Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes is a delicious and comforting classic!

## **Instructions**

### **1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:**
1. **Peel and dice the potatoes** into even chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of **salt** to the water.
2. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes for about **10-15 minutes**, or until they are fork-tender.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Add the **butter**, **milk**, and a pinch of **salt** and **pepper**. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk to your preferred consistency. Set the mashed potatoes aside and keep warm.

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### **2. Prepare the Ground Beef and Gravy:**
1. Heat a large skillet or pan over **medium heat** and add the **olive oil** or **butter**. Once hot, add the **ground beef** and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about **5-7 minutes**.
2. Once the beef is browned, **drain any excess fat** if necessary, leaving a little for flavor in the pan.
3. Add the **chopped onion** to the beef and cook for **3-4 minutes**, until softened. Add the **garlic** and cook for another **30 seconds**, until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the **flour** over the beef and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the gravy. Cook for about **1 minute** to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the **beef broth**, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the **Worcestershire sauce**, **soy sauce**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **black pepper**, and a pinch of **salt**.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for **5-7 minutes**, until the gravy thickens to your liking. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

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### **3. Serve:**
1. Spoon a generous portion of the **mashed potatoes** onto each plate.
2. Ladle the **ground beef and gravy** over the mashed potatoes, making sure to cover them evenly.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs like **parsley** or a sprinkle of **black pepper**, if desired.

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## **Serving Suggestions**

– **Vegetables on the Side:** Serve with a side of steamed vegetables like **green beans**, **peas**, or **corn** to add some color and balance the richness of the beef and gravy.
– **Biscuits or Bread:** For extra comfort, serve this dish with a warm side of **biscuits**, **dinner rolls**, or **crusty bread** to sop up the delicious gravy.
– **Cheese:** Add a sprinkle of **shredded cheese** on top of the beef and gravy for a cheesy twist!

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## **Tips for Success**

🌟 **Use the Right Potatoes:** For creamy mashed potatoes, **russet potatoes** work best as they are starchy and break down nicely when mashed. If you prefer a fluffier mash, you can mix in a few **Yukon Gold potatoes**.

🌟 **Gravy Consistency:** If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken. If it’s too thick, simply add a little more broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency.

🌟 **Make it a One-Pot Meal:** If you want to cut down on dishes, you can cook the ground beef and gravy in the same pot you use to make the mashed potatoes—just be sure to make the gravy in a separate pan and keep the potatoes warm while it cooks.

🌟 **Add Vegetables:** For added nutrition and flavor, you can stir in some **frozen peas**, **carrots**, or **corn** into the gravy while it simmers. You can also serve the mashed potatoes with sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

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## **Why This Dish Works**

**Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes** is a classic for a reason. The savory, rich gravy complements the creamy mashed potatoes perfectly, making it the ultimate comfort food. The ground beef provides a satisfying protein base, while the smooth, buttery potatoes offer the perfect texture contrast. It’s a meal that combines simple ingredients to create something deeply satisfying, and it’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

This dish is also incredibly versatile—you can adjust the seasoning, swap out the beef for turkey or ground chicken, or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own. Plus, it’s an easy and budget-friendly meal that works well for both family dinners and meal prepping.

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## **Final Thoughts**

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like home, **Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes** is your answer. It’s a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and sure to bring smiles to your table. With its creamy mashed potatoes, flavorful gravy, and savory ground beef, it’s a timeless dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a little extra comfort.

So go ahead—make this classic dish and enjoy the cozy, flavorful goodness. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!