Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
This dinner recipe is quick, easy, and cheap, passed down from my grandma to my mom and now served to my own kids. I’ve been eating this simple but deliciously savory and filling meal my entire life, and this Depression-era recipe is surprisingly good, despite how easy and affordable it is to make!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: In a large pot, cover quartered potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, return to pot, add milk and butter, and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and cover to keep warm.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, add onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Make Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture, stirring to incorporate. Cook for 2 minutes, then gradually stir in beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add peas and carrots if using.
- Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with beef gravy, and serve hot.