A classic comfort food dish that combines savory ground beef smothered in rich brown gravy, served over creamy homemade mashed potatoes. This hearty meal brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s both economical and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of savory meat, rich gravy, and creamy potatoes creates a meal that appeals to everyone from picky kids to discerning adults. Plus, it uses simple pantry staples, making it a reliable option when you need to pull dinner together without a special shopping trip.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef serves as the hearty protein base for this dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients beautifully. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or ground pork for a slightly different flavor profile.
Onion and garlic provide the aromatic foundation that elevates the flavor of the beef. They add depth and complexity to what would otherwise be a simple meat mixture.
Brown gravy mix is the convenience ingredient that makes this recipe weeknight-friendly. It creates a rich, savory sauce with minimal effort. If you prefer to avoid packaged mixes, you can make your own gravy using beef broth, butter, and flour.
Water is needed to hydrate the gravy mix and create the proper consistency. You can substitute beef broth for even more flavor.
Potatoes are the comforting base for this dish. Russet potatoes work well for mashing, but Yukon Gold will give you an even creamier texture if you have them on hand.
Butter adds richness and silkiness to the mashed potatoes, creating that irresistible comfort food quality.
Milk helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency in your mashed potatoes. For even richer potatoes, you could use half and half or cream instead.
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning both the beef mixture and the mashed potatoes properly. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—properly salted potatoes make all the difference.
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Prepare gravy mix with water according to package directions and pour over the beef mixture.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Meanwhile, boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the beef and gravy mixture over mashed potatoes.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories. The entire dish comes together in just 30 minutes—10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time—making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is limited but you still want a satisfying homemade meal.
Variations
Vegetable-Boosted Version: Add diced carrots, peas, or corn to the beef mixture for added nutrition and color.
Mushroom Lover’s Edition: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor enhancement.
Loaded Potato Base: Stir shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped chives into the mashed potatoes for a “loaded” potato experience.
Herb-Infused Gravy: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf while the gravy simmers for a more complex flavor profile.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Roast a head of garlic and mix the softened cloves into your mashed potatoes for a garlicky twist.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for those who enjoy heat.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover beef and gravy mixture separately from the mashed potatoes in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Both components freeze well for up to 3 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy reheating.
Reheating Mashed Potatoes: Add a splash of milk or butter when reheating mashed potatoes to restore their creamy texture. Microwave covered on medium power, stirring occasionally, or warm gently in a saucepan over low heat.
Reheating Beef and Gravy: Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage. Alternatively, microwave in a covered container, stirring halfway through.
Make-Ahead Tips: This dish is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare both components up to 2 days ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version. Keep in mind that the gravy might not be as rich, so you might want to add a little extra butter or use beef broth instead of water for the gravy mix to maintain flavor.
What can I substitute for the packaged gravy mix?
To make homemade gravy, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a pan, whisk in 2 tablespoons flour until golden, then slowly add 2 cups beef broth. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce, then simmer until thickened.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of making them from scratch?
Absolutely. While homemade mashed potatoes offer superior texture and flavor, instant potatoes can be a time-saving alternative. Prepare according to package directions, perhaps adding extra butter for richness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free gravy mix or make your own gravy using cornstarch instead of flour. Ensure all other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A simple green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli provide nice contrast to the richness of the main dish. A bit of crusty bread is great for sopping up extra gravy.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute. Since it’s leaner, you might want to add a bit more seasoning or use a richer broth for the gravy to compensate for the milder flavor.
How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
For ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, use Yukon Gold potatoes, add extra butter, substitute cream for milk, and make sure to whip them thoroughly. A splash of sour cream can also add incredible creaminess.
Is there a way to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Brown the beef, onions, and garlic first, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add the gravy mix and water, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Prepare the mashed potatoes separately just before serving.
What’s the best way to thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If your gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering gravy and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Can I add vegetables directly to the mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Consider folding in roasted garlic, caramelized onions, steamed cauliflower, or even mashed parsnips for variation in flavor and added nutrition.
Conclusion
Ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes epitomizes comfort food at its finest—simple, satisfying, and reminiscent of home cooking at its best. This versatile recipe can be adapted countless ways to suit your family’s preferences while maintaining its heartwarming essence. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or looking for a dish to satisfy comfort food cravings, this classic combination delivers every time. With its quick preparation time and accessible ingredients, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation, providing nourishment for both body and soul.
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Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
A comforting dish of savory ground beef in a rich brown gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet brown gravy mix
2 cups water
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Prepare gravy mix with water according to package directions and pour over the beef mixture.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Meanwhile, boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the beef and gravy mixture over mashed potatoes.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like peas or carrots to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- For a richer flavor, use beef stock instead of water when preparing the gravy mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
