Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes recipe. This hearty dish combines tender ground beef smothered in a rich and savory gravy, served atop creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or comforting weeknight suppers. Follow along as we guide you through the simple steps to create this delicious classic dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
Get ready to enjoy a comforting meal with these simple ingredients: For the Ground Beef 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 the potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Add milk and butter, mashing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Make Gravy:
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef and onions, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually stir in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let the gravy thicken, about 5 minutes.
- If using, add the frozen peas and carrots, cooking until they are heated through.
- Serve:
- Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls. Top with the hearty ground beef gravy. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Hot: Enjoy Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture. The comforting warmth of the dish adds to its appeal.
- Garnish Before Serving: For added flavor and visual appeal, consider garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dash of paprika.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
- Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat them in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
- Freeze for Future Meals: If you want to enjoy Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes at a later date, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Transfer the cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Thaw Before Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This gradual thawing helps maintain the dish’s texture and flavor.
- Refresh Mashed Potatoes: If the mashed potatoes become dry upon reheating, add a splash of milk or broth and stir well to revive their creaminess.
- Portion Control: Consider portioning out individual servings of leftovers before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need, reducing food waste.
- Add Freshness: Serve leftover Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes with a side salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and balance to the meal.
- Enjoy Creative Leftovers: Transform leftover mashed potatoes and gravy into new dishes, such as shepherd’s pie, potato pancakes, or beef pot pie. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to keep mealtime exciting.
Variations:
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese blend into the mashed potatoes for a creamy and indulgent twist. Top with additional cheese before serving for extra flavor.
- Spicy Beef Gravy: Add a kick of heat to the beef gravy by incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a bold and flavorful gravy.
- Herb-infused Mashed Potatoes: Mix chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme into the mashed potatoes for a burst of freshness and flavor. Experiment with different herb combinations to suit your taste.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, diced mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat for a hearty vegetarian version. Follow the same steps to prepare the gravy, ensuring it’s vegetarian-friendly.
- Loaded Potato Bowls: Serve the ground beef and gravy over baked potatoes instead of mashed potatoes for a fun twist. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and green onions for a loaded potato bowl experience.
- Shepherd’s Pie Variation: Layer the ground beef and gravy mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden brown for a comforting shepherd’s pie. Add a layer of cooked peas, carrots, and corn for extra color and texture.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Season the ground beef with taco seasoning and add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the gravy mixture for a Tex-Mex-inspired variation. Serve over mashed potatoes with a dollop of sour cream and salsa for a flavorful meal.
- Creamy Mushroom Gravy: Enhance the beef gravy with sautéed mushrooms for a rich and earthy flavor. Cook sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic until golden brown before adding the flour and beef broth.
- Asian-Inspired Beef and Rice: Serve the ground beef and gravy over cooked rice instead of mashed potatoes for an Asian-inspired variation. Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor.
- Greek-inspired Beef and Orzo: Replace mashed potatoes with cooked orzo pasta and top with the ground beef and gravy mixture. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and chopped fresh parsley for a Mediterranean twist.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based alternative like Beyond Meat. Adjust cooking times and seasoning to suit your chosen meat.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Ensure all other ingredients, including beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, are certified gluten-free.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes and beef gravy ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat each component separately before serving for the best results.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
- Absolutely! Leftovers of ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers, ensuring they’re properly sealed to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How can I adjust the consistency of the gravy?
- If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the gravy while simmering until it reaches the desired consistency.
- What can I serve alongside this dish?
- Common side dishes that pair well with ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes include steamed vegetables, green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple side salad.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a comforting and hearty meal with our Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes recipe. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on chilly evenings or whenever you’re in need of some classic comfort food. Give it a try and savor the delicious flavors of this timeless favorite.