Description
This classic comfort food recipe features savory ground beef cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy made with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs, all served generously over creamy homemade mashed potatoes. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk (or more as needed)
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ground Beef and Gravy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover them with cold water to start cooking them evenly.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk quantity to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Season Potatoes: Add salt and pepper to taste, then keep the mashed potatoes warm until serving.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Gravy Base: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir thoroughly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, ensuring it coats the beef and vegetables.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming in the gravy.
- Season Gravy: Stir in Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
- Simmer Gravy: Reduce the heat and let the gravy simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it thickens. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate, then top with the warm ground beef and gravy mixture.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this classic comfort meal!
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the best mashed potato texture.
- Adjust milk amount in mashed potatoes for creamier or thicker consistency.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth in a pinch, but the flavor will differ.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
