Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes: A Hearty Comfort Meal
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes recipe is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. The combination of tender ground beef, rich and flavorful gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes creates a meal that is simple yet deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or craving a cozy homemade meal, this dish is remarkably easy to prepare while delivering bold flavors.
The savory ground beef, browned to perfection, is simmered in a delicious, homemade brown gravy seasoned with garlic, onions, and black pepper. When paired with fluffy mashed potatoes, the dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Best of all, this meal can be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy the satisfaction of a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Savory, rich, and slightly buttery with a hint of garlic and onion.
- Texture: Tender ground beef in a thick, velvety gravy with creamy, smooth mashed potatoes.
- Aroma: Warm, comforting, with the scent of caramelized onions and roasted beef.
- Visual Appeal: A golden-brown gravy glistening over fluffy white mashed potatoes.
- Skill Level Needed: Ideal for beginner cooks, requiring simple sautéing and simmering techniques.
- Special Equipment: A large skillet for browning beef and a saucepan for mashed potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food. The robust, flavorful gravy coats each bite of tender ground beef, offering an indulgent taste experience. The mashed potatoes serve as the perfect vehicle to soak up every bit of the savory gravy, creating a filling, satisfying meal.
Preparing this dish requires minimal effort but yields excellent results. This one-pan ground beef and gravy recipe is wonderfully convenient, requiring basic pantry staples and minimal hands-on time. You won’t need to stand over the stove for long, making it an excellent choice for busy households.
Aside from being irresistibly tasty, this dish provides a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Ground beef is a great source of iron and protein, while potatoes supply fiber and essential nutrients. With a simple ingredient list, you can make a nutritious and delicious meal using whole food ingredients.
Food brings people together, and this recipe helps create those special moments. Whether served around the dinner table with family or as part of an informal gathering, this dish encourages warmth and conversation. It’s also great for meal prepping or making large batches to share with friends.
Budget-friendly meals don’t have to sacrifice flavor, and this recipe proves it. Ground beef is an affordable protein option, and potatoes are an inexpensive yet filling side. The overall cost of this dish is low, making it a great choice for feeding a family without straining your grocery budget.
The Recipe
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Potato masher
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter (for mashed potatoes)
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well to coat.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add salt and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Meanwhile, place potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and mash them with butter and milk until smooth.
- To serve, spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates and ladle the ground beef and gravy over the top.
Recipe Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free option.
- Top with chopped parsley or shredded cheese for extra texture and flavor.
