The Ultimate Comfort Dinner: Beef Roast with Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and Gravy

Photo byAngie Bright

Few meals offer the comfort and satisfaction of a classic beef roast served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy. This hearty combination evokes memories of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and special occasions. The savory tenderness of the beef, the creamy richness of mashed potatoes, the freshness of green beans, and the warm gravy drizzled over everything make it a perfect meal for when you want something simple but impressive.

There’s something timeless about a well-prepared beef roast. The slow-cooked meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up the flavors of garlic, onion, and broth. Paired with fluffy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans, this meal balances indulgence with freshness. Gravy, made from the savory pan drippings, ties everything together, creating a meal that’s truly satisfying.

Making this classic dish at home is easier than it sounds, especially when you follow these simple steps. The trick to getting the perfect beef roast lies in the sear. This locks in the juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor. The roast is then slowly cooked with beef broth, garlic, and onions until it’s so tender it almost falls apart.

The mashed potatoes, creamy and buttery, complement the meat perfectly. Using simple ingredients like butter and milk ensures the potatoes remain the star of the plate without overpowering the other flavors. Meanwhile, green beans, lightly steamed and tossed with butter, provide a fresh and light contrast to the richness of the roast and potatoes.

The homemade gravy is where the magic happens. Made from the beef drippings, it adds an extra layer of flavor to every bite. With just a touch of flour, the gravy thickens into the perfect consistency, making each bite of the meal more satisfying than the last.

Recipe: Beef Roast with Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans & Gravy
Ingredients:

• 3 lb beef roast (chuck or rump)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (for mashed potatoes)
• ½ cup milk (for mashed potatoes)
• 3 tbsp butter (for mashed potatoes)
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp butter (for green beans)
• 2 tbsp flour (for gravy)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, which will help lock in the juices.
3. Transfer the roast to a roasting pan, adding the minced garlic and sliced onions on top and around the roast. Pour the beef broth into the pan, ensuring the roast stays moist while cooking.
4. Cover the pan with foil and place it in the oven. Roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and can be easily shredded.
5. While the roast is cooking, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, then mash with the butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
6. Steam the green beans in a separate pot until just tender, around 5-7 minutes. Drain and toss with the butter for a simple yet delicious side dish.
7. Once the roast is done, remove it from the roasting pan. To make the gravy, place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the pan drippings, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Serve the beef roast sliced, with mashed potatoes on the side, topped with gravy, and green beans.

The result is a meal that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. The flavors blend together beautifully, with the rich beef roast taking center stage, backed by the creamy mashed potatoes and the fresh green beans. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just craving a taste of home, this classic combination is sure to please.

Here are a few sources for recipes that include beef roast with mashed potatoes and gravy, similar to the one you're looking for:

1. Taste of Home offers a classic roast beef and gravy recipe with tips on using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. It’s a slow-cooked version that's perfect for serving with mashed potatoes​(Taste of Home).
2. AllRecipes provides a detailed method for making pot roast and gravy. This includes options for stovetop cooking and tips on how to use the pan drippings to make a delicious homemade gravy​(Allrecipes)​(Allrecipes).
3. Creme De La Crumb features an Instant Pot recipe that simplifies the process while ensuring tender beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and flavorful gravy​(Creme De La Crumb).

These sources provide a variety of methods—stovetop, slow cooker, and Instant Pot—offering flexibility depending on how you'd like to prepare your meal. You can follow any of these for more details on ingredients and cooking steps!