Ground Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s an all-in-one comfort meal. The ground beef in savory gravy is so flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes. The savory, umami-rich gravy brings everything together in a way that’s absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding mushrooms or peas for extra flavor and texture. It’s the kind of dish that reminds me of home-cooked meals and is perfect for when I want something hearty and filling.

Ingredients

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

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: sliced mushrooms or peas for added flavor

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/4 cup butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes: In a large pot, I bring water to a boil and add the quartered potatoes. I boil them for about 20 minutes until they’re tender. Once they’re done, I drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Then, I add the milk and butter, mashing the potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy. I season with salt and pepper, cover them, and set them aside to keep warm.

2. Cook the ground beef and gravy: In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef until it’s browned. I drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic (and mushrooms if using) to the beef. I cook everything together until the onions are softened.

3. I sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to coat. I cook it for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to thicken the mixture slightly. Then, I gradually stir in the beef broth, making sure there are no lumps. I add Worcestershire sauce and thyme, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. I season it with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the dish: On each plate, I spoon a generous amount of creamy mashed potatoes. Then, I top them with the hearty ground beef and gravy mixture, ensuring there’s plenty of savory goodness to go around.

5. Serve hot: I serve the dish hot and enjoy every comforting bite.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: I can add peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture in the beef gravy.

• Use ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner option, I can swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

• Cheesy mashed potatoes: If I want to take the mashed potatoes up a notch, I can add shredded cheese to the potatoes for a cheesy twist.

• Spicy twist: I can add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the gravy for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, I can warm the beef and gravy in a skillet over medium heat, and reheat the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stove with a little added milk to bring them back to a creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh mashed potatoes are best for this recipe, I can use instant mashed potatoes if I’m in a pinch. Just be sure to prepare them according to package instructions.

Can I make the ground beef and gravy in advance?

Yes, I can make the beef and gravy in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when ready to serve. The gravy will thicken as it cools, so I might need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.

Can I freeze the ground beef and gravy?

Yes, I can freeze the ground beef and gravy for up to 3 months. To reheat, I would thaw it in the fridge overnight and then heat it in a skillet, adding a little extra broth if necessary to thin the gravy.

Can I add different seasonings to the gravy?

Absolutely! I can experiment with adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a bit of red wine to the gravy to add depth and flavor.

Can I make this recipe without Worcestershire sauce?

If I don’t have Worcestershire sauce, I can substitute it with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a similar umami flavor.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is the perfect comfort food dish. It’s filling, flavorful, and so easy to make. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and savory ground beef in rich gravy is absolutely irresistible, and it’s sure to be a family favorite. Whether I’m making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe never disappoints!