Cozy Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ground beef and gravy epitomize classic comfort food, revamping simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal that resonates with memories of family dinners.

Hearty proteins mingle with velvety potato landscapes, creating a harmonious blend of rustic flavors and textures.

Robust seasonings elevate this dish beyond basic sustenance, promising a warm embrace on chilly evenings.

Tender meat nestled against pillowy potato clouds speaks a universal language of nourishment and care.

Home cooks love how effortlessly these ingredients dance together, producing a plate that feels simultaneously nostalgic and exciting.

Familiar yet never predictable, this meal connects generations through its unpretentious deliciousness.

Why This Dish Feels Like a Hug in Every Bite

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A classic one-skillet meal that wraps you in warmth with its rich, satisfying ground beef and creamy mashed potato combination.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare this delicious dinner in just 30 minutes, requiring minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques perfect for busy families.
• Enjoy Protein-Packed Nutrition: Balanced meal delivers substantial protein (24g) with vegetables, providing a wholesome dinner that keeps you full and energized without complicated preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple modifications like adding different herbs, changing vegetables, or adjusting seasoning to match personal taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

What Goes Into That Rich Gravy and Creamy Mash

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the meat sauce, best when lean for less grease and richer flavor.
• Potatoes: Starchy and creamy base that provides comforting texture and absorbs the delicious gravy perfectly.
• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that add depth and aromatic complexity to the meat sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Thyme: Optional herb that brings a subtle earthy and slightly minty note to the gravy.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami depth that elevates the meats richness.
• Beef Broth: Provides liquid base for the gravy and intensifies the meaty flavor profile.
• Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create a smooth, rich gravy consistency.
• Milk, Butter: Create a creamy, luxurious texture for the mashed potatoes.
• Frozen Peas, Carrots: Add color, nutrition, and a slight sweetness to the meat sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish that brings a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Beef and Gravy Like Grandma Used To

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Wash and peel potatoes, then cut into quarters. Place in a large pot and cover completely with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and easily mashed.

Step 2: Create Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Drain potatoes thoroughly. Return to pot and add butter and milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cover to keep warm while preparing remaining components.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles using a spatula. Cook until completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat from the skillet.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté for 3-5 minutes until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma.

Step 5: Create Gravy Base

Sprinkle flour evenly over the beef and onion mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat and cook for 2 minutes, which helps eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 6: Build Rich Gravy

• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Simmer for 5 minutes until gravy thickens and develops deep flavor.

Step 7: Add Vegetable Boost

Stir in frozen peas and carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are heated through.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Spread a generous bed of mashed potatoes on each plate. Ladle beef gravy over the potatoes. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Tips for Extra-Savory Flavor and Silky Potatoes

• Choose Lean Beef: Select ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content for optimal flavor and texture without excess grease.
• Prevent Lumpy Gravy: Whisk flour slowly and steadily into the meat mixture, ensuring smooth incorporation before adding broth.
• Maximize Potato Creaminess: Warm milk and butter before mixing into mashed potatoes for a silkier, more luxurious consistency.
• Control Seasoning Carefully: Taste beef broth before adding salt, as some brands are already quite salty and can quickly overpower the dish.
• Elevate Presentation: Use a large ice cream scoop to create perfect mashed potato mounds, then top with gravy for a restaurant-style plating technique.

Store It Right for Delicious Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Transfer remaining beef and potatoes into airtight containers, separating them if possible. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep containers flat to maintain best texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing Method: Package cooled ground beef gravy and mashed potatoes separately in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheating Strategy: Thaw overnight in refrigerator if frozen. Warm mashed potatoes in microwave, adding small splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Reheat beef gravy in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Comfort Pairings That Complete This Down-Home Dish

• Elevate Comfort with Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the hearty beef and rich gravy, cutting through the creamy potatoes with its tannic structure.
• Pair with Crisp Salad Contrast: Prepare a light green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the dish's heaviness, adding fresh acidity and crunch that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Serve with Tangy Pickles: Add a side of dill pickles or quick-pickled vegetables to introduce a zesty, acidic element that cuts through the richness of the beef and mashed potatoes, creating a delightful flavor contrast.
• Enhance with Beer Companion: Choose a medium-bodied amber ale or lager that matches the dish's robust flavors, providing a smooth, malty backdrop that harmonizes with the ground beef's savory profile.

Twist It Up With Additions That Pack Even More Warmth

• Hearty Shepherd's Switch: Replace ground beef with ground lamb, traditional to shepherd's pie, and add a layer of roasted vegetables underneath the meat for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced green chiles, chili powder, and cumin to the beef gravy, then top with shredded pepper jack cheese and chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mushroom Lovers' Edition: Sauté sliced cremini or button mushrooms with the onions, adding a rich umami depth to the gravy and creating an earthy, robust alternative for mushroom enthusiasts.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Swap ground beef for crumbled plant-based meat alternatives or hearty lentils, keeping the creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy base intact for a satisfying meat-free version.

Ground Beef And Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes brings comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens, combining rich seasoned beef with creamy potato perfection. Savory meat nestled atop fluffy potatoes invites you to enjoy a classic home-style meal that warms both heart and hunger.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas and carrots (optional)

Gravy and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) thyme
• Salt and pepper (as needed)

Mashed Potato Components:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) potatoes
• ¼ cup (57 grams) butter
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Wash and peel potatoes, then quarter them into roughly equal-sized chunks to ensure uniform cooking. Place the potato pieces in a large pot and cover completely with cold water, ensuring at least 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) of water above the potatoes.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they can be easily pierced with a fork without resistance.
3. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander, then return them to the original pot. Add unsalted butter and whole milk, mashing with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spatula, cooking until no pink remains and the beef is evenly browned.
5. Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving approximately for flavor. Add finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
6. Sprinkle all-purpose flour evenly over the meat mixture, stirring continuously to coat and prevent clumping. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
7. Slowly pour beef broth into the skillet, stirring constantly to create a smooth gravy. Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, then reduce heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
8. Optional: Stir in frozen peas and carrots, allowing them to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
9. Plate the creamy mashed potatoes and top generously with the savory beef gravy. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Notes

• Hearty home-cooking requires patience and love while preparing each layer of this comforting meal.
• Ground beef transforms into a rich, savory gravy that perfectly complements creamy mashed potatoes.
• Frozen vegetables add bright color and extra nutrition to this classic family-friendly dinner.
• Worcestershire sauce creates depth and complexity in the meat sauce, elevating simple ingredients.
• Proper seasoning and careful stirring ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy that clings beautifully to tender ground beef.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg