Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’ll fill you up and make you feel all cozy inside, then Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is exactly what you need. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—rich, savory, and perfectly satisfying. Imagine the smoothest mashed potatoes topped with a savory, meaty gravy that’s loaded with flavor. It’s pure comfort food at its finest.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. It’s a meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight but feels like a treat every time. Whether you’re cooking for the family, a cozy dinner date, or just craving something simple and delicious, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s the kind of meal you’ll crave over and over again. Here’s why:

Comfort in Every Bite

There’s something about mashed potatoes and savory gravy that feels like home. Add in the ground beef, and you have a combination of flavors and textures that is nothing short of magical. It’s pure comfort food.

Quick and Simple

With a short ingredient list and straightforward steps, you can whip up this meal in no time. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you don’t have the energy to cook something complicated but still want something satisfying.

Hearty and Filling

Ground beef and gravy are both hearty and filling, making this dish perfect for when you’re in need of a satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours.

Family-Friendly

It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone—kids and adults alike. Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes with a delicious, savory gravy? It’s comfort food that everyone can get behind.

Customizable

Feel free to tweak this recipe! You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or onions to the gravy for extra flavor and nutrition. Or, if you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.

Ingredients

For the ground beef and gravy:

• Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, offering a savory, juicy base for the gravy.
• Beef Broth: Adds richness to the gravy. You can also use chicken broth for a milder flavor.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the gravy, making it nice and smooth.
• Onion: Adds a little sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Brings a fragrant, savory punch.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a little tang and umami that enhances the beefy flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning to taste.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the beef and vegetables.

For the mashed potatoes:

• Potatoes: You’ll want starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon Golds for the creamiest mash.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the potatoes.
• Milk: Makes the mashed potatoes smooth and creamy.
• Salt: To season the potatoes.
• Pepper: To taste.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this warm and comforting dish? Follow these easy steps:

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

Mash the Potatoes

Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash them until smooth and creamy. Set aside, keeping them warm while you make the gravy.

Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Make the Gravy

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking.

Serve It Up

Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates and top with the savory ground beef gravy. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty goodness!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

This dish is the perfect standalone meal, but here are a few ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:

With Steamed Vegetables

Serve with some steamed vegetables like green beans, peas, or carrots to add a touch of freshness and color to the plate.

With a Side Salad

Pair it with a simple green salad, drizzled with a light vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the dish.

With Crusty Bread

You can’t go wrong with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the extra gravy. It’s the perfect way to round out this comfort meal.

With Fried Onions or Crispy Bacon

For an extra savory touch, add a topping of crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon on top of the mashed potatoes for some added texture and flavor.

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead: You can make the ground beef and gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and serve over fresh mashed potatoes when you’re ready.
• Vegetable Add-ins: If you want to make it a little more nutritious, try adding peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the gravy for added flavor and color.
• Extra Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For even creamier mashed potatoes, add a little sour cream or cream cheese into the mix.
• Gravy Variations: You can make the gravy richer by adding a splash of heavy cream or milk to the beef broth.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1 cup of ground beef and gravy, 1 cup of mashed potatoes)
• Calories per serving: 550
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 52g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 24g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

FAQ

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A1: Yes, you can! Ground turkey or chicken would work well, though the flavor may be a little lighter. You might want to add some extra seasoning to make up for the difference.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare both the mashed potatoes and the ground beef and gravy in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.

Q3: Can I freeze this meal?
A3: Yes, the ground beef and gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months. The mashed potatoes also freeze well—just store them in separate containers and reheat gently.

Q4: How do I make the gravy thicker?
A4: If the gravy is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can whisk in a little more flour or cornstarch mixed with water.

Q5: Can I make the mashed potatoes without butter or milk?
A5: Yes! You can substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) for a dairy-free version.

Q6: How do I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
A6: To make them extra creamy, add sour cream, cream cheese, or even a bit of heavy cream. These will give the mashed potatoes a richer, smoother texture.

Q7: Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of fresh potatoes?
A7: While fresh potatoes will always give the best texture, instant mashed potatoes can work in a pinch for a quicker meal.

Q8: Can I make this recipe with a vegetarian option?
A8: Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version. The gravy will still be just as delicious!

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q10: Can I add vegetables to the gravy?
A10: Absolutely! Adding peas, carrots, or even mushrooms can add more flavor and texture to the gravy, making it even more hearty.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food—easy, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish will make your taste buds happy and leave you feeling full and content. Enjoy this homemade classic that never goes out of style!

Print