Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a warm, hearty comfort food dish that combines rich, savory beef gravy with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, satisfying your hunger with delicious flavors that are easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together two classic comfort foods—mashed potatoes and beef gravy—in a simple, yet incredibly satisfying way. The beef gravy is flavorful and thick, enriched with onions, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a savory topping for the smooth mashed potatoes. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a filling meal ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy days or family dinners. Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes:

3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup milk (warm)
6 tbsp butter
2 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Beef Gravy:

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp flour
2 cups beef broth
1 beef bouillon cube
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Mashed Potatoes:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes.
Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
Add warm milk and butter. Mash until creamy using a masher, hand mixer, or ricer.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Beef Gravy:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
(If using lean beef or turkey, drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking.)
Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon cube, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Cover the skillet to keep warm until ready to serve.

To Serve:

Spoon the beef and gravy over a generous portion of mashed potatoes and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Ground Beef Substitution: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy variation.
Cheese: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover mashed potatoes and beef gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of milk or butter to bring back their creamy texture. Reheat the beef gravy in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of potato for the mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can use Russet potatoes or any other variety you prefer. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but any type will work.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef for a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to match the flavor of the turkey.

3. How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?

For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or hand mixer. You can also add more butter and milk for a richer texture.

4. Can I freeze the beef and gravy?

Yes, you can freeze the beef gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

5. What kind of beef broth should I use?

You can use regular beef broth, low-sodium beef broth, or even homemade beef broth for this recipe. Low-sodium is a great option if you’re watching your salt intake.

6. How can I thicken the beef gravy?

If the gravy isn’t thick enough, you can add a little more flour or cornstarch. Mix the flour with some water to form a slurry and stir it into the gravy to thicken it.

7. Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, mashed potatoes can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra butter or milk to restore their texture.

8. Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or a combination of balsamic vinegar and a bit of sugar to mimic the flavor.

9. Can I make the recipe spicier?

Yes! To add spice, you can incorporate hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes into the gravy, adjusting to your preferred heat level.

10. How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from being lumpy?

To avoid lumps, make sure to mash the potatoes while they’re still hot. You can also use a potato ricer for a smooth and creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a timeless, comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the fun variations, you can’t go wrong with this delicious classic.