Homey Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Rich & Hearty Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

My grandma’s classic ground beef and gravy recipe brings comfort right to your dinner table, promising warm memories with every savory bite.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Potatoes whipped into creamy clouds serve as the perfect canvas for rich, seasoned meat.

Tender beef simmers in a robust sauce that clings perfectly to each forkful.

Simple pantry staples transform into something magical with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Salt, pepper, and love are the secret ingredients that make this dish sing.

You’ll want seconds – maybe even thirds – of this soul-satisfying dinner that turns an ordinary evening into something special.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be excellent alternatives with similar cooking methods.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Ground beef and potatoes are affordable ingredients that create a hearty, filling meal without breaking the bank.

  • How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add some frozen mixed vegetables like peas or carrots directly into the beef gravy to increase the nutritional value and add color.

  • What are some quick tips for perfect mashed potatoes?

Use warm milk, add butter while potatoes are still hot, and avoid over-mashing to prevent a gluey texture.

Ground Beef Gravy Over Potatoes That Screams Comfort

Savor Hearty Comfort: Ground Beef and Gravy Magic

  • Whip Up Effortless Dinner: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks seeking a satisfying meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Packed with rich flavors and familiar ingredients, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, creating a warm and nostalgic dining experience.
  • Transform Simple Ingredients: By combining budget-friendly ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes and a savory gravy, you'll elevate humble components into a restaurant-worthy meal that feels like a culinary hug.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe offers a delicious solution for those seeking a hearty, home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Beef & Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

Potatoes:
  • Potatoes: Starchy base for the creamy mashed side dish.
  • Salt: Enhances potato flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and smoothness.
  • Milk: Creates creamy texture.
Ground Beef and Gravy Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: Protein-rich main component of the dish.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic flavor builders.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables.
  • Flour: Thickens the gravy.
  • Beef Broth: Creates the liquid base for gravy.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and complexity.
  • Dried Thyme: Provides herbal seasoning.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile.

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Boil Potatoes to Creamy Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a sprinkle of salt. Drop in your potato chunks and bring the water to a rolling boil. Let the potatoes cook until they’re so tender a fork slides through them easily, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re soft, drain the water completely.

Step 2: Whip Mashed Potatoes into Cloudlike Goodness

Return the potatoes to the pot and add:
  • Butter
  • Milk

Mash everything together until the potatoes become ultra smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to create a dreamy base for your meal. Keep the potatoes warm while you prepare the meat.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, releasing its amazing aroma.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 5: Create Flavorful Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir thoroughly. Cook for two minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in:
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dried thyme

Let the mixture simmer until it transforms into a rich, thick gravy. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Scoop a generous mountain of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Ladle the savory beef and gravy over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh black pepper if you want an extra kick. Dig in and enjoy this ultimate comfort meal!

Gravy Tips That Maximize Ground Beef Comfort Over Potatoes

Master Potato Mashing: Use warm milk and butter for ultra-creamy, silky mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth.

Drain Excess Fat: Always drain ground beef fat after browning to prevent greasy, heavy gravy and reduce overall calorie content.

Thicken Gravy Perfectly: Slowly add beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps and achieve smooth, rich gravy consistency.

Season Strategically: Layer seasonings throughout cooking – salt potatoes while boiling, season beef while browning, and adjust gravy’s final taste with herbs and spices.

Elevate Texture: Break ground beef into small, uniform crumbles during cooking for even texture and better gravy integration.

Keep Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Tasty

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Separate mashed potatoes and ground beef gravy into different containers to maintain texture. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled ground beef and gravy to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze mashed potatoes separately to prevent watery texture.
  • Place portions in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat ground beef gravy at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway. Warm mashed potatoes separately, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
  • Warm ground beef gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small amounts of beef broth if sauce becomes too thick. Reheat mashed potatoes in a saucepan, mixing in butter or milk to refresh consistency.

Ground Beef Gravy over Potatoes Complements

  • Hearty Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot to complement the rich, savory ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes, enhancing the meal's robust flavors.
  • Crisp Vegetable Sidekick: Pair with roasted green beans or steamed broccoli dressed with garlic butter to add a fresh, light contrast against the heavy main dish and provide balanced nutrition.
  • Tangy Pickle Accent: Serve with dill pickles or a small pickle salad to cut through the richness of the beef gravy, offering a zesty, acidic counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Include a slice of crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread to soak up extra gravy, adding textural variety and helping to make the meal feel more complete and satisfying.

Ground Beef Gravy Plate Swaps

Ground Beef Variations:
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or tempeh for a meat-free version that maintains similar texture and protein content.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the comforting gravy and protein elements intact.
  • Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter, lower-fat alternative that still delivers rich flavor and hearty satisfaction.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when creating gravy to accommodate gluten sensitivities while preserving the dish's classic taste profile.
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Homey Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Homey Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger gravy over creamy mashed potatoes brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Savory beef and rich sauce create a nostalgic meal that wraps you in warm culinary memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 pound ground beef

Gravy Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup milk (more if needed)

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare potatoes by cutting into uniform cubes and placing in a large pot filled with water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
  2. Bring water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, cooking potatoes until they easily yield to a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  3. Carefully drain potatoes and return to the pot. Incorporate butter and milk, vigorously mashing until achieving a silky, smooth consistency. Season with salt and black pepper according to preference. Maintain warmth.
  4. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce chopped onions and sauté until translucent and softened, roughly 5 minutes.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook briefly, releasing aromatic qualities.
  6. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking into smaller fragments while browning thoroughly. Eliminate excess fat.
  7. Dust flour over the beef mixture, stirring comprehensively to integrate. Allow to cook momentarily, eliminating raw flour’s harsh taste.
  8. Methodically pour beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme into the skillet. Reduce heat and simmer, allowing gravy to thicken and develop rich flavors, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve desired taste profile.
  10. Plate by creating a generous bed of mashed potatoes, generously topping with beef gravy. Optional: Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper for additional depth.

Notes

  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet for the fluffiest, most cloud-like mashed potatoes that absorb butter and milk perfectly.
  • Properly draining excess beef fat prevents a greasy gravy and ensures a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
  • Slowly add broth while stirring to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, smooth gravy that coats the meat beautifully.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner alternative that still delivers rich comfort food vibes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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