Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With straightforward ingredients and minimal preparation, this dish comes together in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing affordable staples like ground beef and potatoes, it’s a cost-effective way to feed the whole family.
Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of savory beef gravy and creamy mashed potatoes offers a comforting, hearty meal that pleases both adults and children.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Add the butter and milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.
Prepare the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring constantly to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish:
- Serve the creamy mashed potatoes on plates and ladle the ground beef gravy over the top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: Incorporate frozen peas and carrots into the gravy during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes for a rich, cheesy flavor.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the mashed potatoes or gravy to enhance the flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Include a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes in the gravy for a subtle heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

What type of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, resulting in a fluffy and creamy texture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.

How can I make the gravy thicker?

To thicken the gravy, let it simmer a bit longer, or add a slurry made by mixing a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the gravy.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare both the mashed potatoes and the ground beef gravy ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

Steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or dinner rolls complement this meal well.

Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

While the ground beef gravy freezes well, mashed potatoes can become grainy when frozen. If you plan to freeze, consider only freezing the gravy and making fresh mashed potatoes when reheating.

How can I add more flavor to the mashed potatoes?

Incorporate roasted garlic, sour cream, or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes for additional flavor and creaminess.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, for convenience, instant mashed potatoes can be used, though homemade mashed potatoes offer a superior texture and flavor.

What other meats can I use for this recipe?

Ground lamb or pork can be used as alternatives to ground beef, each providing a unique flavor profile.

How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?

Avoid