There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm plate of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe that just hits the spot every single time. This classic dish takes simple ingredients like ground beef, onions, and a luscious gravy, and piles them high over creamy, buttery mashed potatoes for a meal that feels like a big, cozy hug. Whether you’re tucking into it after a busy day or serving it up for family dinner, this recipe brings satisfying flavors and soul-warming goodness together in one perfect plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredients list fool you—each component is essential to bringing out the best flavors, textures, and comforting colors in the final dish. From the savory ground beef to the fresh parsley garnish, every ingredient plays a role in making this recipe a total winner.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base of the dish that offers rich flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds a sweet, aromatic depth that complements the meat perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the gravy with a warm, savory punch.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the gravy to that perfect silky consistency.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth: Brings moisture and enhances the meaty flavor of the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds tangy, umami richness that deepens the taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle kick that livens up the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Contributes an earthy herbal note that brightens the gravy.
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared): Creamy, buttery, and the perfect bed to soak up all that delicious gravy.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. As it cooks, break it up with a spoon to ensure even browning. This process not only creates great texture but also builds the rich, savory base for your gravy. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add in the diced yellow onion and minced garlic directly to the skillet with the beef. Cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes until softened is key—it releases their sweet and aromatic flavors, which marry beautifully with the meat and add complexity to the dish.
Step 3: Make the Gravy Base
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir well to coat everything. Cooking it for about a minute helps get rid of that raw flour taste and starts thickening your gravy. Then, slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring nonstop. This step ensures a smooth, luscious gravy that clings perfectly to every bite.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the skillet. These seasonings bring layers of flavor and a hint of herbal brightness to your gravy. Let everything simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the gravy thickens to a rich, silky consistency. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning to your liking before serving.
Step 5: Serve it Up
Place generous spoonfuls of warm mashed potatoes onto plates, then ladle the savory beef and gravy mixture over the top. This classic presentation guarantees a comforting meal with every bite, where creamy and meaty textures meet in a delicious embrace.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish is fantastic on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley really brightens up the plate with a pop of color and a light, fresh note. If you want to take it up a notch, a dollop of sour cream or a small pat of butter melting into the gravy creates an extra creamy finish.
Side Dishes
For a perfectly balanced meal, toss in some steamed green beans or a crisp side salad to add fresh crunch and vibrant color. Roasted carrots or sautéed mushrooms also pair beautifully, enhancing both flavor and texture without overpowering the main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests or just jazz things up at home? Serve the Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming single-serving presentation. Or layer the components in a clear glass casserole dish for a rustic, inviting look that showcases the contrasting textures and colors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the beef and gravy separately from the mashed potatoes when possible to preserve the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the beef and gravy mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Mashed potatoes freeze well too, but they might need a little stirring and added butter or cream when reheated to recapture their creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even warming. For mashed potatoes, consider reheating gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time as turkey can dry out faster than beef.
Is there a way to make the gravy thicker?
If you’d like thicker gravy, simply add a little more flour during the cooking step or continue simmering the gravy to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Can I prepare the gravy ahead of time?
You can definitely make the gravy a day in advance and refrigerate it. When reheating, warm it gently while stirring to maintain that smooth texture before serving over fresh mashed potatoes.
What type of mashed potatoes works best?
Classic creamy mashed potatoes with butter and cream work wonderfully as the base. You could also try garlic mashed potatoes for an extra flavor boost.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in your mashed potatoes and skip any cream additions in the gravy. The recipe still shines with those flavor-packed ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace, the Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Its blend of hearty, savory flavors and silky textures is sure to become one of your go-to comfort foods. Give this recipe a try—trust me, you’re going to want to make it again and again.
Print
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a hearty and comforting American classic featuring seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich homemade gravy, served atop creamy mashed potatoes and optionally garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups mashed potatoes, prepared
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their aroma.
- Coat with Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the meat mixture. Stir well to coat everything, and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, which also helps thicken the gravy later.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens into a rich consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve Over Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the hot beef and gravy mixture generously over warm mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for added color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream or a pat of butter to the gravy just before serving.
- Be sure to stir continuously while adding the beef broth to avoid lumps in the gravy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
