Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

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Introduction:

Indulge in a comforting classic with this hearty recipe for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings, this dish combines tender ground beef smothered in a rich gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes. With simple ingredients and straightforward directions, it’s a go-to recipe that never fails to satisfy. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious meal step by step.

Ingredients:

  • 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:

  1. Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Start by placing the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water and bring to a boil. Let them cook until tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Next, add milk and butter to the potatoes. Using a potato masher or fork, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Cover the pot to keep the mashed potatoes warm while you prepare the gravy.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned. Be sure to break it apart as it cooks for even browning. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. To the skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them with the ground beef until the onions turn soft and translucent, infusing the meat with aromatic flavors.
  3. Make Gravy: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the cooked beef and onions, stirring continuously to incorporate the flour evenly. Allow it to cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using), enhancing the gravy with layers of savory goodness. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens, which typically takes around 5 minutes. For an extra touch of color and nutrition, add frozen peas and carrots to the gravy and cook until heated through.
  4. Serve: With everything prepared, it’s time to assemble this comforting dish. Spoon generous portions of the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls. Top them with the savory ground beef gravy, allowing it to cascade over the potatoes enticingly. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic meal.

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the dish for a pop of color and added freshness.
  2. Pair with Side Salad: Serve the Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
  3. Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: For extra richness, top the mashed potatoes with a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
  4. Serve with Crusty Bread: Accompany the dish with slices of warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
  5. Family-Style Presentation: Serve the meal family-style by placing the mashed potatoes in a large serving bowl and spooning the ground beef gravy over the top, allowing everyone to help themselves.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover ground beef and gravy separately from the mashed potatoes in airtight containers. Properly stored, they can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the mashed potatoes and gravy separately to maintain their texture and flavor. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
  3. Freeze Individual Portions: If you have excess leftovers, portion them into individual containers and freeze for longer storage. The mashed potatoes and gravy can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  4. Refreshing Leftovers: If the mashed potatoes become dry upon reheating, stir in a splash of milk or broth to revive their creaminess. Similarly, if the gravy thickens too much, thin it out with a bit of broth or water while reheating.
  5. Enjoy Creative Leftovers: Use any leftover mashed potatoes and gravy to create new dishes, such as shepherd’s pie or stuffed bell peppers, for a delicious twist on classic recipes.

Variations of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes:

  1. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese blend into the mashed potatoes for an extra creamy and cheesy twist.
  2. Mushroom Gravy: Enhance the gravy by adding sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic. Sauté them until tender before proceeding with the recipe for a rich and earthy flavor.
  3. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or green chilies for added heat.
  4. Shepherd’s Pie Style: Layer the ground beef and gravy mixture in a baking dish, top with the mashed potatoes, and bake until golden brown for a comforting shepherd’s pie variation.
  5. Loaded Toppings: Customize your dish with your favorite toppings such as crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or grated Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
  6. Sweet Potato Mash: Swap out the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to create a unique and slightly sweet variation of the classic mashed potatoes.
  7. Vegan Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make a delicious vegan-friendly version of this dish.
  8. Mediterranean Twist: Infuse the dish with Mediterranean flavors by seasoning the ground beef with oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Serve the gravy over mashed potatoes seasoned with olive oil, lemon zest, and chopped parsley.
  9. Tex-Mex Style: Season the ground beef with taco seasoning and add corn and black beans to the gravy for a Tex-Mex inspired twist. Serve over mashed potatoes topped with shredded cheese, salsa, and avocado slices.
  10. Asian Fusion: Create an Asian-inspired version by seasoning the ground beef with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Top the mashed potatoes with the beef and gravy mixture, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an interesting fusion dish.

These variations offer a creative spin on the classic Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes, allowing you to customize the dish to suit your taste preferences and culinary adventures.

Conclusion:

With its blend of tender ground beef, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes, this recipe for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner on a chilly evening or planning a family gathering, this dish is a satisfying choice that never disappoints. Give it a try and savor the warmth and flavor of this timeless comfort food classic.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes:

  1. How long does it take to cook the ground beef? Ans: Cooking the ground beef typically takes about 8-10 minutes over medium heat until it’s nicely browned.
  2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Ans: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Are there any gluten-free options for the gravy? Ans: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Ans: Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes and ground beef gravy separately ahead of time. Reheat them separately and assemble just before serving.
  5. Can I freeze leftovers of this dish? Ans: 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.
  6. Can I omit the peas and carrots from the gravy? Ans: Absolutely, the peas and carrots are optional. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer a simpler gravy.
  7. How do I prevent lumps in the gravy? Ans: 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.
  8. What can I serve alongside this dish? Ans: You can serve this dish with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, dinner rolls, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
  9. Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of making them from scratch? Ans: Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes as a time-saving alternative. Prepare them according to package instructions and serve with the ground beef gravy.
  10. How can I make this dish healthier? Ans: To make this dish healthier, you can use lean ground beef or turkey, reduce the amount of butter and use low-fat milk in the mashed potatoes, and increase the proportion of vegetables in the gravy.

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