Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is a classic comfort food combination that’s always a hit. The tender beef, smothered in a rich, savory gravy, is the perfect companion to creamy mashed potatoes. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe you can follow to create this dish:
Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
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2 lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into cubes)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning)
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 cups beef broth
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1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added umami)
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2 teaspoons dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
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1 bay leaf
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Gravy:
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1-2 cups beef broth (adjust to desired gravy thickness)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
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2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
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1/2 cup whole milk (or cream for extra richness)
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4 tablespoons butter
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: garlic (1 clove, minced), chives, or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
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Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, so the meat sears properly. This will take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
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Sauté the Onions & Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to reduce by half (about 2-3 minutes).
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Simmer the Beef: Return the beef to the pot, along with the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily falls apart with a fork.
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Adjust Seasoning: Once the beef is tender, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Gravy:
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Make a Roux: In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture turns a light golden color.
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Add Broth: Gradually add 1-2 cups of beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency (usually around 3-5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine with Beef: Pour the gravy into the pot with the cooked beef, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.
3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
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Cook the Potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
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Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or use a hand mixer for smoother potatoes. Add butter, milk, and season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic or chopped chives. Continue mashing until smooth and creamy.
4. Serve:
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Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates.
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Top with the tender beef and rich gravy.
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Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Gravy:
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Slow Cook for Tender Beef: If you have the time, slow cooking the beef will yield even more tender results. You can braise the beef in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours instead of simmering on the stove.
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Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, simply add more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce. You can also add a slurry (1 tablespoon flour mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it faster.
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Mashed Potato Variations: For extra creaminess, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or add cream cheese. Roasting garlic before mashing can also elevate the flavor.
This dish is all about rich, comforting flavors that hit the spot every time. The beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the gravy is savory and luxurious, and the mashed potatoes are creamy and satisfying. Let me know how it turns out or if you need more tips!