Ground Beef And Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Comforting Ground Beef And Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Comfort meals featuring ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes can transport you straight to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and nostalgia.

Grandma’s classic recipe whispers memories of Sunday dinners and hearty conversations around the table.

Tender beef simmered in rich, velvety gravy creates a harmony of flavors that promises satisfaction.

Creamy potatoes serve as the perfect canvas for this rustic dish, absorbing every delicious drop of sauce.

Minimal ingredients combine to craft a meal that feels like a culinary hug on a plate.

Salt, pepper, and a dash of love turn simple components into something extraordinary.

Each forkful promises pure, comforting deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Main Ingredients:

Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that form the creamy base of this comforting dish.

Ground Beef: Lean protein that provides a rich and hearty flavor to the gravy.

Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory base that enhances the overall taste of the gravy.
Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and beef.
  • Beef Broth: Creates a rich and flavorful liquid for the gravy.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and complexity to the gravy's taste profile.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the gravy and create a smooth texture.
Optional Vegetable Ingredients:
  • Peas, Carrots: Add color, nutrition, and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Milk, Butter: Create a creamy and smooth texture for the mashed potatoes.
  • Cooking Oil: Used to prevent sticking and facilitate even cooking of the ground beef.

How to Prepare Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

How to Prepare Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes for Boiling

Peel and quarter potatoes. Place them in a large saucepan, cover completely with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.

Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat.

Step 2: Cook Potatoes Until Tender

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Allow potatoes to cook until they’re soft enough to easily pierce with a fork, which typically takes about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Mash Potatoes to Creamy Perfection

Drain potatoes and return to the saucepan.

Add:
  • Milk
  • Butter

Mash potatoes using a potato masher until smooth and fluffy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Cover to keep warm.

Step 4: Brown Ground Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until meat is completely browned with no pink remaining.

Drain excess fat from the skillet.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

Add to the skillet:
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic

Sauté for about 5 minutes until onions become translucent and soft.

Step 6: Create Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour evenly over the beef and onion mixture. Stir constantly and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 7: Build Delicious Gravy

Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring continuously. Add Worcestershire sauce.

Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until gravy thickens, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 8: Add Optional Vegetables

If desired, mix in:
  • Peas
  • Carrots

Heat vegetables during the last few minutes of gravy cooking to preserve their color and texture.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon creamy mashed potatoes onto plates.

Top generously with beef gravy. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal.

Pro Tips for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Pro Tips for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the creamiest, most velvety mashed potatoes that hold their shape perfectly.
  • Drain potatoes thoroughly to prevent watery mashed potatoes, letting steam escape for a fluffier texture.
  • Add warm milk and butter to your mashed potatoes for smoother blending and richer flavor without cooling down the dish.
  • Brown ground beef on high heat to develop deep, caramelized flavors and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Season gravy gradually, tasting as you go, to create a balanced sauce that complements the meat and potatoes without overwhelming them.

Variations of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Variations of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
  • Hearty Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
  • Lean Protein Makeover: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that reduces overall fat content while keeping the classic comfort meal intact.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken gravy and ensure the recipe remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Choose gluten-free beef broth to complete the adaptation.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Spin: Incorporate herbs like rosemary and thyme into the gravy, and add roasted garlic to mashed potatoes for a Mediterranean-influenced take on the traditional recipe.

Pairing Suggestions for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Pairing Suggestions for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
  • Choose a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich beef gravy's deep, savory flavors and cuts through the creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Prepare a light arugula salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding refreshing acidity and providing textural contrast.
  • Serve honey-glazed roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts to introduce subtle sweetness and additional nutritional depth, enhancing the overall meal experience.
  • Select a dark amber ale or stout with malty undertones that harmonize wonderfully with the beef's robust profile and gravy's rich complexity.

Storage Guidelines for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Storage Guidelines for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
  • Store ground beef and gravy in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Mashed potatoes can be kept separately. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring food safety by maintaining a temperature below 40°F.
  • Transfer cooled beef gravy and mashed potatoes to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Place ground beef gravy and mashed potatoes in microwave-safe dish. Heat separately to maintain texture. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Stir midway through heating. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative. It will work perfectly in this recipe and provides a lighter protein option while maintaining similar flavors.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make mashed potatoes?

No, you only need a large saucepan, a potato masher, and basic kitchen utensils. A hand mixer can also work if you prefer extra smooth potatoes.

  • How can I prevent lumpy gravy?

Always whisk flour gradually and continuously while adding beef broth. Stir constantly and ensure no dry flour clumps remain. Low and slow stirring helps create a smooth, silky gravy texture.

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
  • Comfort Food Champion: A hearty, soul-warming dish that brings pure satisfaction with every forkful of tender ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Quick Kitchen Hero: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under an hour with minimal prep and simple ingredients that most home cooks already have on hand.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the classic combination of juicy beef gravy cascading over smooth, buttery mashed potatoes – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that sparks joy around the dinner table.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Easily customize by adding vegetables like peas and carrots, or swap ground beef for ground turkey to suit dietary preferences and keep meals interesting.
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Ground Beef And Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ground Beef And Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes delivers comfort straight from midwestern kitchens. Home cooks can savor this classic dish that brings simple ingredients together with delicious results you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 1 medium onion (finely diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare potatoes by peeling and cutting into quarters. Place in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer potatoes for 20 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm with lid covered.
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef, breaking into pieces, until completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
  5. Add diced onions and garlic to the beef. Sauté for 5 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
  6. Dust the beef and onion mixture with flour, stirring constantly. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
  7. Slowly pour beef broth into the skillet, stirring continuously. Mix in Worcestershire sauce and scrape any browned bits from pan bottom. Simmer gravy for 5 minutes until it thickens.
  8. If desired, fold in peas and carrots during the last 2 minutes of gravy cooking to warm them through while maintaining their vibrant color.
  9. Serve the rich beef gravy generously spooned over the creamy mashed potatoes, creating a comforting and hearty meal.

Notes

  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for ultra-creamy mashed potatoes that hold their texture perfectly.
  • Drain ground beef fat completely to prevent greasy gravy and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
  • Add frozen vegetables directly to gravy for quick, nutritious meal enhancement without extra cooking steps.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to maintain gravy thickness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 418 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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