Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Few meals are as soul-satisfying as a hearty plate of ground beef and gravy served over fluffy mashed potatoes. This dish is the definition of comfort food—simple ingredients transformed into something rich, warm, and deeply flavorful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or craving something nostalgic and filling, this recipe delivers all the coziness of home cooking in under 45 minutes.

The combination of savory seasoned ground beef smothered in a velvety gravy, poured over buttery mashed potatoes, is timeless. It’s a budget-friendly meal that stretches easily, yet it tastes indulgent and restaurant-worthy. Even better? The recipe requires minimal effort and uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know—from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations, serving ideas, and expert tips—to make the best ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy: Ready in about 40 minutes.
Budget-friendly: Uses ground beef, which is affordable and versatile.
Comforting & filling: A warm hug in food form.
Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different herbs, veggies, or seasoning blends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef and Gravy:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for the best flavor)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup milk (warm)
¼ cup heavy cream (or more milk, for lighter texture)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Place peeled, cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender, about 15–18 minutes.
Drain well and return to the pot.
Mash with butter, warm milk, and cream until smooth and fluffy.
Season with salt and pepper, cover, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon.
Drain excess grease, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons in the pan.
Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir until the flour coats everything and no dry spots remain (about 1 minute).
Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter for richness.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Serve

Spoon generous portions of mashed potatoes onto plates.
Ladle the ground beef and gravy mixture over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with a side of vegetables or bread.

Tips for Success

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for naturally creamy mashed potatoes without needing as much butter.
Season in layers: Salt the potato water, season the beef as it browns, and adjust the gravy at the end.
Make-ahead friendly: Both mashed potatoes and beef gravy can be made ahead and reheated.
Gravy too thick? Whisk in a little extra beef broth or milk.
Gravy too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

Vegetables: Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or buttered peas.
Bread: Warm dinner rolls or crusty French bread for soaking up extra gravy.
Salad: A crisp side salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Variations to Try

Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap beef for a lighter version.
Mushroom Gravy: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions for a deeper, earthy flavor.
Cheesy Potatoes: Mix shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the mashed potatoes.
Vegetable Boost: Stir peas, corn, or carrots directly into the beef and gravy.
Spiced Version: Add chili flakes, Cajun seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze beef and gravy (separately from potatoes) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 520
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 720mg

(Values vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Replace flour with cornstarch to thicken the gravy.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
While homemade mashed potatoes taste best, instant potatoes can be used in a pinch. Just follow package instructions.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—this meal is great for crowds. Simply double both the beef gravy and mashed potatoes, cooking in a larger skillet or Dutch oven.

What cut of beef works best if I don’t want ground beef?
Cubed chuck steak or stew beef can be used for a chunkier, stew-like version, though cooking time will be longer.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe hits all the marks of a true comfort meal: savory, creamy, hearty, and simple. The seasoned ground beef creates a flavorful base, while the roux-based gravy ties everything together with rich texture. Pairing it with buttery mashed potatoes makes it a complete meal that’s both satisfying and budget-conscious.

It’s a dish you’ll turn to again and again because it’s unfussy, endlessly adaptable, and loved by everyone at the table.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food—a nostalgic, hearty dish that feels like home. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something delicious and memorable.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal to stretch your grocery budget, or a cozy dish for chilly evenings, this recipe delivers. Serve it with veggies, bread, and maybe a salad on the side, and you’ve got a wholesome, family-friendly dinner that’s sure to earn repeat requests.