If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal, look no further than this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes recipe. It’s the perfect combination of savory seasoned beef, rich homemade gravy, and buttery mashed potatoes, making it the ultimate comfort food.
This dish is simple, budget-friendly, and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Whether you’re serving it to your family or just looking for an easy way to use up ground beef, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & easy – Ready in about 30 minutes for a stress-free meal.
- Rich and flavorful – The savory beef gravy is packed with umami goodness.
- Budget-friendly – Uses simple pantry staples without sacrificing taste.
- Pure comfort food – Creamy mashed potatoes + hearty beef and gravy = pure satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins)
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for extra depth)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk (warm)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
1. Boil the Potatoes
- Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and onion, breaking up the meat as it browns.
- Cook until the beef is browned and onions are soft (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Make the Gravy
- Push the beef to one side of the pan and melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the empty space.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, and thyme.
- Let the gravy simmer and thicken for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Mash the Potatoes
- Mash the drained potatoes with warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates and ladle the beef and gravy over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
Pro Tips & Variations
🔹 Want it extra rich? Add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the mashed potatoes.
🔹 Love mushrooms? Add sautéed mushrooms to the beef for a stroganoff-style twist.
🔹 Prefer a thicker gravy? Stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water for a thicker consistency.
🔹 Try different seasonings – A pinch of smoked paprika or rosemary adds a delicious depth of flavor.
🔹 Make it dairy-free – Use olive oil instead of butter and swap plant-based milk for regular milk.
What to Serve with Ground Beef and Gravy
This dish is filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed Green Beans – A fresh and light side dish.
- Roasted Carrots or Broccoli – Adds color and crunch.
- Dinner Rolls or Biscuits – Perfect for soaking up extra gravy.
- Side Salad – A crisp contrast to the rich meat and potatoes.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store the beef and gravy in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: The beef and gravy freeze well, but mashed potatoes can become grainy. If freezing, make fresh mashed potatoes when serving.
Q: What other potatoes can I use?
A: Yukon gold potatoes are creamy, while russet potatoes are fluffier—both work great!
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey works well, but you may need to add extra butter or olive oil to enhance the richness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the perfect quick, hearty, and budget-friendly meal. The creamy mashed potatoes and rich, savory beef gravy create an irresistible combination that’s pure comfort in every bite.
Whether you’re making this for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s a dish the whole family will love.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite way to enjoy beef and gravy?
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thicker consistency
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, and add it to the skillet. Cook until the gravy thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the beef and gravy over a generous portion of mashed potatoes.
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