This dinner recipe is both quick to prepare and budget-friendly, a cherished family heirloom passed from my grandmother to my mother and now to my children. I have enjoyed this straightforward yet wonderfully savory and satisfying dish all my life. Despite its simplicity and low cost, this recipe from the Depression era remains remarkably delicious.

1️⃣ For the Mashed Potatoes: Fill a medium pot with water and salt well. Heat the pot over medium-high heat until water boils rapidly, then add cut potatoes. Boil potatoes 7 to 8 minutes or until potatoes can be easily pierced with the tines of a fork. 🥔
2️⃣ While potatoes boil, add butter and milk to a small saucepan. Heat saucepan over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until butter is completely melted. Alternately, add butter and milk to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave ingredients in 30-second bursts, whisking well between each, until butter is fully melted. 🧈
3️⃣ When potatoes are fork-tender, carefully drain all liquid from the pot. Return the pot to the stovetop to rest on an unused burner. Use a potato masher or fork to mash potatoes to desired consistency. Gradually stir in the butter-milk mixture, making sure to incorporate all liquid into mashed potatoes. Once combined, season potatoes with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set potatoes aside until ready to serve. 🥔🧂
4️⃣ For the Ground Beef and Gravy: Add cornstarch and ¼ cup beef broth to a small bowl. Whisk ingredients together until smooth and fully combined. Set aside. 🌽
5️⃣ Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When the pan is warm, add ground beef. Cook and crumble beef until no longer pink, then drain any liquid from the pan and discard. Add 1 ½ cups beef broth, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with ground beef. Stir gently to incorporate ingredients, then simmer uncovered 5 to 10 minutes or until the onion is tender. 🐄🧅
6️⃣ When the onion has softened, slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, whisking gently until fully incorporated. Increase heat under the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until the liquid has thickened to form gravy. 🍲

💡 Notes:

For a lighter dish, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey or chicken. 🦃
To make this recipe even easier, use instant mashed potatoes instead of homemade. 🥔