Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

 This easy ground beef and onion gravy with mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food. Tender ground beef simmered in a savory onion gravy, served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes – a simple and satisfying meal.

• Keyword Focus: Ground Beef and Gravy, Easy Beef Gravy, Mashed Potatoes Recipe, Comfort Food Dinner, Family Meal.

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• ½ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and white pepper to taste (or black pepper)

Equipment:

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Potato masher or electric mixer

Instructions:

1. Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a saucepan and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
2. Brown the Beef and Onions: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the ground beef and onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
4. Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the saucepan. Mash them with a potato masher or an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually stir in the milk (or cream) and butter until the potatoes are creamy and the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and white pepper (or black pepper) to taste.
5. Serve: Spoon generous servings of mashed potatoes into bowls and top with the flavorful ground beef and gravy.