Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

#### Instructions:

**Step 1: Cook the Beef**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

**Step 2: Make the Gravy**
1. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to create a roux. Cook the flour for 2-3 minutes, until it turns a light golden color. This will help thicken the gravy.
2. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Stir well to combine.
3. Return the beef to the pot and stir it into the gravy. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

**Step 3: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes**
1. While the beef is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and chopped potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
3. Slowly add the milk, a little at a time, while continuing to mash the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed for creamier mashed potatoes.

**Step 4: Serve**
1. Once the beef is tender and the gravy is rich and thick, serve the beef and gravy over a generous portion of mashed potatoes.
2. Spoon the savory gravy over the beef and potatoes, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and enjoy!

### Tips for the Best Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

– **Beef Cuts**: You can use different cuts of beef for this recipe. Beef stew meat or a chuck roast are great options because they become tender after simmering in the gravy. For a leaner version, you can use sirloin or tenderloin, though these cuts may require less cooking time.

– **Gravy Consistency**: If you prefer a thicker gravy, add more flour when making the roux or let the gravy simmer longer to reduce. For a thinner gravy, add more beef broth.

– **Make it Creamier**: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, you can add sour cream or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes along with the butter and milk.

– **Vegetable Add-ins**: You can enhance the dish by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans on the side or right into the gravy. You can even throw in some sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor boost.

– **Leftovers**: This dish makes excellent leftovers! Store any remaining beef and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra beef broth if the gravy thickens too much.

– **Serving Suggestions**: While this dish is delicious on its own, you can serve it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

### Conclusion

**Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes** is the definition of comfort food—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. The tender beef, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes come together in perfect harmony, creating a meal that will warm you up and leave you craving more. It’s the type of dish that’s perfect for gathering around the dinner table with loved ones, enjoying the warmth and coziness of a homemade meal.

With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, **Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes** will always hit the spot. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of hearty comfort!