This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes recipe is pure comfort food magic. Picture a rich, savory beef gravy ladled generously onto a dreamy bed of mashed potatoes, each bite delivering cozy satisfaction that feels like a warm hug. Easy enough for a busy weeknight but hearty enough to serve for family dinners, it brings everyone together around the dinner table with smiles. If you’re hunting for an old-school favorite with a modern shortcut, this dish might just become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most is how simple yet essential every ingredient is for this dish’s signature flavor, texture, and all-around satisfaction. Picking quality basics and using a few smart seasonings makes all the difference.
- Ground Beef: Look for 80–85% lean for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Olive Oil: Gives the beef and veggies a golden-brown touch and subtle fruity notes.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth that melt beautifully into the gravy.
- Garlic: Two cloves are just right for fragrant warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy for that perfect, cozy consistency.
- Beef Broth: Builds a rich, meaty base—use low sodium if you like to control the salt.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The not-so-secret ingredient for umami punch and balance.
- Onion Powder: Boosts savory notes alongside fresh onion.
- Garlic Powder: Layers on flavor without overpowering.
- Black Pepper: A little kick rounds everything out.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Mashed Potatoes: Homemade or store-bought, the creamy base is everything the gravy dreams about.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green adds gorgeous color and a touch of freshness.
How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and starts to turn translucent. This is your first layer of flavor—don’t rush it, because the sweetness of the onion will make a big difference in your finished gravy.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef right to the skillet. Break it up as it cooks with a spatula or wooden spoon, letting it brown until you no longer see any pink. This step adds savory depth and plenty of yummy bits to the pan, which will get picked up by the gravy later. Once browned, drain off any excess grease for a lighter, less oily finish.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. The moment you smell that mouthwatering garlicky scent, you’ll know it’s time for the next step. Garlic cooks quickly, so avoid letting it burn or it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Thicken with Flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir it in thoroughly until you can’t see any dry spots. This coats the meat and veggies, setting the stage for your ultra-creamy gravy. It’ll look a little pasty at first, but trust the process!
Step 5: Make the Gravy
Slowly pour the beef broth into the skillet, stirring as you go so the flour melts smoothly into the liquid. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a good pinch of salt. Bring it all to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will transform into a thick, irresistible gravy—give it a taste and adjust the salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve Over Mashed Potatoes
Ready for the best part? Spoon the hot ground beef and gravy liberally over a mound of fresh mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like things a little fancy or crave some color. And that’s it—the ultimate plate of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is destined to steal the show!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is a timeless touch, but you could also try a sprinkle of chives, cracked black pepper, or even a bit of shredded cheddar for something indulgent. Add a dollop of sour cream if you want extra richness—no rules, just delicious choices!
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with a side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots, both of which add color and crunch. Warm dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up every drop of extra gravy, and a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out all the savory richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes in individual ramekins or in a casserole-style baking dish for a rustic dinner party vibe. If you’re feeling fun, pipe the mashed potatoes into cute swirls before topping with the gravy—or spoon them into a bread bowl for an unforgettable, edible twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Quick tip: Store any leftover ground beef and gravy separately from the mashed potatoes in airtight containers in your refrigerator. This helps keep the potatoes from soaking up too much gravy and turning dense. Both will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Both components freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then transfer the beef and gravy to a freezer-safe container or bag. Mashed potatoes can go in a separate container. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the ground beef and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Mashed potatoes reheat best in the microwave with an extra splash of milk stirred in to keep them creamy. Combine on plates and dinner is solved, again!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground “beef” can be swapped for a lighter or diet-friendly twist. Just remember to adjust seasonings as needed, since alternative proteins can sometimes need a little boost.
Is it gluten-free?
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes can easily become gluten-free by replacing the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your beef broth is gluten-free. Believe it or not, it’s just as delicious either way!
What if I want to add vegetables?
Go for it! Sauté some mushrooms, carrots, or frozen peas along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition. This is a great way to stretch the dish and sneak in some veggies for picky eaters.
Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead?
Yes, mashed potatoes can be made a day or two ahead. Store them in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring in a splash of milk if they’re looking a little stiff.
What’s the best kind of potato for mashed potatoes?
You can’t go wrong with Yukon Golds for their buttery taste or Russets for their fluffy texture. Ultimately, any potato you love mashed will work perfectly for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that promises pure comfort with quick prep and full-on flavor, you’ll fall fast for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. Celebrate the cozy, the nostalgic, and the utterly satisfying by giving it a try—you might just find it lands a permanent spot on your most-loved recipes list!
Print
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty dish, Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a classic American favorite that combines flavorful ground beef and savory gravy served atop creamy mashed potatoes. This simple yet satisfying meal is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef and Gravy: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook diced onion until softened. Add ground beef, cook until browned, then add garlic. Sprinkle flour over the meat, stir well. Slowly pour in beef broth, add Worcestershire sauce, onion and garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble: Spoon the beef and gravy over hot mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, consider adding butter or cream to the gravy.
- Enhance the dish with frozen peas or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
