Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

When you’re craving something warm, hearty, and satisfying, it’s hard to beat Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s the kind of meal that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out. With creamy mashed potatoes as the base and rich, savory gravy with ground beef poured on top, you’ve got a recipe that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and most importantly delicious.

Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little comfort, this recipe brings together two of the best things in the world: mashed potatoes and homemade beef gravy. Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic and Comforting: This dish is pure comfort food at its finest. The creamy mashed potatoes and rich, flavorful gravy are like a warm hug on a plate.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients already in your pantry and fridge, making this a convenient and budget-friendly option.

Customizable: You can easily swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative. Plus, you can adjust the seasonings and add-ins to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4-5 russet potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes) – Russets work best for fluffy, smooth mashed potatoes.
• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds creaminess and flavor.
• 1/2 cup milk – Feel free to add more for a smoother texture.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – Season to your liking.

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

• 1 pound ground beef – You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• 1 onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything’s better with garlic.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – This will help thicken the gravy.
• 2 cups beef broth – The base of your savory gravy.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – For that umami flavor boost.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a touch of warmth and earthiness.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – Adjust to your preferred seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes

Start by preparing the mashed potatoes. In a large pot, cover the peeled and cubed potatoes with water and bring them to a boil. Let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You want them soft enough to mash easily but not so mushy that they fall apart.

Once the potatoes are done, drain the water completely and return the hot potatoes to the pot. Add the butter and milk, and use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Tip: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, warm your milk before adding it to the potatoes. This helps everything blend together more smoothly.

2. Make the Ground Beef and Gravy

Now, let’s get started on that delicious ground beef and gravy. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the gravy from being too greasy.

Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the beef and onion mixture. Stir constantly for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste and help the gravy thicken.

Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor and will give your gravy extra depth. Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Finally, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Now your rich, flavorful gravy is ready!

3. Assemble and Serve

It’s time to bring everything together. Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto your plate, and top it with a heaping ladle of the ground beef and gravy. This meal is perfect on its own, but if you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a side of steamed veggies or buttery dinner rolls.

Personal Touch: Adding Your Own Flavor

I’ve made this dish countless times, and every now and then, I like to switch things up. Here are a few of my favorite tweaks to make this recipe your own:

• Make it Cheesy: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes just before serving for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Vegetable Boost: Throw in some peas, carrots, or even corn to the gravy for a heartier, more colorful meal.
• Herb Swap: Not a fan of thyme? Try rosemary or parsley instead. Fresh herbs add a nice pop of flavor!

Closing: Your New Comfort Food Favorite

There’s something so satisfying about the simplicity of this meal Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes is like a big, cozy blanket on a cold day. The creamy potatoes, savory beef, and rich gravy are the perfect combination, and I can almost guarantee you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

Next time you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, give this a try. And don’t forget to let me know how it turned out in the comments! Whether you followed the recipe exactly or made it your own with a few tweaks, I’d love to hear about your experience.

Happy cooking! 😊