Hamburger Gravy and mashed potatoes!

This is an easy recipe that I learned from my Mom and has been one of my kids favorites since they were way little. I think Sarah even picked it for a Birthday dinner once.! It's the ultimate comfort food for me. I put this on creamy mashed potatoes but you could put it on baked potatoes as well! You probably already know how to make mashed potatoes, but just in case you don't, I'm posting how I do that as well. Yum!!!

Hamburger Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic
1 bay leaf
2 cups beef broth (or water with 2 boullion cubes)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 heaping Tablespoons cornstarch

In large skillet or pot, brown ground beef. Drain off the fat and add the onions, garlic, broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, and turn down to keep simmering, let cook for 1/2 hour or so. If you need more water to this after a half an hour of cooking, pour some of your potato water in or add hot water. You want a good amount of gravy. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
Then dissolve the cornstarch in 1/4 cup water, whisk, then add to hamburger. Cook and stir until thickened. Serve over cooked potatoes! Yum!!!

Mashed Potatoes

6 medium sized red potatoes (scrubbed, I leave most of the peel on)
salt and pepper
1/2 stick butter
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk (warmed)

Dice potatoes into large pieces. Place in pot and cover with water, and add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil and cook at a good simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
Drain water, then add the butter and sour cream. Mash with potatoe masher until most of the lumps are out. Add 1/4 cup of the milk, and whip with an electric mixer until creamy, adding more milk as necessary. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
Serve plain or with gravy.