Name: Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 1/2 cup milk (or more as needed); 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; Fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re searching for a meal that wraps you in comfort from the very first bite, Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is your answer! This hearty classic combines velvety mashed potatoes with rich, savory ground beef smothered in butter-kissed gravy—giving you all the warmth and satisfaction of a Sunday supper, any night of the week. There’s just something so inviting about spooning a deliciously seasoned beef and gravy mixture over fluffy mashed potatoes, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This is the kind of wholesome dish everyone craves when they want to feel at home.

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only everyday staples and a few flavor-boosting accents, each ingredient here plays an essential role in making Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes shine. Every component, from humble potatoes to aromatic garlic, brings delicious character and perfect texture to your plate.

Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon to get everything started and add some richness to the browned beef.
Ground Beef: The main star—choose an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Onion: Infuses the gravy with natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Garlic: Adds savory undertones that make the dish irresistibly aromatic.
All-Purpose Flour: The secret to transforming pan juices into that luscious, thick gravy.
Beef Broth: Provides a savory base and plenty of meaty richness to your gravy.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tiny hint of tang and umami—don’t skip it!
Dried Thyme: Offers a subtle herbal note that layers beautifully with the beef.
Salt and Black Pepper: These essential seasonings tie all the flavors together.
Butter: Added both to the mashed potatoes and the gravy for extra creaminess and sheen.
Fresh Parsley: The final flourish—a sprinkle on top for color and fresh flavor.
Russet Potatoes: Their fluffy texture makes the best, creamiest mashed potatoes as the base.
Milk: Use your preferred type Main Course.

How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil and Mash the Potatoes

Begin by peeling and chopping your russet potatoes into even chunks—this helps them cook uniformly. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add salt to bring out their earthy flavor. Once the water boils, reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. The result should be creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes ready to soak up all that luscious gravy. Taste and adjust the salt if needed, then cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the potatoes are bubbling away, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add your ground beef, break it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned. Browning the meat adds depth and creates a base for your savory gravy. If there’s excess fat in the pan, go ahead and drain it off—this keeps your finished dish from feeling greasy.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

With the beef browned, stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the onion softens and everything smells amazing. This step gently sweetens the onion and brings out all the aromatic notes from the garlic, layering in flavor for your beef and gravy mix.

Step 4: Build the Gravy

Now sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir for about a minute—this helps toast the flour for best flavor and prepares it to thicken the gravy. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Watch as the mixture transforms, then add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for five to seven minutes until the gravy thickens and the flavors meld together. Finish with a couple of tablespoons of butter stirred in until you get a heavenly, glossy finish.

Step 5: Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Spoon generous helpings of those steaming mashed potatoes into bowls or onto plates. Top with the rich beef and gravy, letting it cascade over the potatoes for that perfect comfort food effect. Finish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Get ready for plenty of “Mmm!”s at the table!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped parsley adds both color and a fresh, herby flavor that lifts the richness of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. If you love a little more dimension, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dusting of paprika looks inviting and tastes great too. Even a small mound of crispy fried onions works wonders as a fun topping!

Side Dishes

This dish is delightfully filling on its own but pairs beautifully with sides like buttered peas, garlic green beans, or a crisp garden salad. For a little tang to cut the richness, try a quick cucumber salad or a dollop of chunky applesauce. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread on the side help soak up every last drop of gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a group, serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes family-style in a big platter with heaps of potatoes surrounded by a moat of savory beef and gravy. For a fun twist, scoop mashed potatoes into individual ramekins and top with the beef mixture—almost like a rustic shepherd’s pie. For kids, try forming the mashed potatoes into little nests and spooning the gravy right into the middle!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes keep beautifully for up to three days in the fridge. Simply spoon beef and mashed potatoes into airtight containers, letting everything cool completely before sealing. This makes an ideal prep-ahead lunch for busy weeks!

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, the beef and gravy freeze very well—just pop portions into freezer-safe containers. The mashed potatoes can be frozen too, though they may lose a touch of creaminess. Adding a splash of milk when reheating will help restore their texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm both components in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir in a dash of milk or broth if the mashed potatoes seem dry. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat until piping hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground “beef” all make tasty alternatives, so you can customize Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes to suit different diets with fantastic results.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

You bet! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour to thicken your gravy, and double-check your Worcestershire sauce label for hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How can I make the mashed potatoes even creamier?

For extra indulgent mashed potatoes, swap the milk for heavy cream or half-and-half. Also, be generous with the butter and mash the potatoes until silky-smooth for a restaurant-style feel.

Can I add vegetables to the gravy?

Definitely! Stir in diced carrots, peas, or sautéed mushrooms when you add the broth—they’ll blend right into the sauce and make your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes a bit heartier and more colorful.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish for meal prep?

The best way is to keep the beef and mashed potatoes separate for storage, then reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. This prevents the mashed potatoes from absorbing all the gravy and lets you combine freshly for creamy, saucy perfection.

Final Thoughts

There’s just nothing like sharing a big, generous helping of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes with the people you love—trust me, this dish is every bit as comforting as it sounds. If you’ve never tried this combination before, now is the time! Give it a place in your dinner rotation and let it bring a little more warmth and tradition to your table.

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

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

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup milk (or more as needed)
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Mashed Potatoes: Place potatoes in a pot, cover with water, add salt, and boil until tender. Drain, mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
Ground Beef and Gravy: Brown beef in olive oil, add onion and garlic, then flour. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened, stir in butter.
Serve beef and gravy over mashed potatoes, garnished with parsley.