Name: Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional); 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

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If there’s ever a time to dive into cozy, classic comfort food, this is it: Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is everything you’d want from a heartwarming meal, all in one bowl. We’re talking tender, browned beef, soft onions, and a silky, savory gravy that soaks into a pile of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s incredibly satisfying, totally nostalgic, and blissfully simple to make. Whether you’re wrangling picky kids, feeding friends after work, or just need a little edible hug, this dish delivers every time with big flavor and minimal fuss.

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is how a handful of everyday ingredients turns into something completely irresistible. Each element brings its own role to the party—deep flavor, velvety texture, or vibrant color—and nothing is wasted or overwhelming.

Ground Beef: Hearty, flavorful, and quick to brown, it’s the backbone of this comfort food classic.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens alongside the beef, building that craveable foundation.
Garlic: A fragrant kick that lifts the whole dish—don’t skip it!
Unsalted Butter: Rich and creamy, it boasts the gravy and ties every flavor together.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening the gravy; you’ll cook it to a golden hue for the best taste.
Beef Broth: Brings deep, savory backbone while creating that luscious, pourable sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds layers of umami and a hint of tanginess.
Salt: Brightens every ingredient and lets the flavors shine.
Black Pepper: Adds a mellow heat that runs through the gravy.
Dried Thyme (optional): Gives a subtle, herbal lift if you like a little something extra.
Mashed Potatoes: Soft, fluffy, and the ideal bed for all that saucy goodness—homemade or store-bought both work.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds color and a fresh note to balance the richness.

How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onion

Grab your biggest skillet and add the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Let them sizzle together, stirring as needed, until the beef is beautifully browned and the onions turn soft and translucent—about 6 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra grease, go ahead and drain it. This step builds the deep, savory base of the dish.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Scoop in the minced garlic and stir for just a minute, until your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. The garlic cooks quickly, so don’t let it go too long or it’ll turn bitter.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Push the beef mixture to one side of the skillet to clear a spot. Drop in the butter, and let it melt until bubbling. Sprinkle in the flour and stir it into the butter, letting it toast for 1 to 2 minutes—this is how you get that toasty, nutty flavor without any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Whisk in Broth and Seasonings

Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly so you end up with a smooth sauce instead of lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and thyme if you want that extra earthy note. Give everything a good stir to combine flavors and let it simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the gravy has thickened nicely.

Step 5: Serve Over Mashed Potatoes

Spoon those fluffy mashed potatoes into bowls or onto plates, and ladle the warm, savory beef and gravy generously on top. Finish with a shower of chopped parsley, and take a moment to enjoy your masterpiece before digging in.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

A finishing touch can make this meal feel a little extra special! A sprinkle of fresh parsley works wonders for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you love a little sharpness, try a scattering of thinly sliced scallions, or even a dusting of black pepper for that restaurant-style look.

Side Dishes

While Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is definitely a meal in itself, it pairs beautifully with simple steamed green beans, buttery peas, or a crisp green salad. For something a bit heartier, serve with dinner rolls to soak up any leftover gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to think outside the bowl: serve the beef and gravy piled high in mini casseroles for individual portions, spoon it into puff pastry cups for party-friendly bites, or even stuff it into baked potatoes for a fun twist. However you plate it, you’ll have everyone diving in for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes into airtight containers and refrigerate. Everything stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 or 4 days, making this a perfect make-ahead meal or meal prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

The beef and gravy freeze beautifully—just let it cool first, then spoon into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Mashed potatoes can be frozen too, but their texture may change slightly after thawing; if you’re planning ahead, consider freezing the components separately for the best results.

Reheating

When you’re ready for leftovers, reheat in the microwave or on the stove over medium-low heat. A splash of beef broth or milk will help bring everything back to its original, saucy glory. Stir gently, heat until piping hot, and enjoy your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes all over again.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are awesome swaps if you’re looking for a lighter twist on classic Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. You may want to add a little more seasoning to punch up the flavor, since turkey and chicken are milder than beef.

What’s the best way to make mashed potatoes for this dish?

Peeled russet potatoes whipped with butter, cream, and a good pinch of salt create a dreamy, creamy base. But here’s a secret: using good-quality store-bought mashed potatoes makes this dinner even simpler, and you’ll still get rave reviews.

Is there a gluten-free way to make this recipe?

Yes! Substitute cornstarch for the flour to thicken the gravy, and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Everything else in Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is already naturally free of gluten.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can swap the butter for your favorite dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free mashed potatoes. The gravy will still be delicious and rich, so everyone can dig in regardless of dietary needs.

How do I avoid lumps in my gravy?

The key is to sprinkle the flour into the melted butter and cook it briefly before slowly adding the broth while whisking constantly. This method ensures your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is always silky smooth and lump-free!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes enough—there’s just something about this meal that feels like coming home. It’s simple, soul-satisfying, and sure to bring smiles to the table. Gather your favorite people, whip this up in under 30 minutes, and let every bite remind you why classic comfort food never goes out of style.

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef in a savory gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef:

1 pound ground beef

Gravy:

1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Mashed Potatoes:

4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)

Garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until browned and onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Make Gravy: Melt butter in the skillet, stir in flour and cook until golden. Gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer until thickened.
Serve: Serve the beef and gravy over mashed potatoes, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!