Getting the Recipe

After the potluck, I approached the chef, an older lady with a warm smile who had clearly been in the kitchen for years. She happily shared her recipe, flattered by all the attention. I couldn’t wait to get home and try it. The first time I made it, I was nervous. Would it turn out as delicious as hers? To my delight, it was amazing. The rich, savory gravy over creamy mashed potatoes became an instant favorite in our household.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and quartered
• ½ cup of milk
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots

Directions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer until tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot to keep the potatoes warm while you prepare the gravy.

Cook the Ground Beef and Prepare the Gravy

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions are clear.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for another 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let the gravy thicken, about 5 minutes.
5. If you like, add the frozen peas and carrots during the last few minutes of cooking. They add a nice touch of color and extra nutrition.
6. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

1. Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls.
2. Top the potatoes with the ground beef and gravy mixture.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the comfort and warmth of this delicious meal.

A New Household Staple

I remember the first time I made this dish at home. My husband walked into the kitchen, drawn by the irresistible aroma. “What are you cooking?” he asked, peeking over my shoulder. When I told him, his eyes lit up. We sat down for dinner, and with the first bite, it felt like we were transported back to that potluck. The mashed potatoes were creamy and buttery, the perfect base for the rich, savory ground beef and gravy. We both agreed that this dish was a keeper.

Versatile and Easy

Since then, it’s become a staple in our household. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, especially when the weather cools down. I love how easy it is to make, yet it tastes like something you’d get at a homey diner.

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Sometimes, I add mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor or use a mix of sweet and regular potatoes for the mash. You can even make it healthier by using ground turkey instead of beef or adding more veggies like green beans or corn.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time. They reheat beautifully with just a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.
• The gravy also keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making this a great make-ahead meal.

Perfect for Gatherings

This dish has become our go-to for casual dinners with friends too. It’s easy to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd, and it’s always a hit. There’s something about the combination of flavors and textures that’s just so satisfying. Plus, it’s comforting in a way that only homemade food can be.

Looking for a hearty, delicious meal that’s sure to please? Give this ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes a try. It’s a dish that brings people together, creating warm memories and full bellies. And who knows, maybe it’ll become a favorite in your household too, just like it did in ours.