The guests all loved it and were eager to get the recipe and find out what the special ingredients were. Everyone wanted to be a part of it because it was tasty, rewarding, and good.
After the meal we shared, I went up to the cook, who was an old woman with a friendly smile and a lot of kitchen experience. She was happy to share her recipe with me and felt a little praised by all the attention. I couldn't wait to try it out when I got home. The first time I did it, I was a little scared. Does it taste like hers? It was great, which made me happy. We loved the tasty sauce on top of the smooth mashed potatoes right away.
Now I'm going to tell you about this great thing. I hope it makes your dinner table as happy as it makes ours. This meal is great for any occasion and tastes great. Let me show you how to make it.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Beef and Gravy
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Instructions
Preparing the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Cook Until Tender: Reduce heat and let the potatoes simmer for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk, and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot to keep the potatoes warm.
Cooking the Beef and Making Gravy
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Make the Gravy: Gradually add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Optional Vegetables: If desired, add the frozen peas and carrots to the gravy and cook until heated through.
- Season: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Plate the Dish: Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates or bowls.
- Top with Beef and Gravy: Generously ladle the beef and gravy mixture over the mashed potatoes.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors of this delicious dish.
This dish is a hit at any dinner table. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it a perfect choice for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or a cozy night in. The creamy mashed potatoes paired with the savory beef and gravy create a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Tips for Variations and Storage
- Mushrooms: Add mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor.
- Mixed Potatoes: Try mixing sweet potatoes with regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Add more vegetables like corn or green beans for added nutrition.
- Ground Turkey: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time. Reheat with a bit of milk to retain creaminess. The gravy can also be stored in the fridge for a few days.
This ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes recipe has become a staple in our home, perfect for those nights when you want a comforting and filling meal. It's easy to prepare, versatile, and always delicious. Give it a try and see why it's a favorite at our family gatherings. Enjoy!