Ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food classic. Rich, savory beef gravy poured over creamy mashed potatoes makes a filling, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy one-pan meal
Budget-friendly and family-approved
Rich, comforting flavors
Perfect for leftovers
Customizable with vegetables or seasonings

Ingredients

Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons butter
1/3–1/2 cup milk or cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Ground Beef & Gravy

1 pound (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter or oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

Sliced mushrooms
Frozen peas or corn
Paprika or thyme for extra flavor

Instructions

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes

Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain well.

Mash potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Make the Gravy

Push beef mixture to one side of the pan. Add butter to the empty space and stir in flour. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring constantly. Add Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5–8 minutes, stirring often, until gravy thickens.

Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs or spices.

4. Serve

Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates or bowls. Top generously with ground beef gravy. Serve hot.

Tips for the Best Beef and Gravy

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor
Stir gravy constantly to avoid lumps
Add broth gradually to control thickness
For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream at the end

Variations

Mushroom Beef Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms when cooking onions
Vegetable Beef Gravy: Stir in peas, carrots, or corn
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Mix shredded cheddar into potatoes
Hamburger Steak Style: Form beef into patties and serve with gravy

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or milk

Serving Suggestions

Serve with green beans or roasted vegetables
Add a simple side salad
Pair with buttery dinner rolls

Final Thoughts

Ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes is timeless comfort food—warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving something cozy, this easy dish delivers classic flavor in every bite.