Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

by

Easy Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Ultimate comfort food doesn’t get much better than savory, seasoned ground beef smothered in a rich, velvety brown gravy, served piled high over a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes. This classic, rustic dinner comes together in under 30 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients

1. The Mashed Potatoes

  • Potatoes: 2.5 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted
  • Milk or heavy cream: 1/2 to 3/4 cup, warmed
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste

2. The Ground Beef and Gravy

  • Ground beef: 1 lb (80/20 lean)
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely diced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • All-purpose flour: 3 tablespoons (for thickening the gravy)
  • Beef broth: 2.5 cups (low-sodium)
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

  • Boil: Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.
  • Mash: Mash the potatoes with the butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, cover, and keep warm.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

  • Cook beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil, ground beef, and diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft (about 6–8 minutes). Drain any excess grease if needed.
  • Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Rich Gravy

  • Create the roux: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the ground beef mixture. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  • Whisk in liquid: Slowly pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

  • Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until the gravy thickens into a glossy, rich sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

  • Plate: Spoon a generous, towering scoop of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate, creating a slight well in the center.
  • Ladle: Spoon the piping hot ground beef and savory brown gravy generously over and down the sides of the potatoes. Garnish with a little fresh parsley and serve immediately!
Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed green beans or buttered sweet corn to complete the ultimate homestyle meal.

Leave a Comment