There’s just something about *gravy over mashed potatoes* that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s the ultimate comfort food, isn’t it? This dish has a way of bringing everyone together, making it a staple at family gatherings and holiday feasts. I still remember the aroma wafting through my grandma’s kitchen, where the bubbling gravy would always find its way over a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that made our family dinners unforgettable. Whether it’s a Sunday roast or a cozy weeknight meal, serving this classic combo never fails to bring a smile to my face. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to side dish too!
Ingredients List
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes
Alright, let’s get started with those potatoes! First, peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler—this is where the magic begins! Then, chop them into even-sized chunks, about 1-2 inches, so they cook evenly. Now, fill a large pot with water and toss in those chopped potatoes. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor, and bring it to a rolling boil. Let them boil for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You want them soft enough to mash easily, but not falling apart! Once they’re done, drain the water and set them aside for the next step.
Making the Mashed Potatoes
Now for the fun part—making those creamy mashed potatoes! In a large bowl, add your drained potatoes along with 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of butter. Grab a potato masher and start mashing! I like to mash until they’re smooth yet fluffy—nobody wants gummy potatoes, right? If you prefer a silkier texture, feel free to use a hand mixer for a minute or so. Just be careful not to overdo it. Taste your mashed potatoes and adjust the salt if needed. They should be rich and creamy, and oh-so-inviting!
Creating the Gravy
Next up, let’s whip up that luscious gravy! In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour, whisking constantly for about a minute until it turns a light golden color—this is your roux! Now, slowly pour in 2 cups of beef broth while stirring. Keep whisking until the gravy thickens up, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! This is where you can really make it your own, so adjust those seasonings as you like.
Serving the Dish
Time to serve up this deliciousness! Grab a generous scoop of your creamy mashed potatoes and place it on a plate. Then, drizzle that rich gravy generously over the top—let it cascade down the sides! If you want to impress, you can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. Trust me, this dish not only tastes amazing but looks beautiful too. Get ready for some serious compliments!
Nutritional Information
As you dive into this comforting plate of *gravy over mashed potatoes*, you might be curious about the nutritional side of things. Here’s an estimated breakdown based on typical values for one serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, especially if you decide to swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth or adjust the amount of butter. But don’t worry too much about the numbers—this is all about enjoying a hearty dish that warms your soul!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a weeknight staple.
- Rich, velvety gravy adds depth and flavor to creamy mashed potatoes.
- Customizable with herbs and seasonings to suit your taste.
- Pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, from roast meats to veggie options.
- Leftovers (if you have any!) can be enjoyed for days, reheating like a dream.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—everyone loves a hearty helping of gravy over mashed potatoes!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to dive into making *gravy over mashed potatoes*, here are some of my top tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly!
- Ensure Potatoes Are Tender: This is key! Make sure your potatoes are fork-tender before draining. If they’re not soft enough, you’ll end up with lumpy mashed potatoes, and nobody wants that!
- Don’t Rush the Gravy: Take your time when whisking in the beef broth. If you add it too quickly, the gravy can be lumpy. Patience is a virtue here, and it’ll pay off with a smooth, velvety gravy.
- Adjust the Thickness: If your gravy is too thick, just add a splash more broth or water to loosen it up. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. It should be pourable but not runny!
- Season as You Go: Taste your mashed potatoes and gravy as you make them. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Sometimes a little extra seasoning can make all the difference!
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this dish is simple, the quality of your potatoes and broth really shines through. Go for fresh potatoes and a good beef broth for maximum flavor.
- Make Ahead: If you’re hosting a dinner, you can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time. Just reheat them with a little milk and butter, and whip up the gravy fresh when it’s time to eat!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the ultimate serving of *gravy over mashed potatoes*! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Variations
If you want to shake things up a bit with your *gravy over mashed potatoes*, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! Trust me, these variations can take your dish from classic to extraordinary in no time.
- Herb-Infused Gravy: Add a handful of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to your gravy while it simmers. They’ll infuse it with a delightful aroma and flavor that elevates the dish!
- Different Broths: Swap out the beef broth for vegetable or chicken broth for a lighter option. Each broth brings its own unique taste, so feel free to experiment!
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a punch of flavor, add roasted garlic to your mashed potatoes. Just mash it in with the butter and milk for a creamy, garlicky delight!
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in some shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, into your mashed potatoes for a cheesy goodness that pairs perfectly with the gravy.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the gravy. It’ll add a warm kick that’s totally unexpected!
- Onion Gravy: Sauté some finely chopped onions in the butter before adding the flour for a rich, savory onion gravy that’s just divine over those fluffy potatoes.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to find your favorite combinations! The beauty of *gravy over mashed potatoes* lies in its versatility, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Storing your *gravy over mashed potatoes* is super easy, and I’ll share the best ways to keep everything tasting delicious. First, make sure your mashed potatoes and gravy are completely cooled down before storing. This helps avoid any extra moisture that can make them soggy.
Transfer the mashed potatoes and gravy into airtight containers separately. They can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Just remember, if you’re planning to enjoy them later, it’s best to keep them in separate containers to maintain their textures.
When you’re ready to dig in again, here’s how to reheat them without losing that creamy goodness. For the mashed potatoes, place them in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or a pat of butter to help bring them back to life. Stir gently as they warm up, and they’ll be as fluffy as ever! If you prefer, you can also use a microwave—just cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
For the gravy, warm it up in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s thickened up too much in the fridge, add a little extra broth or water to loosen it up. You want that gravy to be smooth and pourable again! And there you have it—your *gravy over mashed potatoes* will taste just as wonderful as the first time around. Enjoy every bite!
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Print
Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes: 7 Comforting Secrets Revealed
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes.
- Boil the potatoes until tender.
- Drain and mash the potatoes with milk and butter.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour.
- Slowly add beef broth while stirring until thickened.
- Season gravy with salt and pepper.
- Serve gravy over mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Add herbs for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: gravy over mashed potatoes