Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining rich, savory gravy with tender ground beef and fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes, it comes together quickly and satisfies every bite with familiar, cozy flavors. This dish is perfect for family dinners or anytime you want to treat yourself to a classic dish that fills both your belly and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays its essential role. From hearty ground beef to creamy mashed potatoes, these ingredients blend perfectly to create a luscious texture and comforting taste you’ll adore.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the protein base and a rich, meaty flavor essential to the dish.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor enhancing the overall savory profile.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix: Conveniently thickens and flavors the sauce, making it irresistibly smooth.
- 2 cups water: Used to prepare the gravy, creating the perfect consistency without guilt.
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced: The fluffy foundation of the mashed potatoes, providing the perfect canvas for the gravy.
- 1/4 cup butter: Infuses richness and velvety texture into the mashed potatoes.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the mashed potatoes while keeping them creamy and smooth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart gently with a spatula so it cooks evenly. This step creates a flavorful base packed with meaty goodness that’s crucial for the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook together until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. This brings a natural sweetness and wonderfully aromatic undertone to the gravy later on.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
In a separate bowl, mix the brown gravy packet with the 2 cups of water following the package instructions. Pour this mixture over the cooked beef and onions in the skillet. This step transforms the skillet into a rich, thick sauce that’s the heart of the Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened
Lower the heat and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. The gravy will thicken nicely as it absorbs the flavors from the beef and aromatics. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure a luscious consistency.
Step 5: Boil and Mash Potatoes
While the gravy simmers, place your diced potatoes in a pot of boiling water. Cook until tender—around 15 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This step delivers the soft, buttery base that perfectly balances the savory gravy topping.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, spoon a generous portion of the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates and ladle the warm ground beef gravy mixture over the top. This cozy combination makes every bite satisfying, comforting, and downright delicious.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top brightens the dish visually and adds a burst of fresh flavor. A dash of paprika or cracked black pepper can also add a subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the rich gravy.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish shines as the main attraction but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted carrots. These lighter sides provide a refreshing contrast and boost the meal’s overall balance and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mashed potatoes tucked inside a hollowed-out bread bowl and pour the beef and gravy inside it—guaranteed to impress guests. Or layer the potatoes and beef mixture in a casserole dish, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly for a comforting shepherd’s pie-inspired version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the mashed potatoes and beef with gravy separately in airtight containers. This keeps the textures intact and prevents the gravy from making the potatoes soggy. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best taste.
Freezing
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe freezes well if portions are packed individually. Freeze mashed potatoes and beef gravy in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the beef and gravy gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Heat mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or butter to refresh their creamy texture. Combining them after reheating keeps everything delicious.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well with the gravy, though the flavor will be slightly lighter. You might want to adjust seasonings to enhance the taste.
Is it possible to make mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter for a plant-based margarine or olive oil, and use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of regular milk—your mashed potatoes will still be creamy and tasty.
Can I make the gravy from scratch instead of using a mix?
Of course! A homemade gravy with beef broth, flour, and your favorite seasonings can add a personal touch, but using the packet keeps this recipe super quick and convenient.
What type of potatoes works best for mashed potatoes?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they mash smoothly and absorb butter and milk beautifully, giving you that perfect fluffy texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free brown gravy mix or prepare a homemade gluten-free gravy with cornstarch or tapioca starch as a thickener. Double-check all your ingredients to keep it safe.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a timeless classic that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s simple enough for weeknights but satisfying enough to feel like a treat. Once you try it, its comforting flavors and easy prep may just make it your new favorite go-to dinner for cold evenings or whenever you want to feel truly nourished. Give it a shot—you’ll love how it brings warmth to your table and smiles all around.
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Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty classic American dish featuring savory ground beef cooked in rich brown gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this meal combines simple ingredients with straightforward preparation for a satisfying plate of home-style goodness.
Ingredients
Beef and Gravy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 2 cups water
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until evenly browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even frying and no large clumps remain.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare Gravy: In a separate bowl, mix the brown gravy packet with 2 cups of water according to package instructions to create the gravy, then pour it over the cooked beef mixture in the skillet.
- Simmer the Gravy and Beef: Reduce the heat and let the beef and gravy simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken and flavors to meld well.
- Boil Potatoes: While the gravy is simmering, place the peeled and diced potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, then mash until creamy and smooth with your preferred mashing tool.
- Serve: Plate a generous portion of the mashed potatoes and top with the ground beef and thickened brown gravy mixture. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add some Worcestershire sauce or herbs like thyme to the beef while cooking.
- Use russet potatoes for fluffier mashed potatoes.
- Adjust the amount of milk and butter to reach your preferred mashed potato consistency.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, use slightly less water or add a cornstarch slurry to the skillet.
- Leftover beef and gravy can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
