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Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

 

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 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
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

Directions:

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

  1. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add salt and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
  3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter, and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.

Cook the Ground Beef and Prepare the Gravy:

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, and cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes to cook off the flour taste.
  4. Gradually stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer, and let the gravy thicken, about 5 minutes. If using, add the frozen peas and carrots during the last few minutes of cooking.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

  1. Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls.
  2. Top with the ground beef and gravy mixture.
  3. Serve hot.

Notes:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings

Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes with your family and friends!

Here are some tips to make your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes even more delightful:

  1. Seasoning the Beef: Add extra flavor to the ground beef by seasoning it with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a dash of smoked paprika while browning.
  2. Caramelized Onions: Take the time to caramelize the onions slowly for a sweeter and richer flavor in the gravy.
  3. Garlic Infusion: Increase the garlic content for a more pronounced garlic flavor throughout the dish.
  4. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Mix in grated cheese like cheddar, parmesan, or even cream cheese into the mashed potatoes for added creaminess and flavor.
  5. Creamy Gravy: Finish the gravy with a splash of heavy cream or sour cream for an extra creamy texture and richness.
  6. Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving for a pop of freshness.
  7. Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for a savory addition to the gravy.
  8. Red Wine Reduction: Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding the beef broth for a deeper, more complex gravy.
  9. Bacon Crumbles: Crumble crispy bacon over the top of the dish before serving for added crunch and smoky flavor.
  10. Vegetable Variation: Instead of peas and carrots, try adding diced bell peppers, corn, or green beans for a different twist.
  11. Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes: Substitute some or all of the milk with buttermilk for tangier mashed potatoes.
  12. Horseradish Kick: Stir in a spoonful of prepared horseradish into the mashed potatoes for a zesty kick.
  13. Roasted Garlic: Blend roasted garlic cloves into the mashed potatoes for a mellow, sweet garlic flavor.
  14. Herb Butter: Use herb-infused butter (or make your own by mixing melted butter with chopped herbs) to mash the potatoes.
  15. Crispy Shallots: Top the dish with crispy fried shallots for added texture and a mild onion flavor.
  16. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the finished dish for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
  17. Smoked Cheese: Use smoked gouda or smoked cheddar in the mashed potatoes for a smoky flavor.
  18. Gravy Thickening: For a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the simmering gravy until thickened.
  19. Citrus Zest: Add a pinch of lemon or orange zest to the mashed potatoes for a surprising burst of freshness.
  20. Spicy Variation: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.

These tips should help you customize and enhance your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes to suit your taste preferences and make it even more delightful!

Here are 40 secrets to help you achieve the perfect Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes:

Preparation Tips:

  1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for creamy mashed potatoes that hold up well with gravy.
  2. Peeling Technique: Peel potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
  3. Uniform Cutting: Cut potatoes into equal-sized chunks to cook evenly.
  4. Salted Water: Add salt to the water when boiling potatoes for seasoned potatoes from the inside out.
  5. Warm Milk and Butter: Warm milk and melt butter before adding to mashed potatoes for a creamier texture.
  6. Garlic Infusion: Add minced garlic to the boiling water for the potatoes for a subtle garlic flavor throughout.
  7. Creamy Consistency: Use a potato ricer or masher to achieve smooth mashed potatoes.
  8. Seasoning Layering: Season each component—potatoes, beef, and gravy—individually for balanced flavors.
  9. Herb Blend: Mix dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the mashed potatoes for added depth.
  10. Cheese Integration: Incorporate grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan into the mashed potatoes for richness.

Cooking Techniques:

  1. Boiling Method: Boil potatoes until just fork-tender to prevent them from becoming mushy.
  2. Draining Efficiency: Drain potatoes thoroughly to remove excess water before mashing.
  3. Golden Browning: Brown ground beef over medium-high heat until deeply golden for flavor development.
  4. Onion Caramelization: Sauté onions until caramelized for a sweet flavor base in the gravy.
  5. Flour Coating: Dust ground beef with flour to thicken gravy and enhance flavor.
  6. Deglazing Skill: Deglaze the pan with beef broth to incorporate browned bits into the gravy for richness.
  7. Simmering Perfection: Allow gravy to simmer gently to reduce and thicken, intensifying flavors.
  8. Worcestershire Sauce: Add Worcestershire sauce for umami depth in the gravy.
  9. Vegetable Addition: Include frozen peas and carrots at the end of cooking for color and texture.
  10. Creamy Touch: Finish the gravy with a splash of cream or sour cream for extra richness.

Flavor Enhancements:

  1. Bacon Infusion: Cook bacon separately until crispy and crumble over the dish for a smoky flavor.
  2. Spice Blend: Sprinkle ground paprika or cayenne pepper into the beef mixture for a hint of heat.
  3. Fresh Herbs Finish: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.
  4. Mushroom Magic: Sauté mushrooms with onions for a savory addition to the gravy.
  5. Red Wine Twist: Deglaze with red wine before adding beef broth for a complex depth of flavor.

Presentation and Serving:

  1. Hot Serving: Serve immediately after assembling to maintain optimal temperature and texture.
  2. Mound Technique: Pile mashed potatoes in the center of each plate and create a well for the beef and gravy.
  3. Texture Contrast: Top with crispy fried onions or shallots for added crunch.
  4. Seasoning Check: Taste and adjust seasoning of both mashed potatoes and gravy just before serving.
  5. Garnish Ideas: Drizzle with balsamic reduction or sprinkle with smoked paprika for visual appeal.

