Description
A hearty and comforting dish featuring savory ground beef simmered in a rich gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this classic American meal brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add the milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the flour and cook: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Make the gravy: Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, then add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens.
- Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes into bowls or plates and top generously with the ground beef and gravy. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, use half-and-half or cream instead of whole milk in the mashed potatoes.
- You can add frozen peas or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
- This dish makes great leftovers and reheats well.