Description
Hearty “Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potato Pillows” promises comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen. Rich beef melts into creamy potatoes, delivering classic home-style satisfaction that wraps chefs in pure culinary warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (450 g) beef stew meat or ground beef
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Potato Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream or milk
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking. Submerge in a generously salted water bath, bringing to a vigorous boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender, then thoroughly drain.
- Return potatoes to the warm pot, introducing heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Vigorously mash until achieving a silky, cloud-like consistency. Taste and refine seasoning as needed.
- Craft luxurious potato mounds using a rounded spoon or ice cream scoop, gently placing them on a serving platter. Tent with foil to maintain optimal temperature.
- Ignite a large skillet with olive oil or butter over medium heat. Introduce beef, allowing each piece to develop a rich, caramel-brown exterior. Remove meat, preserving the flavorful drippings.
- In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Dust with flour, stirring continuously to create a golden roux.
- Gradually incorporate beef broth, whisking methodically to prevent lumps. Introduce Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reintegrate the browned beef.
- Reduce heat, allowing the mixture to gently simmer. Let the gravy thicken and the beef become tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Cascade the sumptuous beef and rich gravy over the potato pillows. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or a light dusting of paprika.
- Present immediately alongside steamed seasonal vegetables or a crisp, verdant salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Potato Selection Matters: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the fluffiest, most creamy mashed potato pillows that will perfectly absorb the rich gravy.
- Temperature Control is Key: Always start cooking potatoes in cold, salted water to ensure even cooking and prevent uneven texture or hard centers.
- Gravy Thickness Hack: If the gravy seems too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and whisk into the sauce to achieve the perfect consistency without lumps.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based protein to create a lighter version, and use lactose-free cream and butter for a dairy-sensitive diet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg