Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Introduction

This comforting dish of ground beef and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes is a meal straight out of my childhood. My grandma would make it on cold evenings when we all craved something hearty and satisfying. With simple ingredients and rich flavors, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a little nostalgic comfort on your plate.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs potatoes (russet or Yukon gold, peeled and cubed)
• ½ cup milk (or more for desired creaminess)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk as needed for your desired texture. Cover to keep warm.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.

3. Make the Gravy:

1. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
2. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme, if using. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve:

1. Spoon the warm mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls. Top generously with the ground beef and gravy mixture.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Make It Creamier: For richer mashed potatoes, use heavy cream instead of milk or add a dollop of sour cream.
• Thicker Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the gravy.
• Add Veggies: Mix in peas or carrots for a complete one-pan meal.

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe is the epitome of comfort food. With creamy mashed potatoes and savory ground beef in rich gravy, it’s a meal that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a nostalgic treat, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!