Ingredients:
- lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and quartered
- Tbsp Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed
- /2 cup Whole Milk or Half-and-Half, warmed
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- lb Ground Beef (80/20 suggested)
- large Yellow Onion, finely diced
- cloves Garlic, minced
- Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- cups Beef Broth (low sodium)
- Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- /2 tsp Dried Thyme
- Tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Tbsp Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil
Instructions:
- Peel and quarter potatoes. Place in a stockpot, cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until easily pierced with a fork (approx. 15-20 minutes).
- Drain potatoes thoroughly. Return them to the hot pot (off the heat). Add cold butter cubes and mash until mostly smooth. Gradually incorporate warm milk/cream, seasoning well with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up. Cook until thoroughly browned. Drain off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind. Season beef lightly. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the skillet drippings and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic during the last minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating the roux.
- Slowly whisk in the cold beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the cooked ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavours to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper).
- Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Ladle the hot ground beef and onion gravy liberally over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.