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 dried 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:
- In a large pot, cover quartered potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add milk and butter to the pot with the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm while preparing the beef and gravy.
2. Cook Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. Make Gravy:
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture in the skillet, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy has thickened, about 5 minutes.
- If using, add frozen peas and carrots to the gravy and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Serve:
- Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with the beef gravy mixture, ensuring to include plenty of beef and vegetables. Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week!
Here are some helpful tips to make your Homestyle Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes even more delightful:
- Season the Ground Beef: Before cooking, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. This will add flavor to the beef itself and enhance the overall dish.
- Brown the Ground Beef Well: Take the time to brown the ground beef properly. This step adds depth of flavor and texture to the dish. Make sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Cook the onions and garlic until they are soft and caramelized before adding them to the beef. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add complexity to the gravy.
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning the ground beef and cooking the onions and garlic, deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or water. This will loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, adding even more flavor to the gravy.
- Add Aromatics: Consider adding additional aromatics such as chopped celery, carrots, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Customize the Gravy: Adjust the thickness and seasoning of the gravy to your preference. If you like a thicker gravy, simmer it for longer or add a cornstarch slurry. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
- Add a Splash of Cream: For a richer and creamier gravy, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. This adds richness and silkiness to the gravy.
- Incorporate Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are a delicious addition to the beef and gravy. Add them along with the onions and garlic for extra flavor and texture.
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are known for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them ideal for mashed potatoes. They yield a smoother and silkier mash compared to other varieties.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the finished dish for a burst of freshness and color. It adds a lovely finishing touch to the homestyle meal.
By incorporating these tips, you’ll enhance the flavor and enjoyment of your Homestyle Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes, making it even more delightful!
Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect Homestyle Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful beef broth. Using good ingredients is the foundation of a delicious dish.
- Brown the Beef Well: When cooking the ground beef, make sure to brown it well. This adds depth of flavor and creates a nice caramelization on the meat.
- Caramelize Onions and Garlic: Take the time to sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and caramelized. This enhances their sweetness and adds richness to the gravy.
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning the beef and cooking the onions and garlic, deglaze the pan with a splash of liquid (such as beef broth or red wine). This helps to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, adding extra flavor to the gravy.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Be sure to season each component of the dish (the beef, the gravy, and the mashed potatoes) with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
- Use a Roux for the Gravy: Creating a roux (a mixture of flour and fat) helps to thicken the gravy and adds richness to the dish. Be sure to cook the roux until it’s golden brown to avoid a raw flour taste.
- Simmer the Gravy: Allow the gravy to simmer gently after adding the beef broth. This helps to develop the flavors and ensures a smooth and velvety texture.
- Add Depth of Flavor: Consider adding Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the gravy for extra depth of flavor.
- Mash Potatoes Smoothly: For creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato masher or a potato ricer to mash them until they are smooth and lump-free. Adding warm milk and butter also helps to achieve a silky texture.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that each bite is perfectly seasoned and delicious.
By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Homestyle Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes, a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Here are some popular questions and answers related to Homestyle Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes:
- Can I use a different type of meat for the beef gravy?
- Yes, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork as a substitute for ground beef. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
- How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
- To make the mashed potatoes creamier, you can add more butter, milk, or cream. You can also whip the potatoes with an electric mixer for a lighter and fluffier texture.
- Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Homestyle Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I serve alongside this dish?
- This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including steamed vegetables, roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls.
- How can I make this dish healthier?
- To make this dish healthier, you can use lean ground beef or turkey, reduce the amount of butter and cream in the mashed potatoes, and add more vegetables to the gravy, such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of making them from scratch?
- Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes as a shortcut if you’re short on time. Follow the package instructions to prepare them, then serve them with the beef gravy.
- What can I do with leftover mashed potatoes?
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be used to make shepherd’s pie, potato pancakes, or potato soup. They can also be formed into patties, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown for a delicious side dish.
- Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
- If the gravy is too thin, you can mix together equal parts cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering gravy and cook until thickened to your desired consistency.
These are some of the common questions and answers related to Homestyle Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes. Feel free to ask if you have any more!