If you’d like to fix yourself with a down-home meal, because beef and gravy are oh so popular. This comfort dish is all-around soothing and delicious. Mashed potatoes give good support to any gravy-loving heart. Low ingredient list held together nicely for the most delectable gravy. It doesn’t matter when it’s being cooked, weekend dinner or weekend feast—it’s always inviting on the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy: This meal comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy schedules.
✔ Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples like potatoes, ground beef, and broth.
✔ One-Pan Gravy: The rich, flavorful gravy is made in the same skillet, reducing cleanup.
✔ Customizable: Add veggies, tweak the seasonings, or swap ingredients to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 large Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (peeled and quartered)
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ground Beef Gravy:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes, quarter them, and place in a large pot. Cover with water, and bring to a boil on high heat.
- Lower the heat to medium and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain & Mash:
- Drain the potatoes and put them back into the pot.
- Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep them covered to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef:
- First heat a large skillet over medium. In the skillet, fry the ground beef.
- This should go for about 7-10 minutes, it is time to carefully separate the massive pieces formed in the meat heated to a dark brown.
- One would typically have to drain some of the fat.
- Sauté the Onions & Garlic:
- Chopped onions and minced garlic are added into the skillet.
- Cooking for 3-5 minutes, until onions turn soft and transparent.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- Incorporate the Flour:
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the cooked beef and onions.
- Stir continuously to combine, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth & Seasonings:
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using).
- Simmer Until Thickened:
- Let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If using, add frozen peas and carrots and cook until heated through.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Use a smartly spoonful of creamy mashed potatoes to plate or bowl.
- On the top rests the rich ground beef gravy along with the potatoes falling in motion.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to bring in color and pop in an extra note of freshness.
- Serve right away and have fun chowing down!
Serving Suggestions
Would you like to add an extra touch to the meal? These delicious sides should go well with it:
• Steamed Green Beans- Simple, nourishing addition.
• Buttered Dinner Rolls- Excellent for sopping extra gravy.
• Side Salad- Fresh salad with vinaigrette for brightness.
• Sautéed Spinach- An excellent side dish, healthy but reflects the aesthetics of the dish.
Storage & Reheating Tips
That dish can be efficiently prepared so that surplus or leftovers can be saved for future occasions:
Free protecting: up to three days can be saved in a closing package stored in a refrigerator.
Freeze: Beef and gravy can also get frozen for up to two months while mashed potatoes do not freeze well.
Warming: In a medium flame, cooked beef and gravy can be heated with a drop of water. You can also microwave it up in single portions.
Variations of recipes
Diverse ways to mix it up? Here are some tasty varieties to test:
1. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Add more creaminess with shredded cheddar or Parmesan.
2. Loaded Gravy: To make the texture more solid, include some mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn.
3. Herb-infused: Rosemary or Italian seasoning might replace thyme.
4. Vegetarian: Replace beef with veggie broth and mushrooms or plant-based crumbles per serving.
5. Spicier: A simple pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce will add heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the mashed potatoes and gravy can be made in advance. Store them together in an airtight container or separate into two separate containers before reheating for service.
2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Surely! In making mashed potatoes at home is the best way, but instant mashed potatoes can serve as an attractive alternative, that must also save time.
3. How can I make the gravy thicker?
To thicken gravy that does not seem quite thick enough, dissolve one whole tablespoon of cornstarch in two whole tablespoons of cold water. Let the mixture simmer until it gets thick.
4. Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well in this recipe.
5. What’s the best way to reheat mashed potatoes?
Warm overpotatoe mash on top of stove with a dash of milk or butter to add to the creamy effect.
Conclusion
Here it truly becomes ultimate comfort food-gravy and meat drippings over perfectly mashed potatoes taste exceptional and much enrich by themselves. A simple recipe, where the pantry and your pocket turn out to good friends for warmth and contentment; it is sure to give a sigh of great taste, whether you are pressed for time or simply do not know what to prepare.
Then, what are you waiting for? Just get those ingredients ready, and today is the day to serve this amazing food.
