If you’ve ever found yourself craving the ultimate cozy comfort meal, you’re in for a treat with Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. Imagine a rich, savory beef gravy spooned generously over buttery mashed potatoes—every forkful is like a warm hug after a long day. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy Sunday suppers. Simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of meal that instantly transports you back to favorite family gatherings or simple moments around the table.

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes on your table only takes a handful of humble ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The beauty of this recipe is that it lets every element shine, creating a meal that’s both straightforward and unforgettable.

Ground beef (1 pound, 85% lean): Provides hearty flavor and a satisfying, meaty bite; lean enough to keep things from feeling greasy but still rich and juicy.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it softens and melds into the beef.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth—don’t skip it!
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the gravy, turning pan drippings into that luscious spoon-coating sauce everyone loves.
Beef broth (2 cups): Brings savory richness and lets the gravy simmer to bold perfection; use low-sodium if you prefer to control saltiness.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds deep, umami complexity and a tiny tang that wakes up the whole dish.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and ties all the flavors together—taste and adjust if using salted broth.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle heat and brightness with every bite.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed): For sautéing, only if your beef is very lean; helps onion and garlic caramelize beautifully.
Mashed potatoes (4 cups, prepared ahead or instant): The comforting base that soaks up every drop of savory gravy—creamy, dreamy, and essential.

How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Let it get nicely browned, caramelized bits and all, which lay the foundation for deep, beefy flavors. If you notice excess grease pooling, carefully drain it off, but leave behind just a tablespoon—those drippings are liquid gold for your gravy.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

With the beef ready, stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for three to four minutes, letting the onions turn translucent and the garlic grow fragrant. This step sets the stage for the comforting scent of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes wafting through your kitchen.

Step 3: Build the Gravy Base

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over your beef mixture. Stir well to coat everything, cooking for about one minute. This crucial step takes away any raw flour flavor and ensures your gravy will be beautifully smooth, not lumpy.

Step 4: Create the Gravy

Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to blend it with the flour and beef mixture. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook for five to seven minutes; you’ll see the gravy thicken up into that impossibly silky texture that makes Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes so legendary.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Once your gravy is rich and thickened to your liking, take a moment to taste and adjust the seasonings. Need a little more salt? A pinch more pepper? Go for it—this is your dinner, after all! And if you like, add a splash of heavy cream or a dab of Dijon mustard for an extra boost of flavor.

Step 6: Serve Over Mashed Potatoes

Spoon the beef and gravy generously over warm, fluffy mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes eagerly soak up every drop, creating a marriage of textures and flavors that’s pure comfort food bliss. Enjoy it piping hot for the ultimate experience.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

For a burst of fresh color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or snipped chives over each serving. A small pat of butter melting on top adds an extra touch of decadence, and a grinding of black pepper never hurts.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with bright, simple sides like steamed green peas or broccoli, which contrast beautifully with the richness of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. A crisp green salad or roasted carrots would also bring a pop of color and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, try serving this dish in individual bowls for a bistro-style presentation or in a casserole dish for easy family-style scooping. For special occasions, you can use a piping bag to swirl mashed potatoes onto plates and pool the gravy over top—a little extra effort, and totally worth it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes keep beautifully! Once everything cools to room temperature, transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making a comforting next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze the beef and gravy portion (without potatoes) for up to two months. Allow it to cool, then store it in a well-sealed freezer bag or container. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and prepare fresh mashed potatoes for serving.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the beef and gravy in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much. For the mashed potatoes, a quick zap in the microwave with a dab of butter and a splash of milk can bring back that creamy consistency. Stir well and serve hot.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While you’ll get a lighter flavor profile, ground turkey or chicken makes a great alternative, especially if you’re cooking for someone who avoids red meat. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and maybe add a splash of extra Worcestershire for added depth.

What kind of mashed potatoes work best?

Both classic homemade mashed potatoes and quality instant potatoes work here, as long as they’re creamy and well seasoned. Yukon Golds are especially lovely for their buttery texture, but any fluffy mashed potato will do the job beautifully.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Good news: Just swap in a trusted gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your beef broth is gluten-free. The flavor and texture will stay the same, so Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes remains as delicious as ever.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare both the beef and gravy as well as the mashed potatoes ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat and assemble just before serving for best results and that just-cooked freshness.

What’s the best way to thicken the gravy if it’s too runny?

If your gravy isn’t quite as thick as you’d like, just let it simmer a little longer on the stovetop. The flour needs time to work its magic. For a quicker fix, stir together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce, simmering until it thickens up nicely.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy in dishing up a plate of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes for yourself or someone you love. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in comfort and brings a sense of home, no matter where you are. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight staple!

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef smothered in a savory gravy and served over creamy mashed potatoes. This classic recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ground Beef:

1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)

For Serving:

4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared ahead or instant)

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. If there is excess grease, drain it off, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add Flour and Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stir well to coat, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
Season and Simmer: Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens.
Adjust and Serve: Taste the gravy, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot over warm mashed potatoes.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the gravy.
This dish pairs well with green peas or steamed broccoli on the side.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American