Additional Tips:

  1. Make-Ahead Components: Prepare mashed potatoes and gravy ahead and assemble just before serving.
  2. Family-Friendly Adaptations: Modify seasonings and ingredients to suit preferences, especially for children.
  3. Healthy Substitutions: Use lean ground beef and low-fat dairy products for a healthier option.
  4. Dietary Adjustments: Make gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
  5. Regional Twists: Experiment with regional spices and herbs for a unique flavor profile.
  6. Culinary Creativity: Incorporate seasonal vegetables or herbs for a fresh take on the dish.
  7. Crockpot Convenience: Adapt the recipe for slow cooker use, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
  8. Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals.
  9. Cooking Collaboration: Involve family or friends in the preparation for an enjoyable cooking experience.
  10. Personalization: Tailor the recipe to personal taste preferences and dietary needs for a customized dish.

With these secrets, you’ll be well-equipped to create a truly delicious and satisfying Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes dish. Enjoy mastering this comforting meal!

Here are 40 popular questions and answers related to Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes:

  1. What are Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes?
    • It’s a classic comfort food dish consisting of creamy mashed potatoes topped with savory ground beef cooked in a flavorful gravy.
  2. How do you make mashed potatoes for Ground Beef and Gravy?
    • Peel and quarter potatoes, boil until tender, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  3. What type of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes in this dish?
    • Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best for creamy mashed potatoes.
  4. Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare mashed potatoes ahead and reheat gently before serving.
  5. How do you cook ground beef for this dish?
    • Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
  6. What should I season the ground beef with?
    • Season with salt, pepper, and optionally, Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
  7. Do I need to drain the grease from the cooked ground beef?
    • Yes, drain excess fat after browning the ground beef to keep the dish from being greasy.
  8. How do you make gravy for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes?
    • Sprinkle flour over the cooked ground beef, add beef broth, and simmer until thickened, scraping up browned bits for flavor.
  9. Can I use store-bought gravy mix instead of making homemade gravy?
    • Yes, you can use store-bought gravy mix, following package instructions.
  10. What can I use instead of beef broth for the gravy?
    • You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as substitutes for beef broth.
  11. How do you make the gravy thicker?
    • Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering gravy until thickened.
  12. Can I make this dish with ground turkey instead of ground beef?
    • Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
  13. How can I make this dish healthier?
    • Use lean ground beef, low-fat milk, and less butter in the mashed potatoes. Also, add more vegetables like peas and carrots.
  14. What vegetables can I add to this dish?
    • Frozen peas, carrots, corn, or green beans are commonly added to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
  15. How long does it take to make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes?
    • Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 40 minutes, totaling approximately 55 minutes.
  16. Can I freeze Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes?
    • Mashed potatoes can become grainy when frozen, so it’s best to freeze the ground beef and gravy separately.
  17. What sides go well with Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes?
    • Steamed vegetables, green beans, salad, or dinner rolls are great side dishes.
  18. Is this dish gluten-free?
    • It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening the gravy.
  19. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
    • Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and onions first, then add to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  20. How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
    • Add sour cream or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
  21. What can I substitute for milk in mashed potatoes?
    • You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a milk substitute in mashed potatoes.
  22. Can I make this dish spicy?
    • Yes, add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the ground beef for a spicy kick.
  23. How do I reheat leftovers of this dish?
    • Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep it moist.
  24. What herbs can I add to enhance the flavor?
    • Thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added to both the mashed potatoes and the gravy for additional flavor.
  25. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
    • Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk for the mashed potatoes.
  26. How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?
    • Avoid over-mixing the potatoes once mashed and use warm ingredients to keep them smooth.
  27. Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?
    • Yes, shredded cheddar, parmesan, or cream cheese can be added for extra flavor.
  28. Should I cover the dish when baking leftovers?
    • Cover with foil to prevent drying out when reheating leftovers in the oven.
  29. Can I make this dish in advance for a party?
    • Yes, prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
  30. How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
    • Mix in their favorite cheese or hide extra vegetables in the gravy for added nutrition.
  31. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
    • Yes, divide into individual portions and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
  32. Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead?
    • Instant mashed potatoes can be used for convenience, but homemade mashed potatoes are recommended for best flavor.
  33. How do I know when the potatoes are cooked enough for mashing?
    • Potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork when they are tender enough for mashing.
  34. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this dish?
    • Yes, leftover mashed potatoes can be reheated and used as a base for this dish.
  35. What can I do if the gravy is too salty?
    • Dilute with a bit of water or low-sodium broth until the saltiness is reduced to your liking.
  36. Can I add wine to the gravy for extra flavor?
    • Yes, a splash of red wine can be added to deglaze the pan and enhance the depth of flavor.
  37. How do I make the gravy gluten-free?
    • Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, or use a gluten-free flour blend.
  38. What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
    • Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used as substitutes for Worcestershire sauce.
  39. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
    • Yes, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  40. How do I ensure the beef gravy is thick enough?
    • Simmer the gravy until it reaches your desired thickness, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it further.

These questions and answers cover a wide range of topics related to making Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. Enjoy preparing and serving this delicious comfort food dish!