Savoury Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Introduction
Savoury Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a warm and filling dish that your whole family will love. It’s perfect for dinner, and it’s great for busy nights or cozy weekends. This meal is all about comfort and satisfaction!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also simple to make and uses ingredients you probably have in your kitchen. The creamy mashed potatoes paired with the hearty beef and gravy create a lovely combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for any day of the week!
How to Make Savoury Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (or stock)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for depth of flavor)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
- 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Make the Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Start by placing the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Once done, drain the potatoes and put them back in the pot. Add the butter and milk (or cream). Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then keep them warm.
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Prepare the Ground Beef and Gravy: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fry it until it’s soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take around 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it.
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Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir well to coat. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste if you’re using it. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes until the gravy thickens. Finally, stir in the frozen peas (or mixed vegetables) and cook for another 5 minutes until everything is hot.
How to Serve Savoury Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto a plate and ladle the beef and gravy mixture over them. You can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy flavors!
How to Store Savoury Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Savoury Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Use freshly chopped herbs for a great flavor boost.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; you can add more spices if you like it spicier.
Variation
You can easily switch up this recipe by adding different vegetables like carrots or corn to the beef mixture for more color and nutrients. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be a quick and easy alternative to fresh potatoes.
2. Is this recipe freezable?
Yes, you can freeze the beef and gravy separately from the mashed potatoes for future meals. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can use lentils or mushrooms instead of ground beef, and vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a tasty vegetarian version.