Introduction
Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes is a timeless comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the appetite. This classic dish combines the creamy, buttery goodness of mashed potatoes with a rich, savory ground beef gravy, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Why This Recipe?
Comforting and Hearty: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, ideal for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings.
Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and budget-friendly.
Versatile: You can customize the gravy with your favorite herbs and spices or even add vegetables for extra nutrition.
Quick to Prepare: With straightforward steps, it can be ready in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
4-5 russet potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk-u (or more for desired consistency)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
In a large pot, cover the potatoes with water and bring to a boil.
Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the water completely.
While the potatoes are hot, return them to the pot and mash them with a potato masher or hand mixer.
Add the butter and milk, and beat until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Make the Ground Beef and Gravy:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Method for Storing
To keep your Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes fresh and delicious, follow these storage methods:
Short-Term Storage
Refrigeration:
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature.
Store the mashed potatoes and ground beef and gravy in separate airtight containers, if possible, to maintain texture.
Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Long-Term Storage
Freezing:
Allow the dish to cool completely.
Portion the mashed potatoes and ground beef and gravy into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
From the Refrigerator:
For best results, reheat separately.
Mashed Potatoes: Place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or microwave until heated through.
Ground Beef and Gravy: Heat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
From the Freezer:
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If reheating from frozen, use a microwave or stovetop for the ground beef and gravy, and reheat mashed potatoes in a saucepan with a bit of milk to restore consistency.
Tips
Avoid Contamination: Use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination.
Check for Quality: Before consuming leftovers, check for any off smells or changes in texture.