Why Youโll Love This Recipe
This comforting dish is a perfect combination of hearty ground beef, rich savory gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes. Itโs a budget-friendly meal that comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. With simple pantry ingredients, it delivers a satisfying, home-cooked taste that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Flour or cornstarch
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Mashed potatoes (prepared separately)
- Optional: Mushrooms, peas, or carrots for added flavor and texture
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the butter and let it melt. Sprinkle in the flour and mix well, cooking for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the beef broth while stirring constantly to create a smooth gravy.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- If desired, stir in mushrooms, peas, or carrots and cook for an additional few minutes until tender.
- Serve the ground beef and gravy over warm mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 20 minutes
- Total Time:ย 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables:ย Try adding carrots, peas, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
- Use Ground Turkey:ย Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Creamier Gravy:ย Mix in a little heavy cream or milk for a richer gravy.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:ย Stir in shredded cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Spicy Twist:ย Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:ย The ground beef and gravy can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating:ย Warm the beef and gravy in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed. Reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave or stovetop with a bit of butter or milk.
FAQs
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If the gravy is too thin, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it into the gravy while simmering.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes work well if youโre short on time. Just prepare them according to the package instructions.
What can I serve with this dish?
A side of roasted vegetables, a green salad, or buttered rolls pairs well with this meal.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ground beef and gravy ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from drying out?
Store them with a small amount of butter or milk and reheat gently while stirring.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Beef broth gives the best savory taste.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy, and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add cheese to the gravy?
Yes, shredded cheddar or Parmesan can be stirred in for a cheesy variation.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The mild flavors make it a hit with kids. You can adjust the seasonings to their preference.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly and save time.
Conclusion
Ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes is a simple yet satisfying meal that brings comfort to any table. With easy preparation and endless variations, itโs a go-to recipe for a quick, hearty dinner. Whether youโre looking for a budget-friendly meal or a classic comfort dish, this recipe is sure to please!
Print
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a classic comfort food that combines savory ground beef in a rich gravy, served atop creamy mashed potatoes. Itโs a hearty and budget-friendly meal thatโs perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4โ1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth, divided
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:
- Fill a medium pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring to a rapid boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the cut potatoes to the boiling water and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes are boiling, heat the butter and milk together in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter is melted. Alternatively, you can microwave them together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the butter is melted.
- Once the potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly and return them to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes to your desired consistency using a potato masher or fork. Gradually stir in the butter-milk mixture until fully incorporated.
- Season the mashed potatoes with garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well to combine, then set aside, keeping them warm until ready to serve.
Preparing the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ยผ cup of the beef broth until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is tender.
- Pour in the remaining 1ยพ cups of beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving:
- Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls.
- Top with the ground beef and gravy mixture.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy.
- Mushrooms can be a great addition to the gravy. Simply add sliced mushrooms along with the onions and cook until tender.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the gravy.
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