Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ground beef upgrades into a comforting classic that warms souls and satisfies hunger with its rich, savory essence.

Hearty meals like this connect families around dinner tables, creating memories through simple, delicious ingredients.

Tender meat mingles with a silky gravy, promising a robust dining experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Home cooks appreciate recipes delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort, making this dish a weeknight champion.

The combination of ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes represents pure culinary comfort, blending textures and tastes into a harmonious meal.

Robust seasonings elevate the protein, ensuring each bite bursts with depth and character.

Some dishes transcend mere sustenance, becoming cultural touchstones that remind us of home-cooked traditions.

Comforting Beef and Gravy Over Fluffy Mash

  • Comfort on a Plate: Dive into a classic, soul-warming dish that wraps you in pure culinary comfort, combining creamy mashed potatoes with rich, savory ground beef gravy.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this satisfying meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Texture Party in Your Mouth: Experience the incredible contrast between silky-smooth mashed potatoes and hearty, slightly chunky ground beef gravy that creates an irresistible blend of creamy and meaty textures.

Ingredients for Beef Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russet work best for creamy, fluffy texture.
  • Butter: Adds rich, smooth flavor and creamy consistency to the potatoes.
  • Milk: Creates soft, velvety texture and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic seasoning without raw garlic intensity.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the potatoes.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild, warm spiciness to the dish.
Ground Beef and Gravy Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: Lean protein that forms the hearty base of the dish.
  • Onion: Provides sweet, savory depth and aromatic foundation.
  • Beef Broth: Creates rich, meaty liquid for the gravy.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the gravy to perfect consistency.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds gentle, consistent garlic flavor.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances meat and gravy flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces subtle warmth and spice to the dish.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic Powder: Universal seasoning for both potato and beef components.
  • Salt: Essential for bringing out natural flavors in all ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Adds consistent warmth across the entire dish.

How to Build Beef Gravy and Mash Plate

Step 1: Prepare Potato Base

  • Grab a medium pot and fill with water
  • Sprinkle in salt generously
  • Heat water until it bubbles wildly
  • Toss in chopped potatoes
  • Boil for 7-8 minutes until fork slides through easily

Step 2: Create Silky Potato Mixture

  • Combine butter and milk in small saucepan
  • Warm gently, whisking until butter melts completely
  • Drain boiled potatoes carefully
  • Return pot to stovetop
  • Mash potatoes to desired smoothness
  • Slowly blend in butter-milk mixture
  • Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
  • Taste and adjust flavors

Step 3: Cook Hearty Beef Sauce

  • Heat large skillet over medium flame
  • Brown ground beef, breaking into small pieces
  • Drain excess fat
  • Add chopped onions
  • Cook until onions turn soft and translucent
  • Sprinkle in seasonings
  • Pour most of beef broth into skillet

Step 4: Create Luxurious Gravy

  • Whisk cornstarch with remaining beef broth
  • Slowly stir into beef mixture
  • Simmer and stir until gravy thickens
  • Adjust seasoning to taste

Step 5: Assemble Comfort Meal

  • Spread creamy mashed potatoes on plates
  • Top with savory beef gravy
  • Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite
Tips:
  • Use russet potatoes for creamiest texture
  • Low-fat milk works fine
  • Fresh cracked pepper adds extra flavor
  • Let gravy rest briefly before serving for best consistency

Tips for Rich Gravy and Smooth Mash

  • Select Tender Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes that absorb butter and milk perfectly.
  • Prevent Watery Mash: Drain potatoes thoroughly and let them steam dry for a minute to ensure a thick, smooth texture without excess moisture.
  • Warm Dairy Matters: Heat butter and milk before adding to potatoes to keep the mash warm and create a silky, consistent blend.
  • Smooth Gravy Technique: Whisk cornstarch and broth separately to prevent lumps, then slowly incorporate into the beef mixture for a perfectly smooth gravy.
  • Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasonings in both potatoes and gravy, adding salt and pepper incrementally to develop deep, balanced flavors.

Storing and Reheating Beef and Gravy Mash

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled ground beef and mashed potatoes to separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheat Potatoes: Warm mashed potatoes in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.
  • Reheat Beef Gravy: Gently warm beef mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent scorching.

Side Pairings for Beef Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

  • Elevate Comfort with Red Wine: Pair this hearty dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the rich beef and gravy flavors while cutting through the creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Add Fresh Crunch with Side Salad: Create a bright contrast by serving a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, helping to refresh the palate and balance the heavy main course.
  • Brighten with Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted green beans or honey-glazed carrots alongside the dish to introduce a colorful, nutritious element that adds subtle sweetness and provides textural variety.
  • Complete the Meal with Bread: Include a warm, crusty French baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious gravy and provide an extra layer of comfort to this classic comfort meal.

Variations on Beef and Gravy Mash

  • Shepherd's Swap: Replace ground beef with ground lamb for a classic British-style dish, adding rosemary and thyme for extra flavor.
  • Veggie Power Bowl: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, creating a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the rich gravy texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to the beef gravy, topping with shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Mushroom Enriched Option: Sauté sliced cremini or wild mushrooms with the onions before adding ground beef, bringing an earthy depth to the traditional recipe.
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Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes offer hearty comfort from Midwestern kitchens. Classic home cooking delivers rich flavors blending tender beef, silky gravy, and creamy potatoes that welcome you to savor each satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potatoes Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • ½ teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • Water (as needed)

Ground Beef and Gravy Ingredients:

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

  • 2 cups beef broth (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 small onion, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare potatoes by submerging in well-salted water in a medium pot, heating to a vigorous boil over medium-high temperature.
  2. Simmer potatoes for 7-8 minutes until tender enough to easily pierce with a fork.
  3. While potatoes cook, warm butter and milk in a separate saucepan, whisking until butter completely dissolves.
  4. Drain potatoes thoroughly and return pot to stovetop.
  5. Mash potatoes using a masher or fork, creating a smooth or slightly chunky texture as preferred.
  6. Gradually incorporate butter-milk mixture into mashed potatoes, mixing thoroughly.
  7. Season potato mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
  8. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, crumbling meat with a cooking utensil.
  9. Drain excess fat from the beef and add finely chopped onions to the skillet.
  10. Sauté onions with beef for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and soft.
  11. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the meat mixture.
  12. Pour most of the beef broth into the skillet, reserving a small portion.
  13. Whisk reserved beef broth with cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth.
  14. Slowly stir cornstarch mixture into the beef, constantly mixing to prevent lumps.
  15. Simmer gravy, stirring frequently, until it reaches a thick, rich consistency.
  16. Taste and adjust seasoning of the gravy as needed.
  17. Plate mashed potatoes and generously top with beef gravy.
  18. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting classic dish.

Notes

  • Elevate your mashed potatoes by using a potato masher or fork for the perfect texture, ensuring a creamy and smooth consistency.
  • Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy gravy and maintain a rich, clean flavor profile.
  • Whisk cornstarch with beef broth separately to create a smooth, lump-free thickening agent for the gravy.
  • Season each component separately – potatoes and beef gravy – to build layers of delicious flavor throughout the dish.
  • Prepare ingredients in advance to streamline cooking and reduce overall meal preparation time.
  • Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the dish at its peak temperature and flavor, ensuring a hot and satisfying meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 525
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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