Here is a comfort-food classic: Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes, written in full detail with clear, easy directions ๐ฝ๏ธ
Rich, hearty, and perfect for family meals.
๐ฅฉ Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
โฑ Prep Time:
20 minutes
โฑ Cook Time:
45โ60 minutes
๐ฝ Serves:
4โ5 people
๐งพ Ingredients
For the Beef & Gravy:
- Beef chuck or beef stew meat โ 700 g (1ยฝ lb)
- Salt โ 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Black pepper โ ยฝ teaspoon
- Paprika โ 1 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour โ 2 tablespoons
- Cooking oil โ 2 tablespoons
- Butter โ 2 tablespoons
- Onion โ 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic โ 4 cloves, minced
- Beef broth or stock โ 3 cups
- Worcestershire sauce โ 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce โ 1 teaspoon (optional, for depth)
- Dried thyme or rosemary โ ยฝ teaspoon
- Bay leaf โ 1
- Cornstarch โ 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening)
- Water โ 2 tablespoons
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- Potatoes โ 1 kg (2.2 lb), peeled and cubed
- Salt โ 1 teaspoon
- Butter โ 4 tablespoons
- Warm milk or cream โ ยฝโยพ cup
- Black pepper โ to taste
- Garlic powder (optional) โ ยฝ teaspoon
๐ฉโ๐ณ Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Pat beef pieces dry with paper towels.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Lightly coat beef with flour, shaking off excess.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Heat oil and butter in a heavy pan or pot over medium-high heat.
- Add beef in batches (do not overcrowd).
- Sear until browned on all sides.
- Remove beef and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Gravy Base
- In the same pan, add chopped onion.
- Cook for 4โ5 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer the Beef
- Return beef to the pan.
- Pour in beef broth.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme/rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 40โ50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
- Mix cornstarch with water.
- Stir into the gravy.
- Simmer 3โ5 minutes until thick and glossy.
- Adjust salt and pepper.
- Remove bay leaf.
๐ฅ Mashed Potatoes Directions
Step 6: Cook Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water.
- Add salt.
- Boil for 15โ18 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain well.
Step 7: Mash
- Add butter to hot potatoes.
- Mash until smooth.
- Gradually add warm milk or cream.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
- Mash until creamy and fluffy.
๐ฝ Assemble & Serve
- Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates.
- Top generously with beef and rich gravy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley (optional).
- Serve hot.
โญ Tips for Best Results
- Use chuck beef for tenderness
- Low and slow cooking makes beef melt-in-mouth
- Warm milk makes smoother mash
- Gravy thickens more as it cools
๐ Serving Suggestions
- With buttered peas or green beans
- Fresh dinner rolls or crusty bread
- Simple green salad