If you are craving a warm, comforting meal with hearty flavor, the Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dinners. This classic from-scratch dish combines creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with savory ground beef smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy that feels like a big delicious hug on a plate. Whether cooking for a family dinner or a cozy solo night in, this recipe is straightforward and packed with satisfying textures and deep, homey tastes that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity and the essential ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor and comfort. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—potatoes provide that creamy base, the ground beef adds hearty protein, and the simple gravy ties everything together with warmth and richness.
- 1 pound ground beef: Use lean or regular, depending on your preference for richness and fat content.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for enhancing the savory profile of the beef and gravy.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent for the gravy, creating that lovely silky texture.
- 2 cups beef broth: The foundation of the gravy’s rich, meaty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and a subtle tang to the gravy.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an aromatic earthiness that brightens the beef mixture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The perfect starchy, fluffy base for the mashed potatoes.
- ½ cup milk (or more as needed): Provides creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
- ¼ cup butter: For that silky, rich mouthfeel in the potatoes.
How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by placing your peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a medium saucepan, covering them completely with cold water. Bringing the potatoes up to a boil over high heat then reducing to a simmer ensures they cook evenly and become tender—this usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Perfectly tender potatoes are the cornerstone of creamy mashed potatoes, so don’t rush this step.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes to Perfection
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the saucepan. Add the butter and about half of the milk, then begin mashing. Gradually add more milk until you reach the smooth, creamy consistency you love. A pinch of salt and pepper will bring out the full flavor, so be generous with seasoning here. Keeping the potatoes warm is essential so they complement the savory beef and gravy without cooling down too fast.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
While your potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks to ensure even browning. The Maillard reaction that happens here is where so much flavor develops—it’s what makes this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe utterly delicious.
Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Once your beef has browned, stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking for about five minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness which beautifully balances the savory beef.
Step 5: Make the Gravy Base
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cooking this for a minute or two is important to cook out the raw flour taste, leaving behind a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the gravy’s depth.
Step 6: Gradually Add Beef Broth
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously. This helps avoid lumps and ensures your gravy will be smooth and luscious. The broth melds with the flour-covered beef to build the luscious gravy texture that’s central to the dish.
Step 7: Season and Simmer the Gravy
Add Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme to the skillet, stirring to incorporate those signature savory and herbal notes. Let the gravy simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to thicken beautifully and get infused with all the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste just before serving.
Step 8: Plate Your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
For the final flourish, spoon a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate, then ladle the warm, savory ground beef and gravy mixture over the top. This simple assembly is the ultimate comfort food experience—each bite offering creamy, savory, and buttery goodness.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a fun pop of color and brightness that complements the rich gravy and smooth potatoes. It’s an easy step that instantly elevates the dish, giving it a fresh, inviting look and taste. You can also add a tiny dusting of paprika for warmth and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This meal is wonderfully hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green vegetables like steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh mixed salad. The freshness and crunch from these sides contrast wonderfully with the creamy texture and deep flavors of the Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this classic in individual bowls for a cozy one-dish meal or plate it family-style with a big serving platter of mashed potatoes and a bowl of warm beef gravy for self-serving. You can also create little “gravy boats” or ramekins to let guests drizzle gravy as they like, adding a touch of elegance to this humble dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mashed potatoes and ground beef gravy store wonderfully in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep them separate for best texture—the potatoes can dry out if mixed with gravy for too long. Stored properly, leftovers will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, again, keep the mashed potatoes and gravy in separate freezer-safe containers. Mashed potatoes freeze well, as does the beef gravy, but thawing and reheating separately ensures they maintain their original texture and flavor. You can store each for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
When ready to reheat, warm the mashed potatoes gently in a microwave or over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk if they feel stiff or dry. Reheat the ground beef and gravy mixture on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until piping hot. Then assemble and serve for a delightful second helping.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes give a fluffy texture, Yukon golds also work beautifully, offering a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. Just remember to peel and cube them for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Be sure to add it slowly and stir well to avoid lumps and get the perfect consistency.
How can I make the gravy richer?
For a richer gravy, add a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter towards the end of cooking. This gives the gravy a luxurious mouthfeel and adds extra depth to the flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can make the mashed potatoes and beef gravy ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Reheat them gently just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
What if I have leftover gravy?
Leftover gravy is great over steamed vegetables, roasted meats, or even as a sauce for biscuits or bread. It’s also an easy base to transform into a shepherd’s pie topping or beef pot pie filling.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe truly shines as a comforting classic that never goes out of style. It’s simple to prepare yet packed with satisfying flavors and textures that bring joy with every bite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—your family and friends will thank you for creating such a warm, delicious meal from scratch that feels like a genuine hug in food form.
Print
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic comfort food recipe features savory ground beef cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy made with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs, all served generously over creamy homemade mashed potatoes. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk (or more as needed)
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover them with cold water to start cooking them evenly.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk quantity to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Season Potatoes: Add salt and pepper to taste, then keep the mashed potatoes warm until serving.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Gravy Base: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir thoroughly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, ensuring it coats the beef and vegetables.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming in the gravy.
- Season Gravy: Stir in Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
- Simmer Gravy: Reduce the heat and let the gravy simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it thickens. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate, then top with the warm ground beef and gravy mixture.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this classic comfort meal!
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the best mashed potato texture.
- Adjust milk amount in mashed potatoes for creamier or thicker consistency.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth in a pinch, but the flavor will differ.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
