Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a timeless comfort food dish that brings together hearty, flavorful ground beef, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this meal is simple to prepare yet delivers a satisfying and filling experience. The savory gravy, enhanced with Worcestershire sauce and optional vegetables, perfectly complements the fluffy potatoes, creating a plate full of nostalgic, homemade goodness.
This dish is also highly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste or use what you have on hand. Whether you’re making it as a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Classic Comfort Food: Perfectly captures the warmth and nostalgia of home-cooked meals.
• Simple and Affordable: Uses basic ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or seasonings to make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Gravy and Beef:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon thyme (optional)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
1. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water and bring to a boil.
2. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add the milk and butter, then mash the potatoes using a potato masher or fork until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot to keep the potatoes warm.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
1. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
2. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Stir well to combine.
4. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
5. If desired, add the frozen peas and carrots to the gravy. Cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
1. Spoon generous portions of mashed potatoes onto plates or bowls.
2. Top with the savory ground beef gravy, letting it cascade over the potatoes.
3. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy!
Tips
• Rich Gravy: For extra depth of flavor, replace half of the beef broth with red wine or add a splash of heavy cream.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Customize with vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or corn.
• Thicker Gravy: Add an extra tablespoon of flour if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk.
• Freezing: Freeze the ground beef gravy separately from the mashed potatoes in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the epitome of a classic, comforting meal. With its hearty flavors and creamy textures, it’s a dish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!
