Description
A comforting and hearty recipe featuring savory ground beef cooked in a rich thyme-infused gravy, served over creamy homemade mashed potatoes. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner or cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef and Gravy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk (or more as needed)
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water to start cooking evenly.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15–20 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the saucepan. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth, adjusting milk quantity to reach your preferred consistency.
- Season Potatoes: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Keep them warm while preparing the beef.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up continuously as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Continue cooking until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and help thicken the gravy later.
- Incorporate Broth: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth gravy base.
- Season Gravy: Stir in Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Mix well to infuse flavor throughout the gravy.
- Simmer and Thicken: Let the gravy simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Plate the Dish: Spoon a generous helping of mashed potatoes onto each plate, then top with the savory ground beef and gravy mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For creamier mashed potatoes, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- For extra flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or caramelized onions to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, cook it down a little longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
- This dish pairs well with steamed green vegetables or a side salad.
- Leftover mashed potatoes and beef gravy can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
