Contents
- 1 Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- 1.1 Introduction
- 1.2 Why Make This Recipe
- 1.3 How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- 1.4 Ingredients
- 1.5 Directions
- 1.6 How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- 1.7 How to Store Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- 1.8 Tips to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- 1.9 Can You Freeze Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- 1.10 How to Reheat Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- 1.11 Variation
- 1.12 FAQs
- 2 Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Introduction
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a classic comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the appetite. This simple dish combines creamy mashed potatoes topped with flavorful ground beef and a rich gravy. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. Let’s dive into why this dish is a must-try and how to make it at home.
Why Make This Recipe
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a household favorite due to its heartiness and delicious flavor profile. It’s an easy-to-make dish that uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Not only does it provide an instant comfort, but it also makes for a filling meal that can feed a crowd. Plus, the combination of creamy mashed potatoes topped with savory beef and gravy is sure to please everyone at the dinner table!
How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Making Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Start with the mashed potatoes: boil peeled and quartered potatoes until they are tender. While the potatoes are cooking, brown the ground beef in a skillet, adding onions and garlic for flavor. Sprinkle in flour, then stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to create a rich gravy. Once everything is cooked, serve the mashed potatoes topped with the beef gravy mixture for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Directions
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Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter, and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
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Cook the Ground Beef and Prepare the Gravy: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, and cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes to cook off the flour taste. Gradually stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer, and let the gravy thicken, about 5 minutes. If using, add the frozen peas and carrots during the last few minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls. Top with the ground beef and gravy mixture. Serve hot.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is best served hot. A generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes creates a soft bed, while the beef and gravy mixture brings flavor and richness. You can garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for an added touch of color and freshness. For extra texture, you can serve with a side of crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the savory gravy.
How to Store Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely first. Place the mashed potatoes and beef gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Ideally, consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and quality. Ensure that the containers are sealed tightly to prevent any odors from affecting the flavor.
Tips to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and good quality beef can greatly enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Adjust Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust seasonings as you cook. Salt and pepper can make a huge difference in flavor.
- Mix It Up: Add different herbs or spices to your gravy for a unique twist, such as thyme or rosemary.
Can You Freeze Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Yes, you can freeze Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. It’s best to freeze the mashed potatoes and the beef gravy separately. When properly stored, the dish can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
How to Reheat Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
To reheat, thaw frozen mashed potatoes and beef gravy in the refrigerator overnight. Heat the mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Heat the beef gravy in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Serve hot, and enjoy a comforting meal once again.
Variation
While the classic Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is delicious as-is, you can easily customize it. Add mixed vegetables like peas and carrots directly into the gravy for added nutrition. You can also utilize turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy!
FAQs
1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes for a quicker version of this recipe. Just follow package instructions for preparation.
2. Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based ground meat or lentils in place of the ground beef. For the gravy, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes and the beef gravy ahead of time. Simply reheat them before serving for a quick and easy meal.
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a timeless recipe that brings comforting flavors and filling satisfaction to the dinner table. Next time you need a hearty meal, consider making this delicious dish!

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered Use fresh potatoes for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk Add more if needed for creaminess.
- 4 tablespoons butter Melted for creamy texture.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
For the Beef Gravy
- 1 pound ground beef Use high-quality beef for best results.
- 1 medium onion, diced Adds flavor to the gravy.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the savory profile.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour For thickening the gravy.
- 2 cups beef broth Provides the base for the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots Optional for added nutrition.
Instructions
Preparation of Mashed Potatoes
- Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter, and mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
Cooking Ground Beef and Gravy
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, and cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes.
- Gradually stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring to a simmer, and let the gravy thicken, about 5 minutes.
- If using, add the frozen peas and carrots during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls.
- Top with the ground beef and gravy mixture. Serve hot.