Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Hearty Homestyle Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon thyme (optional)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare Mashed Potatoes: In a large pot, cover quartered potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, return to pot, add milk and butter, and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and cover to keep warm.
Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, add onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
Make Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture, stirring to incorporate. Cook for 2 minutes, then gradually stir in beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add peas and carrots if using.
Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with beef gravy, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
here are 15 popular questions and their answers related to Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes:
- What is Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes?
- Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a classic comfort food dish featuring seasoned ground beef and savory gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes.
- How do I make Mashed Potatoes for this dish?
- To make Mashed Potatoes, peel and quarter potatoes, boil until tender, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- What kind of potatoes should I use for the Mashed Potatoes?
- You can use Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes for the Mashed Potatoes. Both varieties work well for mashed potatoes.
- Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead?
- Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes if you’re short on time. Just prepare them according to the package instructions.
- How long does it take to cook the potatoes for the Mashed Potatoes?
- It takes about 15-20 minutes to cook the potatoes until they are tender enough to mash.
- Can I make the Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the Mashed Potatoes ahead of time and reheat them before serving. Just cover and store them in the refrigerator.
- What kind of beef broth should I use for the gravy?
- You can use low-sodium beef broth or regular beef broth for the gravy, depending on your preference for saltiness.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a lighter option. Just adjust the seasoning to taste.
- What can I serve as a side dish with Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes?
- Common side dishes include steamed vegetables, green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple garden salad.
- Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?
- Yes, you can add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor and texture if you like.
- Is this dish freezer-friendly?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can cook the ground beef and gravy in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, then serve it over freshly made mashed potatoes.
- Can I use fresh peas and carrots instead of frozen ones?
- Yes, you can use fresh peas and carrots if you prefer. Just cook them until tender before adding them to the gravy.
- What herbs can I use to flavor the gravy?
- Thyme, rosemary, or parsley are all great options for adding flavor to the gravy.
- Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
- Yes, Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a great option for meal prep. You can portion it into containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
These questions and answers should provide helpful insights for anyone looking to prepare and enjoy this delicious and comforting dish!
Here are some secrets to achieve the perfect Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes:
- Choose the right ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef with around 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for a good balance of flavor and texture.
- Season the beef well: Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to enhance its flavor.
- Brown the beef properly: Brown the ground beef until it develops a nice crust, which adds depth of flavor to the dish. Make sure to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- Use aromatics: Sauté diced onions and minced garlic along with the ground beef to add aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Thicken the gravy: To achieve a rich and flavorful gravy, sprinkle flour over the cooked beef and onions to create a roux. Cook the flour until it turns golden brown before adding beef broth, which helps thicken the gravy.
- Add depth with Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth of flavor to the gravy. Use it sparingly for a subtle umami boost.
- Season the gravy: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor complexity.
- Incorporate peas and carrots: Adding frozen peas and carrots to the dish not only boosts its nutritional value but also adds color and texture contrast. Make sure to thaw them before adding to the beef and gravy mixture.
- Choose the right potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes. Boil them until fork-tender for the best texture.
- Don’t over-mash the potatoes: Mash the potatoes just until smooth and creamy, avoiding overworking them, which can result in a gummy texture.
- Add butter and milk: Incorporate butter and milk into the mashed potatoes for richness and creaminess. Warm the milk before adding it to the potatoes to prevent them from cooling down too much.
- Keep the mashed potatoes warm: Cover the mashed potatoes with a lid or foil to keep them warm while you prepare the beef and gravy.
- Serve hot: Plate the mashed potatoes and ladle the hot beef and gravy over the top just before serving to ensure the dish is piping hot and comforting.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the finished dish for a pop of color and freshness.
- Let it rest before serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together and ensure the optimal eating temperature.
By following these secrets, you’ll be able to create a perfectly delicious and comforting Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes dish every time!