Mashed Potatoes with Savory  Ground Beef Gravy

Introduction

This is the ultimate budget-friendly comfort meal. It features a rich, savory “hamburger gravy” (ground beef simmered in a seasoned brown sauce) served over a mountain of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• Potatoes: 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and cubed.
• Dairy: 1/2 cup whole milk and 4 tbsp unsalted butter.
• Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste.

For the Ground Beef Gravy:

• Meat: 1 lb lean ground beef.
• Aromatics: 1 small onion (diced) and 2 cloves garlic (minced).
• Thickener: 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch slurry.
• Liquid: 2 cups beef broth.
• Flavor Boost: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of dried thyme.

Instructions

1. Boil Potatoes: Place potatoes in salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with milk and butter until creamy.
2. Brown Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over the meat and stir for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
4. Simmer Gravy: Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
5. Serve: Divide mashed potatoes into bowls and ladle a generous amount of the beef gravy over the top.

Some Tips

• Don’t Over-Mash: Overworking potatoes can make them “gluey.” Mash just until smooth.
• Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms added with the onions make the gravy even more savory.
• Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, splash in a little more broth or milk.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant potatoes? Yes, it’s a great time-saver for a quick weeknight meal.
2. What if I don’t have beef broth? You can use water with a beef bouillon cube or even milk for a “S.O.S.” style white gravy.
3. Can I freeze the gravy? Yes! The beef gravy freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove.
4. How do I make it spicy? Add a dash of hot sauce or extra black pepper to the gravy.
5. Is this the same as Salisbury Steak? It’s very similar in flavor, but the meat is crumbled rather than formed into patties.