Savory Beef and Gravy with Fluffy Mashed Potato Pillows

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines tender beef, rich gravy, and fluffy mashed potatoes? Look no further than Savory Beef and Gravy with Fluffy Mashed Potato Pillows. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or simply when you want a hearty meal to warm you up. The tender beef smothered in savory gravy pairs perfectly with the pillowy texture of mashed potatoes, creating a satisfying and indulgent dish.

Ingredients for Savory Beef and Gravy:

  • Beef: 1.5 lbs of beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Beef Broth: 4 cups of beef broth
  • Flour: 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (for thickening the gravy)
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

Ingredients for Fluffy Mashed Potato Pillows:

  • Potatoes: 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons of butter
  • Milk: 1 cup of whole milk (or as needed for desired consistency)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt
  • Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Garlic (optional): 1 clove, minced (for extra flavor)

How to Make Savory Beef and Gravy with Fluffy Mashed Potato Pillows:

Step 1: Cook the Beef

  1. Sear the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing each side until browned. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
  3. Create the Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to form a roux. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the gravy to a simmer and let it thicken for 5 minutes.
  4. Simmer the Beef: Return the beef to the pot and stir. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the gravy is rich and flavorful.

Step 2: Make the Fluffy Mashed Potato Pillows

  1. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain the potatoes well.
  2. Mash the Potatoes: Return the potatoes to the pot and mash them until smooth. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and mash until fluffy. For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic at this point.
  3. Shape the Pillows: For an extra touch, use a spoon to scoop out the mashed potatoes and shape them into small pillow-like portions.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

  1. Serve the Beef and Gravy: Spoon the savory beef and gravy onto a plate, ensuring that each piece of beef is generously covered with the rich gravy.
  2. Add the Mashed Potato Pillows: Arrange the fluffy mashed potato pillows next to the beef or on top, depending on your preference. The pillowy potatoes absorb the gravy and add a delightful texture to every bite.
  3. Garnish (optional): For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Tender Beef: Slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender and melts in your mouth, making each bite a comforting experience.
  • Rich Gravy: The homemade gravy is full of savory flavor, made with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings that complement the beef perfectly.
  • Fluffy Mashed Potatoes: The mashed potato pillows are smooth, light, and pillowy, providing a soft contrast to the savory beef and thick gravy.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this dish is versatile enough to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Tips for Perfecting Savory Beef and Gravy with Fluffy Mashed Potato Pillows:

  • Use a Slow Cooker: If you prefer a hands-off approach, transfer the seared beef and gravy ingredients to a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Make Ahead: You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm in a slow cooker or on the stove over low heat. Reheat the gravy and beef before serving.
  • Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots or peas to the beef and gravy for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion:

Savory Beef and Gravy with Fluffy Mashed Potato Pillows is the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love. Tender beef, a rich gravy, and fluffy mashed potatoes make this dish a perfect choice for any meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something comforting, this recipe will satisfy your hunger and warm your soul. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips for Savory Beef and Gravy with Fluffy Mashed Potato Pillows

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve Hot: For the best flavor and texture, serve Savory Beef and Gravy with Fluffy Mashed Potato Pillows immediately after cooking while the beef is tender and the gravy is rich.
  2. Garnish for Extra Flair: Enhance the dish with fresh parsley, thyme, or chives as a garnish. This adds a burst of color and freshness to the savory flavors.
  3. Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables (such as green beans or peas) or a simple side salad to balance the richness of the beef and potatoes.
  4. Presentation: Consider serving the mashed potato pillows on the side or placing them on top of the beef and gravy for a visually appealing plate. A generous ladle of gravy over the beef and potatoes will make the dish even more comforting.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration:
    • Beef and Gravy: Store leftover beef and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gravy can sometimes thicken after cooling, so you may need to add a little extra beef broth or water when reheating to restore its consistency.
    • Mashed Potato Pillows: Transfer any leftover mashed potatoes into a separate airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Freezing:
    • Beef and Gravy: This dish freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Allow the beef and gravy to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of liquid if necessary.
    • Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding milk or butter to bring back their creamy texture.
  3. Reheating Tips:
    • Beef and Gravy: When reheating, use a stove or microwave, stirring occasionally, to ensure the beef is heated evenly and the gravy maintains its smooth texture.
    • Mashed Potatoes: For creamy mashed potatoes, gently reheat them in a saucepan with a splash of milk or butter over low heat. Stir frequently until they reach the desired temperature and consistency.

By following these storage and serving tips, you can enjoy your Savory Beef and Gravy with Fluffy Mashed Potato Pillows for days to come, making it a convenient and satisfying meal to have on hand.

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make both the beef and gravy and mashed potatoes ahead of time. Prepare the beef and gravy up to 1-2 days in advance and refrigerate it. The mashed potatoes can be made ahead as well; simply store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat both components on the stove, adding a little beef broth to the gravy if it thickens and stirring in milk or butter to the mashed potatoes for a smooth texture.

2. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast, brisket, or even beef stew meat. The key is to use a cut that becomes tender with slow cooking. If using a tougher cut, just ensure it cooks long enough to become fork-tender.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, both the beef and gravy and the mashed potatoes can be frozen. Store the beef and gravy in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months, and freeze the mashed potatoes in a separate container for up to 2 months. Be sure to allow them to cool completely before freezing, and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.

4. How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use russet potatoes, which have a high starch content, and make sure to mash them while they’re still warm. Add enough butter and milk (or cream) to achieve your desired consistency. For even more flavor, try adding roasted garlic, sour cream, or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes.

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Savory Beef and Gravy with Fluffy Mashed Potato Pillows

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Savory beef and gravy served with fluffy mashed potato pillows is the ultimate comfort food. This dish features tender beef simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy, paired with creamy mashed potatoes shaped into soft mounds that soak up the delicious sauce.

  • Author: xqppw
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the beef and gravy:

  • 1 pound (450 g) beef stew meat or ground beef
  • 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 (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the mashed potato pillows:

  • 2 pounds (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream or milk
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mashed potatoes:
    • Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
    • Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add the heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  2. Shape the potato pillows:
    • Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, shape the mashed potatoes into soft mounds (pillows) on a serving platter. Cover to keep warm.
  3. Cook the beef:
    • Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned. If using stew meat, cook until the edges are browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
    • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Make the gravy:
    • Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
    • Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
    • Return the beef to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened.
  5. Assemble the dish:
    • Spoon the beef and gravy over the mashed potato pillows. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the gravy.
  • Substitute ground beef with thinly sliced sirloin or chuck roast for a more luxurious dish.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

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