Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a classic comfort food dish that’s hearty, filling, and full of flavor. The combination of seasoned ground beef, rich brown gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes creates the ultimate cozy meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something satisfying and warm.
Here’s how to make it:
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes)
- 4 tablespoons butter (plus extra for serving)
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust for desired creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
- Sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
Instructions:
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
- Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks (about 1-2 inch pieces) to ensure they cook evenly.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and return them to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a hand mixer until smooth.
- Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, you can also add a spoonful of sour cream or a bit more butter.
- Set aside and keep warm while you prepare the ground beef and gravy.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease from the beef if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and thyme (if using), and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. This will help thicken the gravy. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and continue stirring until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
3. Serve:
- To serve, spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate.
- Top with the ground beef and gravy mixture, making sure to cover the potatoes.
- Optionally, you can add a little more butter on top of the mashed potatoes for extra richness.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Comforting & Hearty: The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and rich beef gravy creates a cozy, filling meal that’s perfect for any time you’re craving comfort food.
- Simple & Flavorful: Ground beef is quick to cook, and the gravy is made with pantry staples like Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, making this an easy dish to prepare any night of the week.
- Versatile: You can easily add vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn on the side to complete the meal.
Tips & Variations:
- Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, you can add chopped carrots, mushrooms, or green peppers to the beef and gravy mixture. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic.
- For a Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy.
- For Lighter Mashed Potatoes: If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the cream and butter with Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream for a creamy texture with fewer calories.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes and beef gravy ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat and combine.
Serving Suggestions:
- Salad: Serve with a green salad or sautéed green beans to balance the richness of the dish.
- Bread: Warm dinner rolls or buttery biscuits are perfect for mopping up the gravy.
- Pickled Vegetables: A side of pickled jalapeños or pickled onions adds a nice tangy contrast to the creamy potatoes.
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a simple yet satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal with family. Enjoy!