Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

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Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs. potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

  • 1 lb. ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra umami)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking)

Optional Toppings/Garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Grated cheddar cheese
  • Caramelized onions
  • Fried egg

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Peel and chop the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks (about 1-2 inches). This ensures they cook evenly.
  2. Boil the potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  3. Drain and mash: Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Return them to the pot and add the butter and milk. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Gravy

  1. Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  2. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) as it cooks.
  3. Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked ground beef and onion mixture. Stir well to coat the beef evenly. The flour will act as a thickening agent for the gravy.
  4. Pour in the beef broth: Slowly add the beef broth to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add Worcestershire and soy sauce: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce (if using). These ingredients add a tangy, savory depth to the gravy.
  6. Simmer and thicken: Allow the gravy to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of water or additional broth to thin it out. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

  1. Plate the mashed potatoes: Scoop a generous portion of the creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate or bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a slight well in the center for the gravy.
  2. Top with ground beef and gravy: Ladle the ground beef and gravy mixture over the mashed potatoes, ensuring each serving gets plenty of both.
  3. Add optional toppings: Customize your dish with any of the following:
    • A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
    • A sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese
    • A handful of caramelized onions
    • A fried egg for extra richness
    • Chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Success

  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes: They’re naturally buttery and creamy, making them ideal for mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes are also a great option for a fluffier texture.
  • Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce: It adds a tangy, umami-rich flavor that elevates the gravy.
  • Customize the gravy: If you like a richer gravy, add a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter at the end of cooking.
  • Make it ahead: Both the mashed potatoes and ground beef gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures:

  • The creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base.
  • The savory ground beef and rich gravy add depth and heartiness.
  • Optional toppings like sour cream, cheese, or caramelized onions allow you to customize the dish to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

  • Side dishes: Serve with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to round out the meal.
  • Beverage pairings: A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, try iced tea or sparkling water with lemon.

Conclusion

Ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and endlessly satisfying. Even without ketchup, this dish is packed with flavor thanks to the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and optional toppings. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

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