Ground Beef And Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

When you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and delicious, Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes hits all the right notes. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture that everyone at the table will love. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is simple to prepare and uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this timeless comfort dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• Water (enough to cover the potatoes)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups beef broth, divided
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼-½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Medium-sized pot
• Potato masher or fork
• Small saucepan
• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife

How to Make the Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Creating creamy mashed potatoes is easier than you think! Here’s how to make the perfect base for your Ground Beef and Gravy.

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   Fill a medium pot with water, add ½ teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the peeled and cut potatoes. Boil for 7 to 8 minutes or until the potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
2. Heat Butter and Milk:
   While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter with milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted. You can also do this step in the microwave by heating the butter and milk in 30-second intervals, whisking between each until the butter melts.
3. Mash the Potatoes:
   Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot. Using a potato masher or fork, mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. Gradually add the melted butter and milk mixture, stirring until fully combined. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, tasting to adjust the seasonings as needed. Set the mashed potatoes aside while you prepare the ground beef and gravy.

How to Prepare Ground Beef and Gravy

1. Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture:
   In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of beef broth and the cornstarch until smooth. Set this mixture aside for later.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Once cooked, drain any excess fat or liquid from the pan.
3. Simmer with Broth and Onion:
   Add 1 ½ cups of beef broth to the skillet, along with the chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, then simmer the mixture uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the onions become tender.
4. Thicken the Gravy:
   Once the onions have softened, slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet while whisking constantly. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

Assembling Your Dish

Now it’s time to bring everything together:

1. Divide the mashed potatoes evenly onto serving plates or bowls.
2. Spoon the rich, flavorful ground beef and gravy mixture over the mashed potatoes.
3. Serve warm, with extra gravy on the side if desired.

Recipe Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Potatoes:
  Yukon gold potatoes give a creamy, buttery texture, while russet potatoes will be fluffier. Either works well for this recipe depending on your preference.
• Get the Gravy Consistency Just Right:
  If the gravy becomes too thick, you can always add a bit more beef broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, allow it to cook a bit longer or add a touch more cornstarch dissolved in cold water.
• Make-Ahead Option:
  You can prepare the mashed potatoes and ground beef in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat and assemble when you’re ready to serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Potatoes:
  Be careful not to overboil your potatoes. Overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged and mushy, resulting in gluey mashed potatoes.
• Lumpy Gravy:
  To avoid lumps in the gravy, always whisk the cornstarch and broth mixture thoroughly before adding it to the skillet, and whisk continuously as the gravy thickens.
• Not Tasting as You Go:
  Make sure to taste both the mashed potatoes and the gravy during cooking to ensure they’re well-seasoned. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
• A fresh side salad for a lighter contrast
• Dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up extra gravy

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storing:
  Place any leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can store the mashed potatoes and the beef-gravy mixture separately to maintain their textures.
• Reheating:
  To reheat, microwave the mashed potatoes and beef separately, or reheat them together on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little extra broth to refresh the gravy if needed.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free, as it uses cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
If you’re in a hurry, you can substitute with instant mashed potatoes, but making them from scratch will give you the best flavor and texture.

How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If the gravy is too thin, whisk another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then slowly stir it into the gravy while it’s boiling. Let it cook for an additional minute to thicken.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy, hearty, and delicious, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a cozy dinner for two, this dish is sure to satisfy.

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