Description
Hearty ground beef and gravy bring comfort straight from classic American kitchens, nestled over creamy mashed potatoes. Savory meat and silky sauce create a satisfying meal that pulls you close with warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients
Scale
Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Water (enough to cover the potatoes)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups beef broth, divided
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Thickening Agent:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Submerge peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 7-8 minutes until fork-tender, ensuring a soft, easily mashable texture.
- Simultaneously, gently warm butter and milk in a small saucepan, stirring periodically until butter completely liquefies. Alternatively, use microwave in short 30-second bursts, whisking between intervals to ensure smooth integration.
- Drain potatoes thoroughly, transferring back to the cooking pot. Crush potatoes using a masher or fork, creating a creamy consistency with desired texture.
- Incorporate melted butter and milk into mashed potatoes, blending seamlessly. Enhance flavor with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over cooked beef, stirring to coat evenly and create a roux base for the gravy. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour beef broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, rich gravy. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Season gravy with worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper, tasting and adjusting flavors as needed.
- Ladle the savory beef gravy generously over prepared mashed potatoes, ensuring each serving is well-covered and appetizing.
Notes
- Always use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest mashed potatoes with the best texture.
- Salt the boiling water generously to enhance the potato’s natural flavor before cooking.
- Keep the butter and milk warm when adding to potatoes to prevent cooling and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
- Test potato doneness by easily piercing with a fork – they should be tender but not falling apart.
- For extra richness, swap half the milk with heavy cream or add roasted garlic for deeper flavor.
- Use cornstarch instead of flour when making gravy to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg