Few dishes hit the comfort food sweet spot quite like Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. Creamy potatoes form the perfect base for a luscious, savory beef and onion gravy that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’ve had a long day or you’re simply in need of classic, home-cooked flavor, this meal delivers pure satisfaction in every bite. This is the simple, hearty dinner you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes lies in its straightforward, humble ingredients, each chosen for maximum flavor impact and cozy appeal. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’ll have a meal that feels both nostalgic and special.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a mellow, inviting base.
- Yellow onion: Gives natural sweetness and a boost of savory depth to the gravy.
- Garlic: Enhances the aroma and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Ground beef (80/20 preferred): Classic ground beef provides hearty texture and full flavor; a little extra fat ensures juicy results.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy and gives it the perfect, silky consistency.
- Beef broth: Infuses the sauce with deep, meaty flavor—choose low sodium if you want more control over seasoning.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds that irresistible umami kick and a subtle tang.
- Onion powder: Layers in more savory note and keeps the overall flavor balanced.
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the garlic flavor and blends perfectly into the gravy.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste—the finishing touch that brings everything together.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy and warm, the ideal canvas for soaking up that savory gravy goodness.
- Optional parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the plate and adds a pop of color that feels special.
How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and let it cook gently until it turns soft and translucent—about four minutes is perfect. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about thirty seconds. This simple beginning lays the foundation for rich, deep flavor in your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef straight to the skillet, breaking it up with the back of your spoon as it cooks. Let it brown fully; this should take about six to eight minutes. Browning the meat isn’t just about color—it unlocks so much savory taste, and the little beefy bits in the pan mean extra flavor in the gravy. If things get too greasy, go ahead and drain off a bit of fat.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef once it’s fully cooked, and give everything a good stir to coat. Let the flour cook for one minute; this step is important, as it takes away any raw flour taste and helps your gravy thicken just right later on.
Step 4: Create the Gravy
Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to keep your sauce lump-free. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for five to seven minutes, stirring now and then. As it cooks, the sauce will thicken into a rich, glossy gravy that clings perfectly to the beef.
Step 5: Taste and Serve Over Mashed Potatoes
Give your gravy a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. For an extra touch of indulgence, you might want to swirl in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream right before serving. Spoon the hot, savory beef and gravy mixture generously over warm, fluffy mashed potatoes. Top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy—because why not?
How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a lovely burst of color and freshness right before serving. You can also dust on a pinch of black pepper for a visually inviting finish. If you have a little paprika or crispy fried onions on hand, those work wonderfully as well for both color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pairing Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes with a bright, green veggie brings a perfect balance to the plate. Steamed green beans, tender peas, or roasted Brussels sprouts complement the rich, savory gravy beautifully. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a refreshing counterpoint if you want something lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the beef and gravy in individual ramekins or bowls, with the mashed potatoes piped or dolloped on top. If you have little ones or are serving a crowd, layer everything in a casserole dish and bake until bubbling for an irresistible shepherd’s pie vibe. Add some cheese melted over the top for an extra-cozy variation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes keep well when stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Just separate the beef and gravy from the potatoes for best results—this helps both retain their fresh texture and flavor. Enjoy within three or four days for the tastiest experience.
Freezing
This dish is a great candidate for freezing, especially the beef and gravy portion. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay flat for easy storage and thawing. Mashed potatoes can be frozen separately, although they may change in texture a bit once thawed. Consume within two to three months for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the beef and gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks thick. Mashed potatoes can be microwaved or gently heated on the stovetop with a little butter or cream stirred in to refresh their creaminess. Combine everything together and serve hot for a truly comforting meal all over again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you absolutely can substitute ground turkey for the beef if you’re looking for a lighter option. The flavor will be a bit milder, so feel free to bump up the seasonings as you see fit. Ground chicken also works well for a similar result.
How can I make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and ensure that your beef broth is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still have all the comfort and flavor.
What’s the best way to make creamy mashed potatoes?
Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets, and make sure to mash them while they’re hot. Add plenty of butter, a splash of warm milk or cream, and season generously with salt and pepper. Whip until smooth for that perfect, fluffy texture that soaks up the gravy so well.
Can I add vegetables to the beef and gravy?
Absolutely! Stir in diced carrots, frozen peas, or even mushrooms along with the onion to bulk up the dish and sneak in extra veggies. Just make sure to cook until any additional vegetables are nice and tender before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes makes a fabulous meal prep choice because it reheats beautifully. Store in lunch-sized containers and you’ve got a hearty, ready-to-go meal for busy days or cozy lunches at work.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for pure comfort and big flavors, you truly can’t go wrong with Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. This is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug on a plate, and it’s just waiting to become one of your family’s favorite dinners. Grab your skillet, get cozy, and dig in!
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 recipe that combines flavorful seasoned ground beef in a rich gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes. This stovetop meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
For the Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes, prepared and warm
- Optional chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook diced onion until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess grease if necessary.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the beef, stir to coat, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Assemble: Serve the beef and gravy over warm mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, consider adding butter or cream before serving.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative.
- Pair with green beans or peas for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
