Hearty Ground Beef And Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Cozy Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

When comfort meets culinary magic, a ground beef and gravy recipe becomes the ultimate soul-warming dish.

Slow-cooked ground beef creates a rich, savory experience that melts in your mouth.

Tender meat swimming in a luscious, velvety gravy promises pure satisfaction.

Each spoonful over creamy mashed potatoes delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

The simple ingredients transform into a hearty meal that speaks directly to your hunger.

This classic comfort food turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this timeless, comforting recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 4

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes: Ingredients

For Base Starch:
  • Potatoes: Essential for creating creamy, comforting base with rich texture, choose starchy varieties like Russet for best mashing results.
For Meat and Aromatics:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty protein that provides robust flavor and satisfying substance, select lean cut for better texture.
  • Onion: Adds depth and sweetness, fresh yellow onions work best for balanced taste.
  • Garlic: Introduces aromatic punch and complexity to the dish, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.
For Gravy and Seasoning:
  • Flour: Thickening agent that creates silky smooth gravy texture, all-purpose works perfectly.
  • Beef Broth: Builds rich, meaty foundation for gravy, low-sodium recommended for better control.
  • Butter: Enhances richness and provides luxurious mouthfeel, unsalted preferred for seasoning control.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami and tangy undertones, adds sophisticated depth.
  • Soy Sauce: Optional ingredient for extra savory complexity, use sparingly.
  • Milk: Creates smooth, creamy mashed potato consistency, whole milk recommended.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating overall flavor profile.
  • Onion Powder: Provides concentrated onion essence, great for additional layering.
  • Paprika: Offers subtle warmth and beautiful color garnish, sweet variety suggested.
  • Parsley: Optional fresh garnish for brightness and visual appeal.

Tools That Make This Comfort Food Dream

  • Large Pot: Essential for boiling and draining potatoes, with enough space to hold and mash them.
  • Potato Masher or Ricer: Perfect for creating smooth, creamy mashed potatoes without lumps.
  • Large Skillet: Ideal for browning ground beef and cooking onions with even heat distribution.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring beef, breaking it into crumbles, and mixing gravy.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements in both potato and gravy preparation.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for cutting potatoes and chopping onions precisely.
  • Colander: Used for draining potatoes after boiling.

How to Cook Ground Beef and Gravy from Scratch

How to Cook Ground Beef and Gravy from Scratch
  • Potato Preparation

Grab potatoes and slice them into chunks. Toss into a big pot with water and a dash of salt. Boil until soft and tender. Drain and return to pot. Mash with creamy butter and milk, seasoning with salt and pepper until silky smooth. Keep warm.

  • Beef Browning

Heat a skillet and crumble ground beef, cooking until it turns golden brown. Drain any excess fat. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent.

  • Gravy Creation

Dust flour over beef mixture, stirring thoroughly. Pour in beef broth slowly while whisking to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and a splash of seasoning. Let simmer until the sauce transforms into a rich, velvety consistency.

  • Plating Magic

Spread fluffy mashed potatoes onto plates. Cascade the hearty beef gravy over the top, creating a comforting mountain of deliciousness.

  • Finishing Touch

Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Seasoning Tweaks for More Depth or Kick

  • Potato Perfection Techniques: Boil potatoes whole with skin on for richer flavor and easier peeling after cooking.
  • Lean Meat Magic: Choose ground beef with 85% lean meat for optimal taste and reduced greasiness without sacrificing juiciness.
  • Gravy Smoothness Hack: Whisk flour gradually and continuously to prevent lumps, creating silky-smooth sauce every single time.
  • Dietary Flexibility Options
  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend
  • Vegetarian Twist: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushroom mixture
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash or roasted turnips.

Plate It High Over Mashed Potatoes

  • Comfort Food Comfort Station: Create a cozy dinner setting with warm, rustic plates that highlight the hearty ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Veggie Boost Buddy: Add roasted carrots, steamed green beans, or sautéed broccoli on the side to increase nutritional value and provide a fresh color contrast to the rich brown gravy.
  • Bread Pairing Paradise: Serve with warm dinner rolls, crusty French bread, or buttered garlic toast to help soak up the delicious gravy and complete the meal's satisfying experience.
  • Herb Harmony Helper: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top for a bright flavor pop and elegant restaurant-style presentation that adds a touch of freshness to the comforting dish.

Store the Gravy Without Getting Clumpy

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food quality.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Package individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Ground beef and gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing taste or texture.
  • Smart Reheating Method: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare mashed potatoes and beef gravy separately up to 2 days in advance. Keep components refrigerated in separate containers. Reheat gently before combining and serving for a quick, delicious meal.
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Hearty Ground Beef And Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef And Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Classic ground beef gravy cascades over creamy mashed potatoes in this hearty Midwestern comfort dish. Home cooks appreciate its simple ingredients and quick preparation, delivering warmth and satisfaction to the family table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russets)
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) beef broth
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk (or more, as needed)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: Peel and quarter potatoes, immerse in salted water within a large pot, and bring to a vigorous boil until fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  2. Mashed Potato Transformation: Drain potatoes, return to pot, and whip with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until achieving a silky, luxurious texture.
  3. Beef Browning: Sear ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking into fine crumbles until golden-brown, then discard excess fat.
  4. Aromatic Infusion: Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, then dust with flour, toasting briefly to eliminate raw flour taste.
  5. Gravy Development: Gradually pour beef broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth base, then incorporate Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, paprika, and butter.
  6. Flavor Refinement: Reduce heat, allowing gravy to simmer and thicken while developing rich, complex flavors; season judiciously with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Plating Finale: Mound creamy mashed potatoes on plates, generously cascade beef and gravy overtop, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for enhanced visual and flavor appeal.

Notes

  • Potato Perfection: Ensure potatoes are cut uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Fat Management: Drain excess beef fat completely to prevent gravy from becoming overly greasy or heavy.
  • Flour Technique: Toast flour briefly to eliminate raw taste and enhance the gravy’s depth of flavor and richness.
  • Seasoning Strategy: Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, adding small amounts to achieve balanced flavor without overwhelming the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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