Name: Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 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; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or homemade); Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Few dishes warm the soul quite like Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. This skillet supper brings together perfectly browned ground beef, a deeply savory homemade gravy, and a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a dish that wraps you in comfort from the very first bite, making it perfect for weeknights when you need something hearty, quick, and always crowd-pleasing. If you’re searching for the ultimate easy comfort food, let Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes become your new go-to favorite.

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a key role, from creating a luscious gravy to building a cloud-like mashed potato base. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

1 pound ground beef: A classic comfort food foundation, this brings rich, meaty flavor and hearty texture to the dish.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and adds a subtle fruitiness.
1 small onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth, pairing perfectly with the beef and gravy.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and savory notes.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the gravy, creating a silky texture that coats every bite.
2 cups beef broth: The backbone of the gravy, delivers richness and umami without fuss.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A splash transforms the sauce with tang, depth, and complexity.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Unlocks all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Balances the beefiness with gentle warmth.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal aroma that elevates every spoonful.
4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or homemade): The cushy stage for your savory beef and gravy, making every mouthful pure comfort.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of green and fresh flavor, brightening up the finished plate.

How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Let it sizzle and brown for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely crumbled and no pink remains. If there’s excess grease, drain it away to keep your gravy rich, not heavy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic right into the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are softened and aromatic. This instantly transforms the beef with layers of fragrant flavor.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and onion mixture. Stir thoroughly, making sure the flour coats everything. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes; this step gets rid of any raw flour taste and lays the foundation for a rich gravy.

Step 4: Build the Gravy

Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer and let it bubble gently for 5 to 7 minutes. The gravy will thicken beautifully and cling to every morsel of meat—taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve Over Mashed Potatoes

Spoon generous scoops of mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls. Ladle the hot ground beef and gravy mixture right over the top, letting the warmth and savory juices soak into the spuds. Top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for an optional touch of color and freshness. And that’s it—you’ve just made Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Once you’ve plated up your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes, a little garnish can go a long way. A shower of chopped fresh parsley wakes up the dish with brightness, while a sprinkle of cracked black pepper adds just the right finish. You could also add sliced green onions, a bit of grated cheddar, or even fried onion strings if you’re feeling indulgent—each brings its own character.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty and satisfying, but the right side can make it feel like a full spread. Try serving it with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad to add color and fresh crunch. Buttery sweet corn or warm dinner rolls are natural partners too, soaking up any extra gravy and rounding out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’d like to have fun with presentation, try serving individual portions in ramekins or wide bowls for a cozy vibe. Or, assemble mashed potatoes in a ring on the plate and fill the center with beef and gravy for an old-school diner effect. For a party or potluck, consider layering everything in a casserole dish and baking for a few minutes to meld the flavors together—Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is endlessly flexible and always inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are one of the secret perks of this recipe. Once cooled, spoon any extra Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes into airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day lunches even better—just keep the potatoes and beef mixture separate for best texture.

Freezing

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes freezes surprisingly well! Scoop the beef and gravy into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. You can freeze mashed potatoes separately, though keep in mind their texture softens a bit after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a super easy meal down the road.

Reheating

For best results, reheat ground beef and gravy slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened up too much. Microwave reheating is also fine—just cover and stir every minute or two. Warm the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop, then assemble and serve as usual. It tastes almost as comforting as freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives and will still soak up all the savory gravy flavors. You may want to adjust the seasoning a bit and use a good-quality broth for maximum taste.

Is it okay to use instant mashed potatoes?

Instant mashed potatoes are a wonderful time saver, especially on busy nights. For extra richness, stir in a bit of butter or cream as you prepare them—they’ll hold up beautifully under the beef and gravy.

How can I make the gravy even richer?

If you want an ultra-decadent gravy, try using homemade beef stock or adding a splash of heavy cream just before serving. You could even sauté some mushrooms with the onions for added depth and earthiness.

What veggies can I add to the beef mixture?

Frozen peas, diced carrots, or fresh mushrooms are all fantastic additions. Stir them in after browning the beef and before adding the broth. They’ll cook through as the gravy simmers, adding color and nutrition.

Does Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes work for meal prep?

Yes, it’s a dream for meal prep! You can make the beef and gravy mixture in advance and store it separately from the mashed potatoes. Everything reheats easily, making it an ideal grab-and-go option for lunches or busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the answer. In half an hour, you can feed your soul and those you love with a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and truly satisfying. Give it a try the next time you want dinner to feel like a warm hug—the memories (and leftovers) are sure to stick around!

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring seasoned ground beef and rich gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
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
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For Serving:

4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or homemade)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Prepare the Gravy: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture, stir well, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve the beef and gravy over mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley if desired.