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If you are craving that comforting, hearty meal that hugs you from the inside out, this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes topped with rich, savory ground beef cooked in a luscious gravy that brings everything together in a warm, satisfying way. Whether you need a meal to satisfy a busy weeknight or a dish to cozy up the whole family, this recipe brings incredible flavor with approachable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these straightforward, staple ingredients together is all you need to whip up a truly memorable dish. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, resulting in a balanced and irresistible plate.
- Ground beef: The heart of this recipe, providing rich protein and a hearty base for the gravy.
- Onion: Finely diced to add sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Minced for a subtle, aromatic punch that brightens the dish.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent to create that perfect gravy consistency.
- Beef broth: Builds a savory liquid base that transforms into a flavorful gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds an umami explosion that enhances the meaty notes beautifully.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors throughout.
- Frozen peas and carrots (optional): Provide a splash of color and a sweet vegetable boost to round out the dish.
- Potatoes: The star of the mashed potatoes—four large yield a creamy, fluffy base.
- Milk: Blended in the mashed potatoes for smoothness and richness.
- Butter: Adds that silky, indulgent touch to the potatoes.
How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by washing, peeling, and quartering your potatoes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, which usually takes about 20 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure your mashed potatoes turn out fluffy and without lumps.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Be generous with the butter and milk for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to bring out all those buttery potato flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
While the potatoes are cooking, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, stirring occasionally. Once cooked through and browned evenly, drain any excess fat for a lean yet flavorful base for your gravy.
Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Into the same skillet, toss in the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them until the onions turn translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. This step unlocks their sweetness and layers that classic comforting aroma into your dish.
Step 5: Prepare the Gravy
Sprinkle all-purpose flour evenly over the beef and onions, stirring constantly. Cooking for about 2 minutes here eliminates any floury taste, allowing it to meld smoothly into the gravy later.
Step 6: Add Beef Broth and Worcestershire Sauce
Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor and scrape the skillet bottom to incorporate those tasty browned bits into your gravy. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens to the perfect consistency, usually about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Incorporate Peas and Carrots (Optional)
If you want a splash of color and added nutrients, stir in frozen peas and carrots during the last few minutes of simmering. This step warms them through while keeping them crisp and vibrant, balancing the rich gravy beautifully.
Step 8: Serve Your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Spoon creamy mashed potatoes onto plates, and generously ladle the savory ground beef and gravy mixture on top. If you like, a sprinkle of fresh herbs makes a lovely garnish to finish things off.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich, meaty gravy. These little touches elevate the dish visually and brighten your bite.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a fresh, crunchy side. You can also offer warm dinner rolls to sop up every last bit of that luscious gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and a dash of paprika for color. It’s a playful way to please both kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This meal keeps well for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or reheated dinners.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, both the mashed potatoes and ground beef gravy freeze beautifully. Package them separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months to maintain their best quality.
Reheating
Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, especially for the mashed potatoes. Heating gently helps preserve the texture and flavor of this comforting classic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well as alternatives if you want a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure it’s cooked through.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener such as cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. This tweak will maintain the gravy’s perfect thickness without gluten.
Can I make mashed potatoes creamier?
Definitely! Adding extra butter, cream cheese, or warming your milk before mixing can give your mashed potatoes an incredibly smooth and luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Besides the optional peas and carrots, try stirring in finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers when sautéing the onions. This adds more nutrients and flavor complexity.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover gravy without it separating?
Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a little extra beef broth or water can help restore the gravy’s silky consistency if it thickens too much or separates.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm, cozy embrace on a plate. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do—each bite brings that perfect blend of comfort and flavor that feels like home. Don’t wait for a special occasion to dive into this tasty classic; it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary day into something wonderful.
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Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty dish featuring savory ground beef gravy served over creamy homemade mashed potatoes. This classic meal combines tender potatoes with flavorful, thickened beef gravy enhanced with onions, garlic, and optional peas and carrots for added color and nutrition. Perfect for a family dinner or cozy meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Gravy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes into a large saucepan and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the saucepan. Add the milk and butter, then mash using a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and tender.
- Prepare the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked beef and onion mixture, stirring constantly to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Beef Broth and Worcestershire Sauce: Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously to blend the mixture smoothly. Add Worcestershire sauce and scrape the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits into the gravy. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Peas and Carrots (Optional): If using, add frozen peas and carrots during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir gently to warm them through while maintaining their color and texture.
- Serve: Spoon a portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate, then ladle the ground beef and gravy mixture over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer gravy, use homemade beef broth or add a splash of heavy cream.
- You can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier mashed texture.
- Adjust the milk and butter quantities to achieve preferred mash consistency.
- Optional peas and carrots add color and nutrients but can be omitted or replaced with other vegetables.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
