If you have a craving for comfort food that hugs you from the inside, this Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the ultimate combination of hearty ground beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy served over creamy, buttery mashed potatoes—a simple meal that feels like a warm, cozy embrace on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a family, this dish brings both ease and incredible flavor in every bite, making it a true go-to comfort classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes Recipe comes from using straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each item plays an essential role—from the ground beef providing a savory base, to the butter and flour creating a luscious gravy, to the onions and garlic adding aromatic depth that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean or regular ground beef depending on how rich you want your gravy to be.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds creamy richness and helps soften the onions and garlic perfectly.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings subtle sweetness and texture to the gravy.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant boost that complements the beef notes wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The secret to thickening the gravy into a smooth, velvety sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth: Provides the savory liquid base, making the gravy full of meaty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy umami kick that lifts the whole dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of spice to balance the richness.
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared): Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that luscious gravy.
How to Make Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Browning the beef properly develops deep, savory flavors, so don’t rush this step. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the gravy balanced and not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add butter to the skillet along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This step is key to layering flavor, as the butter mellows and sweetens the aromatics, preparing the base for your gravy.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir it into the beef and onions. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute, which helps eliminate the raw flour taste and forms a roux that will thicken your gravy beautifully. This thickening paste is what turns your beef broth into a rich sauce.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
While stirring constantly, gradually whisk in the beef broth to prevent lumps. Then stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper for that signature savory depth. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. You’ll notice the gravy turning glossy and perfectly velvety.
Step 5: Serve Warm Over Mashed Potatoes
Once the gravy is ready, spoon it generously over prepared mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes act as a perfect counterpart, soaking up the luscious gravy and tender bits of beef, making each bite utterly comforting.
How to Serve Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a mild herbal note that balances the richness. A dash of cracked black pepper right before serving can also elevate the dish’s aroma beautifully.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty enough to shine on its own, but simple green vegetables like steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp side salad add a refreshing contrast. Roasted carrots or glazed peas can also provide a lovely sweetness that pairs well with the savory gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual deep bowls with a pat of butter melting into the hot mashed potatoes, or spoon the gravy over the potatoes in a neat mound and create a little well in the center to hold even more gravy. For a fun twist, turn it into a layered casserole with mashed potatoes on the bottom, beef gravy in the middle, and a sprinkle of cheese on top, then bake until bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover ground beef gravy and mashed potatoes in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, you can enjoy your leftovers for up to 3 to 4 days. This makes excellent next-day comfort food without missing any flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the gravy separately in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Mashed potatoes also freeze well if wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. Thaw both in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the ground beef gravy gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth and prevent sticking. Mashed potatoes can be warmed in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to refresh their creaminess. Combine and serve warm for that fresh-cooked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for the gravy?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version, but the flavor will be milder. For the richest taste, beef is ideal because it adds deep, hearty flavors to the gravy.
What can I add to make the gravy thicker?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply add an extra half tablespoon of flour during the roux step or cook the gravy a bit longer to reduce and concentrate its thickness.
Can I make mashed potatoes from scratch for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade mashed potatoes with butter, cream, and a little seasoning make this dish even more special. Using store-bought mashed potatoes is a great shortcut, but fresh potatoes bring an unbeatable creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! This Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes Recipe is perfect for meal prep because it reheats well and keeps its delicious flavor over a few days, making it convenient for busy schedules.
How can I add more veggies to this dish?
You can mix finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers into the gravy during the sauté step, or serve it alongside steamed or roasted vegetables for a complete meal packed with nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels like a warm kitchen hug—simple to make but full of heart. Whether it’s your first time or you’re revisiting this favorite, I promise it will fill your home with delicious aromas and your belly with pure comfort. Give it a try soon and enjoy every savory, creamy bite!
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Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A classic and comforting Ground Beef Gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for a quick and hearty meal in just 25 minutes. This recipe features browned ground beef simmered in a savory beef broth-based gravy, thickened with a buttery roux and flavored with onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
Ingredients
Beef Gravy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to evenly cook. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the gravy from being too oily.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing their flavors into the pan.
- Make the roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute. This forms a roux which will help thicken the gravy, cooking the flour to remove the raw taste.
- Add the broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This creates a smooth gravy base.
- Season and simmer: Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the warm beef gravy generously over prepared mashed potatoes and enjoy a comforting, hearty dish.
Notes
- For a richer gravy, use homemade beef broth or beef stock.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, based on your broth’s sodium content.
- To make the gravy smoother, strain it through a fine mesh sieve if desired.
- Leftover gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
