Recipe for Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes: A Comforting Classic

Few dishes embody the essence of comfort food quite like beef and gravy with mashed potatoes. This classic combination brings together tender, juicy beef smothered in rich, flavorful gravy, paired with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is satisfying, hearty, and surprisingly simple to make when broken down step by step.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Gravy:

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and chopped
4 tbsp butter
½ cup milk (adjust for desired creaminess)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 2 tbsp sour cream for extra richness

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef pieces dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear.
Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per batch). Remove and set aside.

Tip: Browning the beef develops deep flavor, which is the secret to a rich, savory gravy.

Step 2: Make the Gravy Base

In the same pan, add the chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes to enhance its sweetness and depth.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions (if using) and stir well to create a roux. This will thicken your gravy.