Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of flavorful ground beef and smooth mashed potatoes makes for a filling meal.
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this dish can be prepared in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Its classic flavors appeal to both adults and children, making it a versatile choice for any dinner table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
- Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
- Cook the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, cooking for an additional 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 5 minutes. If desired, add frozen peas and carrots during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates or bowls.
- Top with the ground beef and gravy mixture. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
- Mushroom Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the gravy for some heat.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy for added aroma and taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Note that mashed potatoes may not freeze well; it’s best to prepare them fresh when serving again.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Individual servings can also be reheated in the microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
2. Are there gluten-free options for the gravy?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes and ground beef gravy separately ahead of time. Reheat them separately and assemble just before serving.
4. Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers of both the mashed potatoes and ground beef gravy for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
5. Can I omit the peas and carrots from the gravy?
Absolutely, the peas and carrots are optional. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer a simpler gravy.
6. How do I prevent lumps in the gravy?
Gradually whisk in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If lumps do appear, you can strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve.
7. What can I serve alongside this dish?
You can serve this dish with a variety of sides such as steamed
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes recipe! Featuring savory ground beef in a rich, flavorful gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes, this hearty dish is quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
- Add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, and simmer until tender (20 minutes).
- Drain and mash with milk and butter. Season to taste, cover, and keep warm.
- Cook the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic, cook until onion is translucent (5 minutes).
- Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping skillet for browned bits.
- Simmer until thickened (5 minutes). Stir in peas and carrots, if using. Season to taste.
- Serve:
- Plate mashed potatoes and ladle beef gravy mixture on top. Serve hot.
Notes
- For cheesy mashed potatoes, mix in shredded cheddar.
- Add mushrooms to the gravy for a savory twist.
- Freeze gravy separately for long-term storage (up to 2 months).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
