Name: Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons flour (or 1 tablespoon cornstarch for gluten-free); 2 cups beef broth or stock; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons butter or oil; 2 lbs potatoes (russet or Yukon gold), peeled and chopped; 1/2 cup milk or cream; 2 tablespoons butter (for mash); Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream, chopped chives or parsley for garnish

A comforting, hearty meal featuring savory ground beef smothered in rich gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes—timeless comfort food for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines tender, flavorful beef and velvety gravy with classic mashed potatoes for a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry staples, and delivers a nostalgic warmth with every bite—perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings at home.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Beef broth or stock
Worcestershire sauce
Flour (or cornstarch, for gluten-free thickening)
Butter or oil
Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold), for mashing
Milk or cream
Butter (for mash)
Optional: sour cream, chopped chives or parsley for garnish

directions

I start by peeling and chopping potatoes, then boil them in salted water until fork-tender.
While the potatoes cook, I season ground beef with salt and pepper, and brown it in a skillet with a bit of oil, breaking it apart until cooked through. I drain excess fat if needed.
I sauté chopped onion in the beef pan until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
I sprinkle flour over the beef-onion mixture, stirring to coat and cook out the raw taste—this helps thicken the gravy.
I slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking, then add Worcestershire sauce. I simmer until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
I drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. I mash with butter and warm milk or cream until they reach my desired smoothness, stirring in sour cream if I want extra richness. I season with salt and pepper.
I plate generous scoops of mashed potatoes, top them with hot ground beef gravy, and sprinkle chopped chives or parsley for freshness before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. Prep and mash potatoes take about 20 minutes, and beef and gravy cook in about 15 minutes—for a total of roughly 35 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Mushroom gravy: I add sliced mushrooms when sautéing onions for a deeper, earthy flavor.
Italian twist: I stir in a splash of red wine or tomato paste before the broth and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Low-carb option: I serve the beef and gravy over cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
Spicy kick: I add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a bold lift.

storage/reheating

I store leftover beef and gravy separately from mashed potatoes in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm each in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to refresh texture, then assemble before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Yes—I find ground turkey or chicken works well in place of beef. Just adjust seasoning, and the gravy will be slightly lighter; you might need a splash more broth for flavor.

How do I keep mashed potatoes creamy?

I warm the milk (or cream) before mashing and avoid overworking the potatoes. I also add sour cream and butter for extra silkiness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely—I make the beef and gravy ahead and reheat it gently while I freshly mash the potatoes. This helps maintain creamy texture.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes—if I use gluten-free flour or cornstarch and check that my beef broth is gluten-free, the dish stays gluten-friendly.

What sides complement this meal?

I pair it with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple crisp salad to brighten the plate and balance the richness.

Conclusion

I find Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes to be a comforting, nostalgic dish that never fails to satisfy. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for any night I want to serve warmth and homestyle goodness. Let me know if you’d like tips for making it ahead or customizing to your taste!