Few dishes embody comfort food quite like Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes. This hearty meal combines tender, slow-cooked beef smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy, served atop creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe never fails to deliver warmth and satisfaction. The secret lies in slow-cooking the beef until it’s fall-apart tender, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly with the velvety mashed potatoes.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the preparation steps, cooking times, and essential tips to ensure you achieve a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Total Time: About 3 hours and 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Beef and Gravy:
- 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds (900g) Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Gravy
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Sear the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef chunks in batches, browning them on all sides for 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Remove the beef and set it aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Thicken the Gravy Base:
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well to coat.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
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Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
- Gradually pour in beef broth and water, stirring continuously.
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
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Simmer the Beef:
- Return the seared beef to the pot.
- Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- The beef should be fork-tender and the gravy thickened.
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Final Touch:
- Stir in butter for a silky finish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
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Boil the Potatoes:
- Place potato chunks in a pot of cold salted water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
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Mash and Mix:
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add butter, heavy cream, and garlic powder (if using).
- Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serving and Presentation
- Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto a plate.
- Top with tender beef and rich gravy, letting it cascade over the potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Additional Tips for Success
- For extra richness, add a splash of red wine when deglazing the pan before adding the broth.
- Make it a slow cooker meal: After searing the beef, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- For ultra-smooth mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a traditional masher.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and cream with coconut milk.
Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal that combines rich, savory flavors with a creamy, satisfying base. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The slow-cooked beef melts in your mouth, while the silky mashed potatoes provide the perfect balance to the hearty gravy.
Try this recipe today, and enjoy a meal that brings warmth, flavor, and nostalgia to the table!