Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to comfort food dinners, nothing hits the spot like Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. This hearty Southern-inspired dish combines juicy ground beef simmered in a rich brown gravy, then served generously over fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of family dinner recipe that’s easy, budget-friendly, and ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

This recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients, yet it tastes like a restaurant-quality comfort meal. Whether you call it hamburger gravy, beef and potatoes, or Southern-style beef with gravy, this dish is pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredient Overview

• 1 lb ground beef – Lean or regular, for a hearty base.

• 1 medium onion, diced – Adds flavor depth.

• 2 tbsp butter – For rich gravy flavor.

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – Thickens the gravy.

• 2 cups beef broth – Creates savory brown gravy.

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami richness.

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Flavor booster.

• Salt & black pepper – To taste.

• 4 cups mashed potatoes – Fluffy base for serving.

• Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook beef
In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Make gravy base
Push beef to one side of skillet. Melt butter, then stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.

Step 3: Add broth
Slowly whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and simmer until gravy thickens.

Step 4: Season
Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until rich and flavorful.

Step 5: Serve
Spoon beef and gravy over hot mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 4 servings)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 24g

• Carbs: 32g

• Fat: 22g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? – Yes, for a leaner option.

2. What potatoes work best for mashed potatoes? – Russet or Yukon Gold.

3. Can I make this ahead of time? – Yes, refrigerate and reheat before serving.

4. Can I freeze it? – Freeze beef and gravy (not mashed potatoes) for up to 3 months.

5. Can I use instant potatoes? – Yes, if you’re short on time.

6. Can I make the gravy creamier? – Add 1/4 cup heavy cream.

7. Is this a kid-friendly recipe? – Yes, kids love it.

8. How do I thicken gravy more? – Simmer longer or add cornstarch slurry.

9. Can I add veggies? – Yes, peas, carrots, or mushrooms work well.

10. Can I double the recipe? – Yes, great for large families.

11. Can I use onion soup mix? – Yes, for extra flavor.

12. Can I use stock instead of broth? – Yes, beef stock works perfectly.

13. Can I use garlic and onion powder only? – Yes, but fresh onion gives depth.

14. Can I make it gluten-free? – Use cornstarch instead of flour.

15. Can I add cheese to the potatoes? – Yes, cheddar mashed potatoes are amazing.

16. How long does it last in fridge? – 3–4 days.

17. Can I use packaged gravy mix? – Yes, but homemade tastes better.

18. Can I reheat in microwave? – Yes, in portions.

19. What side dishes pair well? – Green beans, corn, or salad.

20. Can I add bacon? – Yes, for smoky flavor.

20 Helpful Tips

1. Use 80/20 beef for best flavor.

2. Brown beef well for depth.

3. Caramelize onions for sweeter gravy.

4. Use fresh garlic for bold flavor.

5. Deglaze skillet with a splash of wine for richness.

6. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamy mash.

7. Add sour cream to mashed potatoes for tang.

8. Season potatoes well with butter and salt.

9. For thicker gravy, simmer uncovered.

10. For thinner gravy, add more broth.

11. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.

12. Use heavy cream for silky gravy.

13. Keep heat low once gravy thickens.

14. Don’t over-mash potatoes or they get gummy.

15. Add cream cheese to potatoes for extra richness.

16. Top with shredded cheddar for indulgence.

17. Add green peas for color.

18. Make mini bowls for kids.

19. Serve in cast iron for rustic style.

20. Garnish with chives or parsley for freshness.

10 Storage Tips

1. Store beef and gravy separately from potatoes.

2. Refrigerate in airtight containers.

3. Keeps 3–4 days in fridge.

4. Freeze beef and gravy for 3 months.

5. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

6. Reheat in skillet with splash of broth.

7. Microwave portions with cover to prevent drying.

8. Avoid freezing mashed potatoes—they lose texture.

9. Store potatoes in separate sealed container.

10. Add fresh garnish after reheating.

20 Recipe Secrets

1. Add soy sauce for umami flavor.

2. Stir in Dijon mustard for zing.

3. Use beef stock for deeper flavor.

4. Add caramelized mushrooms.

5. Stir in ranch seasoning for a twist.

6. Add cayenne for spice.

7. Use onion soup mix for quick flavor.

8. Mix in bacon for smoky taste.

9. Use cream of mushroom soup for shortcut gravy.

10. Add roasted garlic to mashed potatoes.

11. Use half beef broth, half chicken broth for balance.

12. Stir in balsamic vinegar for depth.

13. Add thyme or rosemary for earthy flavor.

14. Make garlic mashed potatoes for flavor boost.

15. Use sharp cheddar mashed potatoes.

16. Add corn for texture.

17. Top with fried onions for crunch.

18. Use butter and cream generously in potatoes.

19. Simmer gravy slowly for richness.

20. Always season in layers for best taste.

Hashtags for Social Media

#GroundBeefRecipes #MashedPotatoes #ComfortFoodRecipes #EasyDinnerIdeas #FamilyDinnerRecipes #BeefAndPotatoes #WeeknightMeals #BudgetFriendlyRecipes #SouthernComfortFood #HomemadeGravy