Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

This hearty ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes delivers ultimate comfort food satisfaction in under 45 minutes. The rich, savory gravy made from pan drippings transforms simple ground beef into a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This classic combination offers familiar flavors that please the whole family while requiring minimal prep work and basic ingredients you likely have on hand.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth, low sodium
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes: Place potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Start the ground beef: While potatoes cook, heat vegetable oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
3. Add aromatics: Push beef to one side of the skillet and add diced onion to the empty space. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onion begins to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Create the roux: Sprinkle flour over the beef and onion mixture, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should look slightly thickened and coating the meat.
5. Build the gravy: Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Finish the potatoes: Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot. Mash with a potato masher until smooth. Gradually add warm milk and butter, mashing until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Assemble and serve: Divide mashed potatoes among serving plates, creating a well in the center. Spoon ground beef and gravy generously over potatoes. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

Perfect gravy consistency: If your gravy becomes too thick, whisk in additional beef broth 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for 2-3 additional minutes to reduce.

Smooth mashed potatoes: For ultra-creamy results, pass cooked potatoes through a ricer or food mill before adding milk and butter. Never use a food processor, which creates gluey potatoes.

Flavor enhancement: Let the ground beef develop a golden-brown crust before stirring. This caramelization adds depth to your gravy’s flavor profile.

Make-ahead tip: Prepare mashed potatoes up to 2 hours in advance and keep warm in a slow cooker on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Recipe Variations

Mushroom lovers: Add 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions, cooking until golden and moisture evaporates.

Herb upgrade: Replace dried thyme with 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves and add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary to the gravy.

Cheese twist: Fold 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese into the finished mashed potatoes for extra richness.

Vegetable boost: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas or corn during the last 2 minutes of gravy cooking time.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftover ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes in separate containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, adding splashes of broth if needed to restore consistency. Warm mashed potatoes in the microwave with a tablespoon of milk, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.

For longer storage, freeze the ground beef and gravy for up to 3 months. Mashed potatoes don’t freeze well due to texture changes, so prepare fresh when serving frozen portions.

Nutritional Highlights

This satisfying meal provides complete protein from ground beef, essential carbohydrates from potatoes, and important nutrients like iron, potassium, and B vitamins. Using Yukon Gold potatoes adds natural buttery flavor while requiring less added fat than other varieties.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this comforting ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple side salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread make excellent accompaniments for soaking up every drop of gravy.

For special occasions, consider serving alongside roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon or honey-glazed carrots. The meal pairs beautifully with medium-bodied red wines or classic comfort beverages like sweet tea or cold milk.

This timeless combination proves that simple ingredients, when prepared with care and attention to technique, create memorable meals that bring families together around the dinner table.