Recipe for Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
Introduction
Few dishes feel as comforting and satisfying as classic Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes. Tender, slow-simmered beef coated in rich, savory gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends, or when you simply crave something warm and filling.
This dish is simple yet deeply rewarding — a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.
Description
This meal features melt-in-your-mouth beef cooked in a savory brown gravy made from pan drippings, broth, and aromatics. It is served over smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. The result is a balanced combination of texture and taste — creamy, tender, and deeply savory.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Beef and gravy dishes have deep roots in European and American home cooking traditions. In the United Kingdom, similar comfort dishes are commonly served as part of Sunday roasts. In the United States, beef and gravy with mashed potatoes became a staple in Southern and Midwestern cuisine, representing hearty, affordable meals designed to feed families.
It shares similarities with:
Roast beef
Salisbury steak
Beef bourguignon
Across cultures, slow-cooked beef dishes symbolize warmth, hospitality, and comfort.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Beef & Gravy:
1 kg (2 lbs) beef chuck or stewing beef, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
1 kg (2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons butter
½ cup warm milk
Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Season beef with salt and pepper.
3. Brown the beef on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Gravy
4. In the same pot, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
5. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1–2 minutes.
6. Slowly add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
7. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme.
8. Return beef to the pot, cover, and simmer on low for 1.5–2 hours until tender.
Step 3: Prepare Mashed Potatoes
9. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
10. Drain and mash with butter and warm milk.
11. Season with salt to taste.
Step 4: Serve
12. Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates.
13. Top generously with beef and rich gravy.
Optional Additions
Add carrots or peas for extra nutrition
Stir in mushrooms for deeper flavor
Mix sour cream into mashed potatoes for extra creaminess
Add a splash of cream to the gravy for richness
Tips for Success
Use chuck beef for best tenderness
Brown the meat properly — it builds flavor
Simmer low and slow for maximum tenderness
Warm the milk before adding to mashed potatoes
If gravy is too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 520–600 kcal
Protein: 35–40 g
Carbohydrates: 40–45 g
Fat: 25–30 g
Fiber: 4 g
(Nutrition varies depending on ingredients used.)
Conclusion
Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is a timeless classic that delivers comfort in every bite. It’s hearty enough for a Sunday dinner yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. This dish brings families together around the table and fills the home with irresistible aromas.
Recommendation
Serve with:
Steamed green beans
A fresh garden salad
Warm dinner rolls
It also tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To make this dish lighter:
Use lean beef
Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower mash
Use low-sodium broth
Reduce butter and use olive oil instead
Comfort food doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. With small adjustments, you can enjoy rich flavors while maintaining balance.