Craving a hearty, soul-satisfying meal? This Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes recipe is pure comfort food! Tender ground beef simmered in a savory gravy, served over a bed of fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Step-by-Step
1. Prep everything first.
Peel and cube the potatoes so they’re all roughly the same size (about 1–1½ inch pieces). Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure the flour, broth, and everything else so you’re not scrambling later it makes the whole process much calmer.
2. Cook the potatoes.
Put the potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to a simmer. Cook until a fork slides in easily (15–20 minutes). Drain well, return the potatoes to the hot pot for a minute to let excess steam evaporate.
3. Mash the potatoes.
Warm the milk (microwave briefly or warm on the stove) and add it to the potatoes with the butter. Mash until smooth a ricer makes ultra-smooth potatoes, but a good masher works fine. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Keep covered and warm while you make the gravy (or transfer to a warm oven set to about 200°F/90°C).
4. Brown the ground beef.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. If there’s a lot of fat, spoon off most of it but leave a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
5. Add aromatics.
Push the beef to the side and add the chopped onion and minced garlic (or add them into the beef once most liquid has evaporated). Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
6. Make the gravy base.
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and onions and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes this cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the base for your gravy. You should see the mixture thicken slightly.
7. Whisk in the broth and flavorings.
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring or whisking to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer and let it cook 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens and the flavors come together. If you want a silkier finish, stir in a small knob of butter at the end.
8. Adjust texture and seasoning.
Taste and season with salt and pepper. If the gravy is too thin, simmer a few minutes uncovered to reduce it, or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water. If it’s too thick, thin with a little extra broth or water.
9. Serve.
Spoon a generous bed of mashed potatoes onto each plate, spoon the ground-beef gravy over the top, and finish with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot with a simple green side or roasted vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey works well if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just know it has a milder flavor, so you might want to add an extra splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of onion powder to boost the taste.
2. How do I make my mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Warm your milk and butter before adding them, cold ingredients make potatoes gummy. For a rich, velvety texture, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk, and mash while the potatoes are still hot.
3. My gravy came out too thin. How can I fix it?
No problem! Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering gravy until it thickens. Or just let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce naturally.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Both the mashed potatoes and the beef gravy can be made a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat gently add a splash of milk to the potatoes and a bit of broth to the gravy to bring them back to life.
5. What sides go well with this dish?
This meal is hearty on its own, but it pairs perfectly with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple garden salad. A slice of crusty bread to soak up the gravy doesn’t hurt either!
Notes & Tips:
Make it Creamier: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk.
Add Flavor Boost: Incorporate roasted garlic or a sprinkle of cheese into the mashed potatoes for a richer flavor.
Gravy Variations: Try adding a splash of red wine or a bay leaf to the gravy for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian meal.
**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 until tender (15–20 minutes). - Calories: Approx. 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 20g
Ingredients
Instructions
Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
**Cook the Ground Beef:** Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
**Make the Gravy:** Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually stir in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form.
Add Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme, stirring to combine.
Simmer until the gravy thickens (5–7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning to taste.
**Serve:** Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates and top with the ground beef and gravy mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!Nutrition