The aroma of sizzling ground beef wafting from the skillet can instantly transport me back to cherished family dinners filled with laughter and comfort. Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a cozy dish that never fails to impress, whether it’s a hectic weeknight or a special family gathering. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal that’s not only quick to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delighting both young and old. With creamy mashed potatoes as a luscious base topped with rich, savory gravy, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it can easily be customized to include your favorite vegetables or seasonings, making it adaptable to any palate. Are you ready to discover the magic behind this classic dish? Let’s dig in! Why is this dish so comforting? Hearty, this recipe combines rich ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes, making it an ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Quick preparation means you can serve it up on busy weeknights, delighting your family without the fast food hassle. Versatile options allow you to add veggies like peas or carrots, enhancing both nutrition and taste. Rich flavor from savory gravy elevates the dish to a wholesome meal that warms the soul. Try it alongside a fresh salad for a balanced plate, or check out our Ground Beef Tostadas for another delicious option! Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Ingredients Prepare to indulge in the comforting goodness of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes with these essential ingredients! For the Mashed Potatoes Potatoes – Use Yukon Gold for a creamy texture or red potatoes for chunkiness. Milk – Adds creaminess; for a dairy-free version, try almond milk. Butter – Enhances richness; substitute for vegan butter if necessary. For the Beef Gravy Ground Beef – The star ingredient; feel free to swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Beef Broth – Creates the savory depth of the gravy; adjust thickness as desired. Worcestershire Sauce – Provides a boost of flavor; soy sauce can be a perfect alternative. Salt & Pepper – Essential for bringing all the flavors together. Let’s get cooking and create some delicious memories! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes Peel and chop about 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes into equal pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the potatoes are tender (about 15–20 minutes), drain them thoroughly. In the same pot, add ¼ cup of milk and 4 tablespoons of butter, mashing until creamy and smooth. Set aside while you work on the gravy. Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for 8–10 minutes or until it’s browned and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet, keeping the beef in the pan to prepare the gravy. Step 3: Make the Gravy With the skillet still on medium heat, add 1 cup of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the cooked ground beef. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture come to a simmer, cooking for about 5–7 minutes until it thickens into a rich gravy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more broth if needed. Step 4: Serve Spoon the delicious ground beef and gravy generously over the creamy mashed potatoes on each plate. Make sure to let the beautiful layers of flavors shine, and serve warm. Enjoy this hearty version of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes as a comforting meal that warms your soul and delights your family! What to Serve with Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes? There’s something magical about creating a comforting meal experience that warms the heart and fills the belly. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky crunch of toast adds a delightful contrast, perfect for soaking up extra gravy. Steamed Broccoli: Fresh, vibrant steamed broccoli provides a subtle bitterness that balances the richness of the dish beautifully. Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy slaw serves as a refreshing palate cleanser, enhancing the comforting flavors on your plate. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing offer a burst of texture and flavor, making your meal feel even more indulgent. Apple Pie: A warm slice of apple pie for dessert rounds out this comfort meal, adding sweet memories to your dining experience. Sweet Iced Tea: This sweet and refreshing beverage pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of the ground beef gravy. Roasted Carrots: Caramelized sweetness and slight crunch from roasted carrots complement the savory mashed potatoes and gravy. Corn on the Cob: The juicy, tender kernels provide a delightful pop, enriching each bite with bursts of sweetness. Chocolate Cake: End your meal on a decadent note with rich chocolate cake, a perfect contrast to the savory main dish. Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Variations Get ready to spark your creativity in the kitchen with these delightful twists on this comfort classic! Vegetable Boost: Add peas, carrots, or mushrooms for a nutritious and colorful upgrade that enhances the flavor profiles. Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the gravy for a gentle heat that warms the soul. Herbed Twist: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the gravy. Their fragrance will elevate the dish and add a fresh, vibrant touch. Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to the mashed potatoes for a creamy, cheesy delight that your family will adore. Sour Cream: Replace some of the milk with sour cream in the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the gravy. Instant Pot: Use an Instant Pot for a quicker cooking method. Sauté the beef and prepare the gravy all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! Gourmet Gravy: Swap out beef broth for a rich red wine for the gravy to impart deep flavors and an Italian flair. Mashed Cauliflower: For a low-carb version, substitute mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower; it’s still creamy and delicious while cutting calories. These variations make this dish an exciting creation each time you prepare it. And if you’re looking for other family favorites, don’t forget to check out our delicious Cheesy Beef Wraps or our hearty Beef Chow Mein for more cozy meal options! Expert Tips for Ground Beef and Gravy Choose Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while still enjoying a rich flavor in your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. Perfectly Creamy Potatoes: Always drain the potatoes well and mash them while hot to achieve an ultra-creamy texture—this prevents them from becoming gummy. Adjust Gravy Thickness: If your gravy turns out too thick, add more beef broth gradually while stirring to achieve the perfect consistency without losing flavor. Season Wisely: Don’t be shy with your seasonings! Start with salt and pepper, but feel free to add garlic powder or onion powder for an extra flavor boost in your gravy. Make It Ahead: Prepare the mashed potatoes and beef gravy in advance; store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them for an easy weeknight dinner! Freezing Tips: For longer storage, freeze both components separately. They will keep for up to 3 months, and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating. Make Ahead Options These Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a comforting dinner ready to go on busy weeknights! You can prepare the mashed potatoes and beef gravy separately up to 3 days in advance. Simply make the mashed potatoes, let them cool, and then refrigerate them in an airtight container. For the gravy, follow the recipe instructions and refrigerate it separately within an hour of cooling. To maintain quality, ensure everything is well-sealed to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the mashed potatoes and gravy on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, and enjoy a delightful, homemade meal with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the ground beef and gravy separately from the mashed potatoes in airtight containers. They can last up to 3 months. Thawing: To enjoy later, thaw the containers overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Heat the mashed potatoes with a splash of milk to keep them creamy and reheat the gravy on low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed. Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right potatoes for mashed potatoes? Absolutely! For creamy mashed potatoes, I recommend Yukon Gold potatoes due to their buttery texture. If you prefer a chunkier feel, red potatoes are excellent, but make sure to choose ones that are free of dark spots and blemishes. How should I store leftovers of this dish? Very! To keep your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of milk to the mashed potatoes if they seem dry. Can I freeze the components of this dish? Absolutely! You can freeze both the ground beef gravy and mashed potatoes separately. Just make sure they are in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. What should I do if my mashed potatoes are too watery? Oh no! If your mashed potatoes turn out watery, don’t fret. First, you can try mashing them with a bit more butter or cream while they’re hot to help absorb some of the moisture. Another option is to place them back on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to evaporate some excess water, but be careful not to overcook them. Are there any dietary concerns with this dish? Yes, definitely consider allergies! This recipe is friendly for many, but if cooking for guests with dietary restrictions, always ask about allergies related to dairy and gluten. To make this dish more inclusive, you can use almond milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version and swap the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative. Hearty Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Bliss Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a comforting dish that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 4 platesCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Mashed Potatoes2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes for chunkiness¼ cup milk or almond milk for dairy-free version4 tablespoons butter or vegan butter if necessaryFor the Beef Gravy1 pound ground beef or ground turkey/chicken for lighter option1 cup beef broth adjust thickness as desired1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce as a perfect alternativesaltpepper Equipment Large PotLarge skilletWooden spoon Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPeel and chop about 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes into equal pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once tender (about 15-20 minutes), drain thoroughly. Add ¼ cup of milk and 4 tablespoons of butter in the same pot, mashing until creamy and smooth. Set aside.In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat from the skillet, keeping the beef in the pan.With the skillet still on medium heat, add 1 cup of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the cooked ground beef. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick.Spoon the delicious ground beef and gravy generously over the creamy mashed potatoes on each plate. Enjoy warm! Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg NotesOpt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat. Always drain the potatoes well and mash while hot for creaminess. Adjust gravy thickness if needed, and feel free to add more seasonings to taste. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
