Name: Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter; Salt and pepper to taste (for potatoes)

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

This recipe is a go-to for busy evenings or chilly days when you’re craving something warm and filling. It’s a family-friendly favorite that’s easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The ground beef gravy is rich and flavorful, pairing beautifully with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. Plus, it’s easily customizable with vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Ground Beef Gravy:

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
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: In a large pot, cover the peeled and quartered potatoes with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add the milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Cover to keep warm.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Make the Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let the gravy thicken for about 5 minutes. If using peas and carrots, stir them in and cook until heated through.
Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate and generously top with the ground beef gravy. Serve hot and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for a deeper, earthy flavor.
Cheesy Potatoes: Mix shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes for extra richness.
Herb Options: Swap thyme for rosemary or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper to the gravy.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot, or reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to keep the mashed potatoes creamy.

FAQs

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare both the mashed potatoes and ground beef gravy ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a lighter version of this recipe.

What type of potatoes are best for mashing?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes.

Can I freeze this dish?

Mashed potatoes can change texture when frozen, but the beef gravy freezes well. Freeze them separately for best results.

How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

Let it simmer a bit longer or add an extra teaspoon of flour mixed with a small amount of broth to avoid lumps.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes work if you’re short on time, though homemade has better texture and flavor.

What can I serve with this meal?

A simple side salad, steamed green beans, or dinner rolls pair well with this dish.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk alternatives in the mashed potatoes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The gravy contains flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

You can make the gravy in a slow cooker by browning the beef first, then adding all gravy ingredients and cooking on low for 4–5 hours. Prepare mashed potatoes separately.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a classic comfort meal that’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a simple, hearty dinner, this dish checks all the boxes for flavor, warmth, and convenience.