Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food. Combining creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with rich, savory beef gravy, this dish is a timeless favorite perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknights. In this article, you’ll learn how to create this easy yet flavorful dish while exploring creative twists to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe embodies the essence of hearty, comforting meals. It’s affordable, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re using fresh ingredients or taking shortcuts with instant mashed potatoes and canned gravy, the results are always satisfying. For a similar comforting classic, try our Perfect Pot Roast Seasoning and Tips for a beefy twist on a traditional favorite.
What’s more, this dish is versatile enough to pair with other recipes like our Autumn Squash Soup, adding a vibrant side to this indulgent meal.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or all-purpose flour for thickening)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: Add mushrooms or frozen peas for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the potatoes.
- Cook for 7–10 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them with a masher or fork.
- Gradually mix in butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened.
3. Make the Gravy
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and ¼ cup beef broth until smooth.
- Add the remaining broth to the skillet, followed by the cornstarch mixture.
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until the gravy thickens.
4. Assemble the Dish
- Plate the mashed potatoes, forming a smooth bed.
- Spoon the ground beef and gravy mixture generously over the potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve warm.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth for the gravy.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Serve the gravy over cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the gravy for a deeper umami flavor.
For another comforting dinner idea, check out our Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas, a dish that’s equally satisfying and easy to make.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes with:
- Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
- A fresh side salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Crusty bread to soak up the gravy.
Complete your meal with a sweet treat like our Coconut Pie with Cream of Coconut, offering the perfect dessert to end your feast.
Tips for Success
- Gravy Too Thick? Add a splash of broth to thin it out.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the dish on the stovetop or microwave, adding a bit of broth to maintain moisture.
FAQs
What’s the best ground beef to use?
Lean ground beef is ideal for this dish as it reduces excess grease while still providing rich flavor.
Can I use canned gravy instead?
Yes! Canned beef gravy works perfectly for a quicker version of this recipe.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use cornstarch as a thickener for the gravy and ensure the beef broth is gluten-free.
What are alternatives to mashed potatoes?
Rice, egg noodles, or cauliflower mash are excellent substitutes for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a timeless classic that’s both comforting and versatile. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or customize it with your favorite flavors, this dish is sure to please the whole family. For more meal ideas, explore our Beef and Vegetable Stew: A Comforting Classic for another hearty option.
Let us know your favorite way to enjoy this recipe and share your unique twists!
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Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes: A Hearty and Simple Classic
Description
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food. Combining creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with rich, savory beef gravy, this dish is a timeless favorite perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknights. In this article, you’ll learn how to create this easy yet flavorful dish while exploring creative twists to make it your own.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or all-purpose flour for thickening)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: Add mushrooms or frozen peas for extra flavor and texture.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the potatoes.
- Cook for 7–10 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them with a masher or fork.
- Gradually mix in butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened.
3. Make the Gravy
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and ¼ cup beef broth until smooth.
- Add the remaining broth to the skillet, followed by the cornstarch mixture.
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until the gravy thickens.
4. Assemble the Dish
- Plate the mashed potatoes, forming a smooth bed.
- Spoon the ground beef and gravy mixture generously over the potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve warm.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Gravy Too Thick? Add a splash of broth to thin it out.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the dish on the stovetop or microwave, adding a bit of broth to maintain moisture.