Recipe for Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef and Gravy:

• Sear the Beef: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef stew meat or chuck roast chunks. Sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 5-7 minutes). This step helps to lock in the flavors and gives the beef a nice texture.
• Cook the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pan with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Make the Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the beef and onion mixture, stirring it in to create a roux. This will help thicken the gravy later. Next, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened. If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it cook longer or add more flour to thicken.
• Check for Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Once the beef is tender and the gravy has reached your desired consistency, remove from heat.

2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

• Boil the Potatoes: While the beef is simmering, place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
• Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if you prefer a creamier texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or some chopped chives for extra flavor.

3. Assemble the Dish:

• Serve the Beef and Gravy: Once the mashed potatoes are ready and the beef is cooked, it’s time to plate the dish. Scoop a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate and ladle the tender beef and gravy over the top.
• Garnish: For a touch of freshness, garnish the dish with some finely chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes:

1. Comforting and Hearty: This dish brings together the best of comfort food—tender beef, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for when you need a hearty, filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
2. Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients like beef, onions, potatoes, and gravy mix, this recipe is budget-friendly without compromising on flavor.
3. Rich, Flavorful Gravy: The beef gravy is the heart of the dish. It’s savory, rich, and perfectly complements the tender beef and fluffy mashed potatoes. The Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce add a depth of umami that makes the gravy even more delicious.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes great leftovers! The beef and gravy only get better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Plus, the mashed potatoes can easily be reheated for a quick and comforting meal.
5. Customizable: You can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. Add some vegetables like carrots or peas to the gravy for added nutrition and flavor, or experiment with different herbs and spices to give the dish your unique touch.

Tips for the Best Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes:

• Use a tender cut of beef: If you prefer a leaner cut, use sirloin or flank steak, but keep in mind that cuts like chuck roast or beef stew meat tend to become more tender as they cook low and slow in the gravy.
• Adjust the gravy consistency: If you want a thinner gravy, add more beef broth or water. For a thicker gravy, mix an extra tablespoon of flour with water and stir it into the simmering gravy, cooking for a few more minutes until thickened.
• Make the mashed potatoes ahead of time: If you’re preparing for a busy night, you can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them with a bit of milk or butter just before serving.
• Add more vegetables: You can easily add carrots, green beans, or peas to the gravy for extra flavor and nutrition. Just toss them in with the beef during the simmering process.

Conclusion:

Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, delivering rich flavors, hearty textures, and simple ingredients that come together in a satisfying and fulfilling meal. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds. So grab your favorite beef cut, some potatoes, and get ready to enjoy a comforting meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger. Enjoy!