If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that feels like a big, cozy hug, Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is the answer you’re looking for. This classic dish brings together tender, buttery mashed potatoes and a savory, rich beef gravy that’s deeply satisfying. Each forkful delivers the perfect harmony of creamy, fluffy potatoes and meaty, flavorful sauce, making it a family favorite that’s both comforting and utterly delicious. Whether you’re gathering around the table on a chilly evening or just need some old-fashioned comfort food, this recipe is sure to bring everyone back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes lies in its simplicity—every ingredient serves a purpose, from building deep, savory flavors to achieving that irresistibly creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each addition matters.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 85% lean): The star of the show, providing hearty flavor and richness as the base of your gravy.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the beef gravy, balancing the savory notes.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the gravy with a gentle aromatic kick that enhances every bite.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the gravy to that perfect, luscious consistency.
- Beef broth (2 cups, low sodium): Builds the savory backbone of the sauce, letting you control the saltiness.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy, umami punch that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Brings an herby note that brightens the richness of the dish.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the savory, comforting flavors with every spoonful.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Customizes the taste to your liking and balances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Finishes the gravy with a glossy, velvety richness.
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and cubed): The key to fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up the gravy beautifully.
- Milk (1/2 cup, warmed): Helps achieve smooth, creamy mashed potatoes without cooling them down.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds tang and extra creaminess to the potatoes for that irresistible texture.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Brings buttery flavor and silkiness to the mashed potatoes.
- Salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning the potatoes just right.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and a finishing touch to your potatoes.
How to Make Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by adding your peeled and cubed potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Bring them to a boil and cook until they’re fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. This is your foundation for those cloud-like mashed potatoes—make sure the cubes are evenly sized so they cook at the same pace.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the potatoes are bubbling away, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and let it brown evenly for about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter, cleaner gravy.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for about 3 minutes, just until the onion softens and releases its sweet aroma. These aromatics build irresistible depth into your Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well, cooking for 1 minute. This step ensures your gravy thickens properly without any raw flour taste. Keep everything moving so the flour gets evenly distributed and lightly toasty.
Step 5: Build the Gravy
Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, onion powder, and season with salt and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens and becomes glossy. Finish with a pat of butter for an extra layer of richness.
Step 6: Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well and return to the pot. Add the warmed milk, sour cream, and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The result: swoon-worthy mashed potatoes that are just begging to be smothered in beef gravy.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Spoon a generous mound of mashed potatoes onto each plate and ladle the savory ground beef gravy over the top. The combination is pure comfort in every bite—Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes at its very best!
How to Serve Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
Add a pop of freshness and color by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a little cracked black pepper over the dish. A few thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika can also liven up the plate, making your Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your table, consider serving it with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots. The freshness and crunch of veggies balance the richness of the meat and potatoes, making every bite feel lighter yet still indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes in individual ramekins or as a rustic “shepherd’s pie” style casserole. You can also use an ice cream scoop to make perfect potato mounds, then create a well in the center to cradle the gravy. It’s a playful way to impress guests or simply brighten up a weeknight dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the beef gravy and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers to preserve their textures and flavors. This way, you can reheat only what you need and keep everything tasting fresh.
Freezing
The beef gravy freezes well for up to 2 months—just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Mashed potatoes can also be frozen, though they may change texture slightly when thawed. For best results, add a splash of milk when reheating to restore their creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed. Mashed potatoes can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop; add a little milk or butter to keep them smooth and luscious. Combine everything just before serving for that freshly-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even plant-based ground meat works well as a substitute, letting you tailor the dish to your tastes or dietary needs without sacrificing comfort or flavor.
What’s the best way to avoid lumpy gravy?
The trick is to sprinkle the flour evenly and cook it briefly with the beef before adding broth. Then, slowly pour in the broth while stirring constantly—this helps create a smooth, lump-free sauce every time.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch when thickening the gravy. The rest of the ingredients in Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy all the flavor without worry.
Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mashed potatoes up to a day in advance, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or butter to bring back their creamy texture.
Is there a way to make the gravy richer?
For extra decadence, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard right at the end. These little touches elevate the gravy, making your Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes even more unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a big plate of Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes with the people you love. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth and smiles to the table, no matter the season. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again, savoring every comforting bite!
Print
Ground Beef Gravy with 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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting classic American dish featuring savory ground beef gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes. This easy stovetop recipe combines rich flavors from browned ground beef, aromatic herbs, and smooth mashed potatoes for a hearty meal perfect for any night.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Gravy
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup warmed milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: While potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux and eliminate raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually add beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer Gravy: Allow the gravy to simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a smooth consistency. Finish by stirring in unsalted butter to enrich the gravy.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot or bowl. Mash with warmed milk, sour cream, and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto plates and top with the savory ground beef gravy. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty comfort meal.
Notes
- For a richer gravy, add a splash of cream or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard when simmering.
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based ground meat for beef to adjust the recipe to your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Adjust seasoning as needed to suit taste and dietary requirements.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
