Savory Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes

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Recipe: Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup whole milk (more if needed)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Directions:

For the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, and sour cream (if using). Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency. Cover and keep warm.

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. If the beef is too lean, you may need to add a little olive oil to the skillet. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook the flour. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), thyme, rosemary, and return the cooked ground beef to the skillet.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the Ground Beef and Gravy: Spoon the mashed potatoes onto a plate and generously ladle the ground beef and gravy mixture over the top. Enjoy the comforting flavors in every bite!

Variations and Tips:

• Add frozen peas and carrots during the last few minutes of simmering for extra nutrition​(40 Aprons)​(Homemaking).
• For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken​(WonkyWonderful).
• This dish can be easily adjusted to suit gluten-free or dairy-free diets by using suitable alternatives like gluten-free flour or plant-based milk and butter​(That Oven Feelin).