Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and satisfying meal that hits all the right notes when you're craving something hearty and delicious. Creamy mashed potatoes topped with a rich and savory ground beef gravy make this a classic dish that's sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines two beloved comfort food favorites: mashed potatoes and savory ground beef gravy. The creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect base, while the flavorful beef gravy adds depth and richness to the dish. It’s easy to prepare, filling, and ideal for feeding the whole family. Whether you're looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a family gathering, Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes will not disappoint. The ingredients are simple, the flavors are unbeatable, and it's perfect for both adults and kids!
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk (or more as needed)
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Place the cubed potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer until tender (15–20 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes and return to the saucepan. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
-
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
-
Make the Gravy:
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually stir in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme, stirring to combine.
- Simmer until the gravy thickens (5–7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve:
- Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates and top with the ground beef and gravy mixture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, place the mashed potatoes and ground beef gravy in separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the mashed potatoes in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore their creaminess. Reheat the beef gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy thickens too much during storage, add a bit of beef broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of potato for the mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, or red potatoes for a firmer, chunkier mash.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare both the mashed potatoes and the beef gravy in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat and combine.
3. Can I freeze Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Store the mashed potatoes and beef gravy in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. Is it possible to make the mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and butter with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter to make this dish dairy-free.
5. How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?
If the gravy is too thick, add more beef broth to reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken.
6. Can I add vegetables to the beef gravy?
Absolutely! You can add peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the beef gravy for extra flavor and texture.
7. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the beef if preferred. The flavor will vary slightly but will still be delicious.
8. Can I make this recipe without Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, if you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
9. How do I keep mashed potatoes from getting watery?
To avoid watery mashed potatoes, make sure to drain the potatoes thoroughly after boiling and mash them while they are still hot to help them retain their creaminess.
10. Can I use instant potatoes for this recipe?
While you can use instant mashed potatoes as a shortcut, fresh mashed potatoes will yield the best flavor and texture for this dish.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a timeless comfort food meal that is sure to satisfy both your stomach and your soul. With creamy mashed potatoes, savory beef gravy, and simple ingredients, it’s a dish that can be made quickly and enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or at a Sunday dinner, this hearty and flavorful recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a cozy comfort food meal, featuring creamy mashed potatoes topped with a rich and savory ground beef gravy. This hearty dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, offering delicious flavors that everyone will love. Simple ingredients, easy preparation, and a satisfying meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
Ingredients: For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk (or more as needed)
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Place the cubed potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer until tender (15–20 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
-
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
-
Make the Gravy:
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually stir in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme, stirring to combine.
- Simmer until the gravy thickens (5–7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve:
- Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates and top with the ground beef and gravy mixture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a creamier texture, substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for the russets.
- Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor.
- To make this dish dairy-free, use non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.
- You can freeze the mashed potatoes and gravy separately for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
