If you’re seeking pure comfort on a plate, Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is your ticket to food happiness. This dish is like a warm hug at the end of a long day: a hearty, beefy gravy spooned generously over buttery mashed potatoes, rich with flavor from caramelized onions and a whisper of garlic. Every forkful is satisfying, cozy, and utterly delicious. If weeknight stress has you craving an easy meal packed with flavor, you’re about to meet your new favorite homestyle classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is in its simplicity—each ingredient has a role to play in making this meal robust, savory, and satisfying. There’s nothing fancy here; just honest, accessible staples that deliver amazing taste with very little effort!
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base of your gravy, bringing texture and rich flavor to every bite.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and a subtle, savory depth while helping to soften the onions.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): The secret to a thick, velvety gravy—make sure to stir it in well to avoid lumps.
- Yellow onion, finely chopped (1 small): Gives sweetness and a gentle backbone to the gravy, rounding out the savory notes.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Just a touch goes a long way, infusing the gravy with aromatic warmth.
- Beef broth (2 cups): The liquid gold that turns all the other ingredients into a luscious, pourable sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (½ teaspoon): A punch of umami, adding complexity and a hint of tang.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Brings all the flavors to life—taste and tweak as you go!
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a touch of earthy spice that balances the richness of the beef and gravy.
- Mashed potatoes (4 cups, prepared): Fluffy, buttery, and ready to soak up all that savory gravy—homemade or store-bought will work.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle on top gives a fresh, herby pop of color and finish.
How to Make Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks so you get small, even pieces in the gravy. Let it brown fully—this is where a lot of the savory flavor develops. If there’s excess fat, drain it off, but leave enough for richness.
Step 2: Soften the Onion and Garlic
Add the butter right into the sizzling beef, followed by your chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about three to four minutes until it softens and turns golden. Then toss in the minced garlic, stirring for just 30 seconds to unlock its aroma without burning it.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring constantly to coat everything well. This step is important—the flour blends into the fats and juices, priming your gravy to thicken up beautifully later on. Give it a full minute so there’s no raw flour taste.
Step 4: Simmer the Gravy
Pour in the beef broth slowly, stirring as you go to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, and let it bubble away for five to seven minutes until the gravy is glossy and thickened to your liking. Taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed—it’s your moment to make it perfect!
Step 5: Serve Over Mashed Potatoes
Spoon the hot, hearty ground beef gravy over warm mashed potatoes. The potatoes should be fluffy enough to cradle all that savory sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, if you like, for a fresh touch and a little color pop before digging in.
How to Serve Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
While Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes shines on its own, finishing it off with the right garnish takes it over the top. A scattering of chopped parsley adds beautiful color and a gentle herbal note. For an extra treat, a dollop of sour cream or even a drizzle of hot sauce can make every bite even more memorable.
Side Dishes
This classic needs little more than a crisp, fresh salad or maybe some buttery green beans to round out the plate. Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots offer color and crunch that balances the creamy, rich main dish. If you’re in a carb-loving mood, consider a slice of warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of gravy!
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, try layering the mashed potatoes and beef gravy in individual mason jars or ramekins—perfect for family dinners or even casual entertaining. Or shape the mashed potatoes into little nests and fill the center with gravy, for a fun, meal-in-one presentation. No matter how you serve it, Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes never goes out of style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes (lucky you!), store the beef gravy and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This helps keep the potatoes from soaking up all the sauce and turning gummy. Both will stay fresh for up to three days, making lunch tomorrow something to look forward to!
Freezing
Ground beef gravy freezes remarkably well—just cool it down and portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to two months. While mashed potatoes can be frozen, they sometimes change texture on thawing, so if you want perfectly smooth spuds, fresh is best. Otherwise, freeze them alongside the gravy for the ultimate homemade TV dinner.
Reheating
To reheat the ground beef gravy, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it’s too thick. For mashed potatoes, microwave in short bursts and stir often for even heating, or rewarm in a saucepan with a pat of butter or a little milk to bring back that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork both work well in place of the beef. You’ll get slightly different flavors, but the process is the same and the result just as comforting.
How do I make this gluten-free?
It’s easy to make Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes gluten-free—just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free. The taste and texture will still be spot-on delicious.
Can I prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! If you want things even easier at dinnertime, make your mashed potatoes a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk or cream to keep them soft and fluffy when serving.
What if my gravy comes out too thin?
If your gravy’s looking a tad runny, just let it simmer a few extra minutes—watch as it thickens right up. If you need to thicken it further, mix a teaspoon of flour with a little water and whisk it in while simmering until you reach your perfect consistency.
Is there a way to make the gravy creamier?
For extra indulgence, stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or sour cream right before serving. This little trick turns Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes into an even cozier and richer meal, with a velvety finish you’ll love.
Final Thoughts
Few things say “comfort food” like Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside, with every spoonful delivering pure satisfaction. Give it a try and discover just how easy and deeply delicious homemade comfort can be—your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!
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Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty dish, Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is a classic American favorite. This recipe features perfectly seasoned ground beef in a rich gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or homemade)
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Onions and Garlic: Add butter and chopped onion. Cook until the onion softens, then add minced garlic and cook briefly.
- Thicken Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier gravy, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or sour cream at the end.
- This recipe also works well with ground turkey or pork.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
