When it comes to hearty, soul-warming dinners, nothing beats a generous plate of Ground Beef & Gravy over Mashed Potatoes. This timeless comfort food combines seasoned ground beef, rich brown gravy, and buttery mashed potatoes into one delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or when you’re simply craving something cozy and homemade.
This dish has all the warmth of a classic Southern-style meal but with the simplicity of pantry staples and budget-friendly ingredients. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly comforting—just the way comfort food should be.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly – Uses everyday, affordable ingredients.
- Quick to make – Ready in under 35 minutes.
- Family-approved – Simple, savory flavors everyone loves.
- Comfort food perfection – Creamy potatoes meet rich beef gravy.
- Versatile – Great with veggies, egg noodles, or rice.
🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Ground Beef & Gravy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 3–4 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- Salt & pepper, to taste
🔥 How to Make Ground Beef & Gravy over Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Add potatoes to a pot of salted water.
- Bring to a boil and cook 12–15 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain well.
- Mash with butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- Push beef to one side of the skillet.
- Melt butter on the empty side of the pan.
- Stir flour into the melted butter to create a roux.
- Cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth.
- Add Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir everything together and simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
Scoop a generous serving of mashed potatoes onto each plate and ladle the savory ground beef gravy mixture over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like:
- Buttered corn
- Green peas
- Roasted green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- A fresh garden salad
For extra richness, drizzle a little melted butter over the mashed potatoes before topping with beef gravy.
🌟 Recipe Tips & Variations
✔ Make it creamier
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the gravy.
✔ Add vegetables
Mix in frozen peas, carrots, mushrooms, or green beans.
✔ Turn it into a casserole
Layer mashed potatoes in a baking dish, spread beef & gravy on top, sprinkle cheese, and bake until bubbly.
✔ Use other meats
Ground turkey, ground pork, or ground chicken also work well.
✔ Add seasoning depth
Try thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, or onion powder.
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze:
Freeze beef & gravy separately from mashed potatoes (up to 2 months).
Reheat:
Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the gravy if needed.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Ground Beef & Gravy over Mashed Potatoes is one of those nostalgic, feel-good meals that never goes out of style. It’s easy, affordable, and full of flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need something warm and satisfying on the table fast.
Print
Ground Beef & Gravy over Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
Ingredients
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or plant-based crumbles)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for GF)
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for GF)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 4 cups creamy mashed potatoes (homemade or instant)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Sauté onion 5–6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir 1 minute to form a roux (this thickens the gravy).
- Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Return beef to the pan. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gravy thickens and flavors blend.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more pepper, salt, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
- Serve hot spooned generously over creamy mashed potatoes.
✨ Great with:
• Steamed green beans or peas
• A crisp dinner roll
• Leftover turkey or roast beef variation
💡 Make ahead: Reheat gently on the stove—the gravy may need a splash of broth.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 25 mins , Total Time : 40 mins , Servings : 4 , Calories : 420 per serving , Net Carbs: 34g , Fats: 20g , Protein: 26g