There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm plate of ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes. It’s like a hug in food form! I remember my grandma making this dish on chilly evenings, and the aroma would fill the whole house, making everyone gather around the table. The savory beef simmered in rich gravy, paired with fluffy mashed potatoes, creates a deliciously satisfying meal that warms the soul. Trust me, this recipe is super easy to whip up and perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a little extra comfort in your life. You’ll love it!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients for a hearty meal that will delight your taste buds! You’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean beef for a balanced flavor without too much grease.
- 1 onion, diced: A medium onion works wonders for flavor; just chop it up finely.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds amazing depth—don’t skip it!
- 2 cups beef broth: This is what makes your gravy rich and savory.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Helps to thicken your gravy; all-purpose works best.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: For that umami kick that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking for the perfect finish.
- 4 cups mashed potatoes: You can make them from scratch or use instant for a quick option!
How to Prepare Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Let’s get cooking! This dish comes together quickly, and the steps are super straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
Cooking the Beef Mixture
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent—this should take another 3-4 minutes. The smell? Absolutely heavenly!
Making the Gravy
Next up, sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir everything together until it’s well combined. Now, slowly pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to really bring out those flavors!
Preparing the Mashed Potatoes
While your beef and gravy are simmering, whip up your mashed potatoes. If you’re in a hurry, instant mashed potatoes are a great option—just follow the package instructions. Otherwise, make them from scratch for that extra creamy goodness. Either way, you want them ready to serve under that delicious beef and gravy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This meal comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Comforting Flavors: The rich, savory beef gravy over creamy mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food combo.
- Versatility: You can easily add veggies like peas or carrots for a nutritious twist.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves this dish, from kids to adults—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Leftover Bliss: The flavors only get better the next day, making great leftovers for lunch!
Tips for Success
Here are some pro tips to ensure your ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes turns out perfectly every time!
- Don’t rush the browning: Let the beef get a nice brown color; it adds depth to the flavor.
- Season gradually: Taste your gravy as it simmers and adjust the seasoning to your preference for the best flavor.
- Use high-quality beef broth: A good broth makes all the difference in flavor—homemade is even better if you have it!
- Keep the gravy warm: If you’re making the potatoes ahead of time, keep the gravy on low heat so it stays warm until serving.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding a dash of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor in the gravy.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this dish! For starters, consider adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans right into the beef mixture for a pop of color and nutrition. You could even throw in some mushrooms for an earthy flavor! If you’re craving a little heat, a dash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes can spice things up. Want to make it a bit different? Swap out the beef for ground turkey or even plant-based meat for a lighter version. And don’t forget to experiment with seasonings—a sprinkle of Italian herbs or a bit of smoked paprika can bring a whole new vibe to your gravy. Enjoy making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers is super simple! Just transfer any uneaten ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll last for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave—just cover it and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid hot spots!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that it may be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a little extra seasoning to enhance the flavor.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. It’ll still give you a delicious gravy, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and gravy in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve over freshly made mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for meal prep!
How do I make my mashed potatoes extra creamy?
For super creamy mashed potatoes, add a splash of milk or cream and a bit of butter while mashing. Mixing in some sour cream works wonders too!
Can I add vegetables to the ground beef?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like peas, carrots, or corn to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in while the beef is cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection.
For tips on cooking techniques, visit Serious Eats.
Print
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes: 5 Comforting Steps
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ground beef and gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
- Slowly add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly.
- Let the mixture simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the beef and gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use instant mashed potatoes for a quick option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots for more nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef, gravy, mashed potatoes