If you’re craving instant comfort, Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a cozy classic you need in your dinner rotation. Creamy mashed potatoes cradle savory ground beef swimming in a rich, homemade gravy that’s deeply flavorful from sautéed onions, garlic, and Worcestershire. It’s the type Main Course, Comfort Food. Hearty, nostalgic, and easy to pull together on a busy weeknight—this dish is pure comfort food bliss.

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes starts with humble, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays its part to create the ultimate bold flavors and creamy, craveable textures. Let’s get you fully prepped:

Ground beef: Go for 80/20 or 85/15—you want some fat for flavor and richness in your gravy.
Onion: Diced onion melds into the sauce, delivering subtle sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves make everything taste homey and mouthwatering.
All-purpose flour: The key thickener that turns beefy drippings into lush gravy.
Beef broth: Use a good-quality broth (homemade or store-bought) for real meaty flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: A splash brings robust umami and a hint of tang to the gravy.
Salt and black pepper: Seasoning essentials that balance and heighten every bite.
Dried thyme (optional): Adds a gentle herbal note to the rich gravy base.
Russet potatoes: These make beautifully fluffy mashed potatoes—the perfect stage for your beef and gravy.
Unsalted butter: Adds silky creaminess and that classic buttery taste to your mash.
Milk: Tunes your potato texture to just the right level of creaminess—add a splash more if needed.

How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Cook and Mash the Potatoes

Start by peeling and cubing your russet potatoes. Drop them into a pot, cover with cold water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Let them simmer away until they’re fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain out all the water, then add butter, warm milk, salt, and black pepper. Mash until luxuriously smooth, tasting as you go to make sure they’re perfectly seasoned and as creamy as you like. Keep the mashed potatoes warm while you work on the beef and gravy.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add your ground beef and diced onion. As the beef cooks, break it up with your spoon, letting it get beautifully browned and letting the onions go soft and fragrant—this takes about 6–8 minutes. The combined aromas will have folks wandering into the kitchen to see what’s cooking!

Step 3: Bring in the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, enough for it to mellow out and perfume the whole skillet. Garlic burns fast, so give it a quick stir and move right to the next step.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the browned meat and onion mixture, then stir, making sure to coat everything well. Let it cook for about 1 minute to take away any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in beef broth, stirring constantly to banish any lumps. When it’s smooth, add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme if you’re using it. Simmer the whole thing gently for 5–7 minutes—watch as the gravy thickens into savory perfection!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

For the most irresistible serving, pile a generous scoop of your creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Spoon the hot ground beef and gravy lavishly over the top and get ready for those classic comfort food smiles around your table. That wonderful balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying is why Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is an all-time favorite.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Give your dish that special touch with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper. Chives or thin-sliced scallions also add a burst of color and a gentle oniony bite. If you love a pop of richness, a pat of extra butter melting over the hot mound of mash is always a crowd-pleaser!

Side Dishes

This meal already boasts big, hearty flavors, so aim for lighter or vibrant veggie sides. Steamed green beans, peas, or a simple green salad with zippy vinaigrette make perfect companions to Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. If you crave a Southern feel, try a side of corn or sautéed mushrooms—especially tasty if you’ve amped up your gravy with mushroom broth!

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes this humble dish feel restaurant-worthy! For a fun twist, serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes in individual ramekins or bowls for a personal pot pie vibe (minus the crust). Or use a piping bag for the mashed potatoes, swirling them into fancy mounds before topping with beef and gravy. For family-style, showcase everything in a big platter, letting folks dig in for themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making the next-day reheat even more mouthwatering! Store mashed potatoes and beef with gravy together, or separately if you like to keep textures distinct.

Freezing

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes freeze surprisingly well. For best results, let the components cool fully first. Pack the beef and gravy in one freezer-safe container, and the mashed potatoes in another, to maintain the creamy texture. Label and freeze for up to two months—future you will thank you for an effortless comfort dinner!

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or gently on the stovetop. If the potatoes seem stiff, add a splash of milk and stir until creamy again. For the beef and gravy, stir occasionally as it warms so everything heats evenly. Once piping hot, plate up and dive back in for all those cozy, homemade flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for the mash?

Absolutely! While russets yield classic fluffy mashed potatoes, Yukon Golds make a creamier, buttery mash. Red potatoes will add a slight waxiness and even more color to your plate—feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

Is Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes gluten-free?

As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy, which does contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, swap the flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch (mixed with a splash of cold water first) to thicken the gravy instead. Always check your broth and Worcestershire sauce labels, too!

Can I add vegetables to the beef and gravy?

Definitely! Diced carrots, peas, or mushrooms are delicious additions. You can sauté them with the onions until tender, then continue as usual. It’s a great way to up the veggie content and sneak in a few extra nutrients.

How can I make this recipe even richer in flavor?

For depth, swap out half of the beef broth with mushroom or even chicken stock, and be generous with the Worcestershire. Sautéed mushrooms or a touch of cream stirred into the gravy right before serving can also create a seriously luxurious twist on Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully. Double all the ingredients and use a wide, deep skillet or a Dutch oven for the beef and gravy, and a large pot for the mashed potatoes. Perfect for feeding hungry friends and family on a chilly evening!

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the kind of home-cooked meal you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re looking for easy weeknight comfort or Sunday supper nostalgia. Everyone deserves a go-to dish that makes them feel right at home, and this one hits every note. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite with your crew!

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef and savory gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe is a true classic that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the beef and gravy:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

For the mashed potatoes:

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk (more if needed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Mashed Potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add salt, boil for 15–20 minutes, drain, mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Beef and Gravy: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned, add garlic, sprinkle flour, pour in beef broth, add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer until thickened.
Serve beef and gravy over mashed potatoes.