There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty plate of ground beef gravy served over a creamy bed of mashed potatoes. This dish is all about warmth, coziness, and nostalgia—like a hug in food form! Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that comes together quickly or just need a filling, savory meal on a chilly evening, this ground beef gravy recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive in and create something delicious together!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious meal:
For the Ground Beef Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef – Choose a lean variety for a healthier option or go with 80/20 for a richer taste.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – This helps thicken the gravy.
- 2 cups beef broth – Use low-sodium broth if you prefer more control over the saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a deep, umami flavor to the gravy.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – For an herby, aromatic hint.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter – Optional, but it gives the gravy a silky finish.
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
This recipe comes together quickly and easily with just a few steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cubed potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk or cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. Cover and keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Gravy
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. This will help thicken the gravy.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while continuously stirring. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Let the gravy simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness, if desired.
Step 3: Serve It Up!
Spoon a generous amount of mashed potatoes onto a plate, then top it off with the savory ground beef gravy. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Helpful Tips
- Achieving a Smooth Gravy: Make sure to add the broth slowly while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can always add a splash more broth to thin it out.
- Perfect Mashed Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest texture, and warm the milk or cream before adding it to the potatoes to keep them from becoming gluey.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Add Veggies: For a more nutritious meal, stir in cooked peas, carrots, or mushrooms into the gravy.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and milk substitutes in the mashed potatoes to make this dish completely dairy-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken work great in this recipe if you prefer a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavors may differ slightly.
How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If the gravy is not thickening as desired, make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of flour with a bit of cold water, then stir it into the simmering gravy.
What are some other ways to serve this ground beef gravy?
Besides mashed potatoes, you can serve this delicious gravy over rice, egg noodles, or even biscuits for a tasty twist.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers? No problem! Store the ground beef gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit more broth if needed to loosen it up. Mashed potatoes can also be stored separately in the fridge and reheated in the microwave or over low heat on the stove.
More Delicious Recipes
If you loved this comforting meal, check out some more of our hearty recipes:
Nothing beats the simple joy of sharing a home-cooked meal with loved ones. Enjoy this delicious ground beef gravy with mashed potatoes, and let me know in the comments how it turned out for you!
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Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes – A Hearty Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that combines a rich, savory beef gravy with buttery mashed potatoes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. This easy-to-follow recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds! Try it today and enjoy a meal that’s satisfying, hearty, and delicious!
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add cubed potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add butter, milk or cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mash until smooth and creamy. Cover and keep warm.
- Make the Ground Beef Gravy:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat.
- Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper, and add a tablespoon of butter for a richer finish, if desired.
- Serve:
- Spoon mashed potatoes onto a plate, then ladle the savory beef gravy on top. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For creamier mashed potatoes, warm the milk or cream before adding to the potatoes.
- If the gravy is too thick, add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of total recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes, beef gravy, comfort food, mashed potatoes, easy dinner recipe