If you’re craving a truly comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is just what you need. It brings together tender, flavorful ground beef simmered in a luscious, savory gravy, all spooned generously over creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. This dish is the perfect blend of simple ingredients and classic flavors, making it an ideal go-to for cozy weeknights or anytime you want a no-fuss, satisfying supper that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role, from the creamy mashed potatoes that form the base to the rich gravy that brings everything to life, delivering a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- Olive oil: Helps to sauté the onions and beef without overpowering the flavors.
- Ground beef (85% lean): The hearty protein backbone of the dish, offering rich texture and meaty flavor.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy as it softens.
- Garlic cloves: Bring a subtle punch that enhances every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the gravy to that silky consistency.
- Beef broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base for the gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce: Imparts an umami kicker that enriches the gravy’s complexity.
- Dried thyme: Adds a mild herbal note to round out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning both the beef mixture and mashed potatoes perfectly.
- Potatoes (Yukon gold or russet): The star of the creamy mashed potatoes, providing perfect texture and flavor.
- Whole milk: Needed for luscious, smooth mashed potatoes—feel free to substitute cream for extra richness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and a velvety mouthfeel to the mashed potatoes.
How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Begin by peeling and cubing your potatoes. Place them in a large pot filled with salted water and bring it to a boil. Let them cook until fork-tender—usually around 15 to 20 minutes—which ensures your mashed potatoes will be perfectly soft and creamy. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and return them to the pot.
Step 2: Mash and Season
While the potatoes are still warm, add whole milk and unsalted butter. Use a potato masher or electric mixer to mash until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the beef and gravy.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and sweet-smelling. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma. Now, add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly, stirring frequently to break it apart and brown evenly—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if there’s too much grease left in the pan.
Step 4: Create the Gravy
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the beef and stir until fully coated. Cooking this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes is key to eliminate any raw flour taste while beginning to thicken the gravy. Next, slowly add the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Mix in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened into a rich, comforting sauce.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
To serve your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe, spoon a generous mound of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Ladle the savory ground beef and thickened gravy right on top, letting the flavors mingle perfectly. If you have fresh parsley around, sprinkle some on top for a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To uplift this homestyle meal, consider a light sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives. These not only add a touch of vibrant green but also bring a bright, fresh note that complements the rich gravy beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, simple steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad make excellent sides. Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts also pair wonderfully and add some extra texture and color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this into a family-style dish by serving everything in a large casserole bowl. Let everyone scoop their own portions—it’s casual and invites conversation. Alternatively, try topping the beef and gravy with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream for an indulgent finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the beef and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers to maintain the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the beef and gravy mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Mashed potatoes freeze best when mixed with enough butter and milk to maintain creaminess. Freeze them in smaller portions for convenient reheating later.
Reheating
Reheat each component gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk to the mashed potatoes as you warm them to restore their creamy texture. Stir the beef and gravy occasionally when reheating to keep the sauce smooth and velvety.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner substitutes that will work with this recipe, although the flavor profile will be a bit lighter. If you prefer, even ground pork can add a unique richness to the gravy.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the milk and butter in the mashed potatoes with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. The gravy ingredients are naturally dairy-free, so just adjust the mashed potatoes accordingly.
How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If your gravy isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it in gradually while simmering. This should help achieve a perfect, thickened consistency.
Can I add vegetables to the beef and gravy?
Definitely! Frozen peas, sliced mushrooms, or diced carrots are delicious additions that add texture, flavor, and nutrition without overwhelming the simplicity of the dish.
What type of potatoes work best for mashed potatoes?
Yukon gold and russet potatoes are both excellent choices. Yukon gold yields creamy, buttery mashed potatoes while russets give a fluffy, classic texture. Choose based on your preferred potato texture.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a celebration of comfort food at its finest. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and packed with flavors that everyone at the table will cherish. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and make it a staple in your home-cooked meal rotation—trust me, it’s a delicious, heartwarming winner every single time.
Print
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting dish featuring savory ground beef simmered in a rich gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this classic American meal brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add the milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the flour and cook: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Make the gravy: Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, then add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens.
- Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes into bowls or plates and top generously with the ground beef and gravy. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, use half-and-half or cream instead of whole milk in the mashed potatoes.
- You can add frozen peas or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
- This dish makes great leftovers and reheats well.
