If you’re craving a cozy, soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe. This dish brings together perfectly seasoned, savory ground beef smothered in a rich, velvety gravy, all nestled atop a bed of buttery, dreamy mashed potatoes. It’s comfort food at its finest, effortless to make yet incredibly rewarding to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe truly unforgettable.
- Ground beef: The hearty, flavorful star that forms the base of the savory topping.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when finely chopped and sautéed.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a subtle punch.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy and gives it that luscious texture.
- Beef broth: Creates a rich and savory gravy that perfectly complements the beef.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings tangy umami complexity that elevates the gravy.
- Dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbaceous note to brighten the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element’s flavor.
- Russet potatoes: The ideal choice for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes with a tender bite.
- Milk: Adds silky moisture that makes the potatoes melt in your mouth.
- Butter: Imparts richness and a velvety finish to the mash.
How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by placing your peeled and cubed russet potatoes into a saucepan filled with cold water. Bring this to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the potatoes cook until they’re tender when poked with a fork, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain them well, return them to the pot, and add the milk and butter. Mash everything together until you get that smooth, creamy texture you love. Don’t hesitate to adjust the milk to make your mashed potatoes just as soft or thick as you like. Finish by seasoning generously with salt and pepper, and keep them warm until you’re ready to assemble your dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
While the potatoes are boiling, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it up as it cooks, letting it brown nicely. Once the beef is mostly cooked through, stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Keep cooking until the onion softens and turns translucent, about five minutes—this is when your kitchen will start to smell amazing.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over your beef and onion mixture. Stir constantly for a minute or two to cook off the raw flour taste and start forming your gravy base. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring to avoid any lumps and create a smooth sauce. Add the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme, mixing everything together. Let the gravy simmer gently for five to seven minutes until it thickens up beautifully. Taste and season with salt and pepper until it suits your preference.
Step 4: Serve It Up
Now comes the fun part! Spoon generous portions of the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates, then ladle the rich ground beef and gravy mixture over the top. This combination of velvety mash and savory gravy is pure comfort magic.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich, hearty flavors on the plate while making your presentation pop with color. For an extra touch, a few cracked black peppercorns on top can add a subtle kick every now and then.
Side Dishes
Since this meal is quite satisfying on its own, pairing it with simple, fresh sides works best. Think steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette, or roasted carrots that bring a gentle sweetness to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual ramekins nestled under the ground beef and gravy. Or, transform it into a comforting casserole by layering mashed potatoes and beef mixture in a baking dish, topping with shredded cheese, and broiling until golden and bubbly on top. It’s guaranteed to wow your family and friends!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish on hand for longer, freezing is an option. Freeze the mashed potatoes and beef gravy separately in freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, gently warm the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep them creamy. Heat the ground beef and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot and bubbly. Then combine and enjoy that homemade goodness all over again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can work well if you prefer a leaner option, though the flavor profile will be lighter. Consider adjusting seasonings or adding a little extra Worcestershire sauce for that savory depth.
What’s the best potato for creamy mashed potatoes?
Russet potatoes are ideal because of their starchy texture, which breaks down easily to create a fluffy, creamy mash. Yukon Golds can be used too for a slightly buttery flavor and creamier consistency.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like, whisk in a bit more flour dissolved in cold water and simmer a few more minutes. Alternatively, simmering without a lid helps reduce the liquid and concentrate thickness naturally.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken your gravy instead of all-purpose flour. Just mix your chosen thickener with cold water before adding it to avoid lumps.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?
You can boil and mash the potatoes a day ahead and reheat gently before serving. The beef and gravy mixture can also be made a day ahead and warmed up. Just add a touch of broth or milk if needed to refresh the textures.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe truly hits the comfort food spot in the best way. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a casual weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied bellies. Give it a try—and watch how quickly it becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting recipe features savory ground beef cooked in a rich homemade gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
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
- 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 and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add the milk and butter to the hot potatoes. Mash until smooth, adding more milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the mashed potatoes warm.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: 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 well to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Gravy: Allow the gravy to simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates and top generously with the ground beef and rich gravy mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- For creamier mashed potatoes, increase the amount of milk or add a splash of cream.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, simmer it a bit longer or add an extra teaspoon of flour mixed with water.
- You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening the gravy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
