Ground Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe Ultimate Comfort

My grandma’s classic ground beef and gravy recipe always brings comfort to our Sunday dinner table.

Sunday meals feel magical when hearty flavors mingle across warm plates.

Tender meat simmered with rich seasonings creates a nostalgic meal that connects generations.

Creamy mashed potatoes serve as the perfect canvas for savory gravy cascading across each delectable bite.

Home cooking doesn’t get more satisfying than this simple yet deeply delicious combination.

You’ll want seconds after experiencing these incredible flavor layers melting together.

Comfort arrives quickly with this straightforward, soul-warming dish that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes That Comforts Instantly

• Transforms ordinary ground beef into a heartwarming, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds with rich, creamy goodness.
• Prepares in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy families needing a delicious dinner without complicated steps or long cooking times.
• Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes to create a filling, restaurant-quality meal that won't break the bank, stretching your grocery dollars deliciously.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a simple cooking process that requires only a few pots and pans, letting you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Ingredients You Need for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty meat base that provides the primary protein for the dish. Choose lean ground beef for less grease and better flavor.

• Potatoes: Creamy foundation of the dish with smooth, comforting texture. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for mashing.

• Butter, Milk: Creamy additions that create smooth, rich mashed potatoes. Use whole milk for better richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and complexity to the beef mixture.

• Flour: Thickening agent that creates smooth, rich gravy texture. All-purpose flour recommended.
• Beef Broth: Liquid base that provides deep, savory flavor to the gravy.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce: Umami-rich condiments that add complexity and depth to the gravy.
• Onion Powder, Paprika: Dried spices that contribute additional layers of flavor.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright color and subtle freshness to the final dish.

How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes with Ease

Step 1: Boil Potato Chunks

Peel potatoes and slice into even chunks. Drop chunks into a large pot. Cover completely with cold water. Sprinkle salt into water. Place pot on high heat and bring water to a rolling boil. Cook potatoes until extremely tender when pierced with a fork, around 15-20 minutes. Drain water completely. Return potatoes to warm pot.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Softened butter
• Whole milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until smooth and velvety. Adjust creaminess by adding extra milk if needed. Keep warm and covered.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Heat large skillet over medium-high flame. Add ground beef. Break meat into small crumbles while cooking. Stir frequently until beef turns completely brown. Drain excess fat if desired.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté alongside beef until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Gravy

• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Extra butter

Simmer gravy until thickened, approximately 5-7 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Scoop fluffy mashed potatoes onto serving plates. Generously ladle beef gravy over potatoes. Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley or paprika on top. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Pro Tips for Smoother Gravy and Fluffy Potatoes

• Choose Lean Ground Beef: Select 90/10 or 85/15 ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining great flavor and juiciness in your dish.
• Prevent Lumpy Gravy: Whisk flour gradually and continuously when adding broth to ensure a smooth, velvety gravy without any unwanted clumps.
• Enhance Potato Creaminess: Warm milk and butter before mixing into mashed potatoes to create an ultra-smooth, silky texture that melts in your mouth.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of red wine or beef stock while browning meat to intensify the savory notes and create a more complex taste profile.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version that still delivers robust flavor.

Reheat Ground Beef and Mashed Potatoes Without Drying Them Out

• Store leftover ground beef and gravy in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled mixture to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed and steaming.

Great Sips and Sides to Serve with Ground Beef and Gravy

• Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir to complement the rich, savory ground beef and gravy, balancing the dish's hearty flavors with its smooth, slightly fruity notes.
• Choose a robust amber ale or brown ale, which offers malty undertones that enhance the beef's depth and stand up to the creamy mashed potatoes' richness.
• Add roasted green beans or glazed carrots to introduce a crisp, colorful element that cuts through the meal's heaviness and provides a nutritional boost.
• Brew a glass of unsweetened iced tea with a sprig of fresh mint, creating a light, palate-cleansing beverage that refreshes between bites of the dense, comforting main course.

Flavor Variations for This Classic Comfort Dish

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version that still delivers hearty flavor and protein.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or mushroom medley to create a meat-free alternative that maintains the dish's rich, satisfying texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy and ensure those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this classic comfort meal. Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari for a celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Remix: Swap mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash, using roasted or steamed cauliflower blended with butter and seasonings for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the creamy essence intact.

FAQs for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Choose lean ground beef with 80% lean and 20% fat for the best flavor and texture. The fat content helps keep the meat juicy while preventing the dish from becoming too greasy.

• Can I use different herbs or spices in the gravy?

Yes, you can experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. These seasonings can enhance the depth of flavor in the gravy.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Ground beef and potatoes are affordable ingredients that can feed a family easily. This dish provides a hearty meal without breaking the bank and uses simple, accessible ingredients.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or peas to the beef mixture to increase the nutritional value. You can also use low-sodium broth and include more seasonings for additional flavor without adding calories.

Ground Beef And Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and gravy melts over creamy mashed potatoes, creating a classic comfort meal that hugs your soul. Midwestern families have cherished this simple yet satisfying dish for generations, promising warmth and nostalgia with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra flavor)

Thickeners and Fats:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)

Potatoes:

• 2 pounds (900 g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russets)
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk (or more, as needed)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundation of creamy mashed potatoes by peeling and quartering potatoes, then submerging them in salted water in a capacious pot.
2. Bring potatoes to a rolling boil and simmer until they yield effortlessly when pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot, transforming them into a silky puree by incorporating butter, milk, salt, and pepper until luxuriously smooth.
4. In a large skillet, render ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into fine crumbles until achieving a rich golden-brown coloration.
5. Eliminate excess rendered fat, then introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic.
6. Dust the beef mixture with flour, stirring meticulously to ensure complete coating and allowing the mixture to toast briefly, eliminating raw flour’s raw essence.
7. Methodically stream beef broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lump formation and create a velvety gravy base.
8. Enhance the gravy’s complexity by incorporating Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, paprika, and a pat of butter.
9. Reduce heat and allow the gravy to simmer, thickening gradually while developing deep, robust flavors.
10. Season the gravy judiciously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve perfect balance.
11. Plate generous mounds of creamy mashed potatoes, cascading the savory beef and gravy mixture overtop.
12. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or a delicate sprinkle of paprika for visual appeal and additional flavor dimension.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor and keeping the dish lighter.
• Create a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for similar texture and umami depth.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels, allowing you to season gradually and prevent over-salting the gravy.
• Experiment with russet or Yukon gold potatoes for different mashed potato textures – russet creates fluffier results, while Yukon gold offers a buttery, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg