Name: Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup milk or cream; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Nothing beats the warm, hearty comfort of Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes on a chilly evening. This dish layers juicy, savory ground beef simmered in rich gravy atop pillowy mashed potatoes, creating a satisfying dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for family meals or cozy solo dinners, it combines simple ingredients into a classic comfort food that’s truly unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: The creamy mashed potatoes paired with savory beef and gravy make every bite soothing and fulfilling.
Simple Ingredients: Made from everyday staples that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this meal satisfies a variety of tastes and preferences.
Versatile Meal: Easily customized to suit different dietary needs or flavor profiles with a few simple tweaks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. Each component plays a critical role, from the creaminess of the potatoes to the savory depth the gravy adds.

Ground Beef: Choose lean or regular based on your preference for richness and fat content.
Butter: Adds creaminess to the mashed potatoes and richness to the gravy.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet work best for fluffy, smooth mashed potatoes.
Beef Broth: The base of your gravy, enhancing the meaty flavor.
Onion: Sautéed for sweetness and depth in the gravy.
Flour or Cornstarch: For thickening the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Milk or Cream: Makes your mashed potatoes silky and smooth.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
Garlic (optional): Adds a subtle aromatic flavor to elevate the dish.

Variations for Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

One of the joys of this meal is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak the recipe so it fits your taste or dietary needs effortlessly. Here are some ideas to get creative with your version.

Swap Ground Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage to change the flavor but keep the hearty texture.
Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a meaty texture without meat.
Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to make it dairy free.
Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the gravy for a kick of heat.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a gooey, cheesy twist.

Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Comfort Meal

How to Make Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth. Set aside while you prepare the gravy and beef.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess fat for a leaner dish. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the beef and onions, stirring well to coat. This will help thicken your gravy. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Simmer gently until the gravy thickens into a silky sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate, then ladle the hearty ground beef and rich gravy over the top. Serve immediately for the ultimate comforting experience.

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Use the Right Potatoes: Yukon Golds provide a naturally creamy texture, perfect for mashed potatoes.
Don’t Overmix Mashed Potatoes: Overworking can make them gluey; mash just until smooth and fluffy.
Deglaze the Pan: After browning the beef, deglaze with a splash of broth or wine to lift all the caramelized bits into the gravy.
Adjust Gravy Thickness: Add more broth if too thick or add a little more flour slurry for thicker gravy.
Season as You Go: Taste at every stage to balance salt and pepper perfectly for full flavor.

How to Serve Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives add a splash of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

A crisp green vegetable like steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans pairs well, balancing the hearty meat and potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the mashed potatoes in individual ramekins topped with the rich ground beef and gravy, then broil briefly with a sprinkle of cheese for a bubbly, golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover beef and gravy into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep mashed potatoes stored separately to preserve texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the ground beef and gravy mixture in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Mashed potatoes freeze well too but may require some thinning when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat the beef and gravy gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed. Warm mashed potatoes in the microwave or on low heat with a bit of milk to revive their creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even lentils and mushrooms make excellent substitutes, depending on your dietary preferences.

How do I keep mashed potatoes creamy after reheating?

Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating and gently warm them to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

Can I prepare components in advance?

Absolutely! Mashed potatoes and beef gravy can be made a day ahead and reheated when you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, both the gravy and mashed potatoes freeze well, allowing you to enjoy this comfort meal anytime with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that wraps you in warmth and flavor, Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the perfect choice. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty classic that brings comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful. Give this recipe a try tonight—you’ll quickly see why it’s a beloved favorite for so many families.

Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Contains Dairy and Gluten (can be modified to Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free)

Print Recipe

Description

Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a warm, hearty comfort dish featuring juicy, savory ground beef simmered in rich gravy served atop creamy, pillowy mashed potatoes. This quick and family-friendly meal combines simple, everyday ingredients for a classic comfort food experience perfect for cozy dinners and loved by all ages.

Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into even chunks. Boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if desired. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Make the Gravy: Sprinkle flour or cornstarch over the beef and onions, stirring to coat. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Simmer gently until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and Serve: Place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate. Ladle the ground beef and rich gravy over the top. Serve immediately for a comforting meal.

Notes

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for naturally creamy mashed potatoes.
Avoid overmixing mashed potatoes to prevent them from becoming gluey.
Deglaze the pan after browning beef with a splash of broth or wine to enhance gravy flavor.
Adjust gravy thickness by adding more broth or flour slurry as needed.
Season the dish at every stage to balance flavors perfectly.