Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

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🥔 Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Introduction

Few meals capture the spirit of comfort food like ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying — creamy potatoes smothered in rich, savory gravy with tender ground beef. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, this dish brings warmth and nostalgia to the table.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes

  • 4–5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • ÂĽ cup (4 tablespoons) butter
  • ½ cup milk (or more as needed for desired texture)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Ground Beef and Gravy

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80–90% lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for sautĂ©ing)
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Optional Additions

  • Sliced mushrooms – for a richer, “Salisbury steak” flavor
  • Frozen peas or corn – for color and sweetness
  • Splash of cream or half-and-half – for an extra-luxurious gravy
  • Crushed red pepper – for a little kick

Tips for Success

  1. Brown the beef well. Let it develop color before stirring — this adds deep flavor to the gravy.
  2. Use warm milk when mashing potatoes to keep them fluffy and smooth.
  3. Don’t overmix mashed potatoes — it can make them gummy.
  4. Taste as you go. Adjust salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce for balance.
  5. Thicken the gravy slowly. Stir constantly after adding the flour to avoid lumps.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Place peeled, cubed potatoes into a large pot of salted water.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
  3. Drain well and return to the pot.
  4. Add butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper.
  5. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with a splash more milk if needed. Cover and keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  3. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
  4. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

  1. Sprinkle flour over the cooked beef mixture and stir to coat evenly.
  2. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  3. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  4. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

  1. Spoon creamy mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls.
  2. Ladle the rich ground beef gravy over the top.
  3. Garnish with chopped parsley (optional) and serve warm.

Description

This dish is the definition of cozy. The mashed potatoes are buttery and cloud-like, while the beef gravy is savory, hearty, and perfectly seasoned. Together, they create a nostalgic meal reminiscent of classic diner plates and Sunday dinners — filling, flavorful, and comforting in every bite.

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4)

NutrientAmount
Calories~480
Protein25 g
Carbohydrates38 g
Fat25 g
Saturated Fat10 g
Fiber3 g
Sodium700 mg
Sugars4 g

(Values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a timeless meal that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something truly satisfying. It’s affordable, comforting, and customizable — perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week.

Recommendation

Serve it alongside steamed green beans, buttered corn, or a simple salad for a balanced dinner. Leftovers reheat beautifully and make for a hearty lunch the next day. For a twist, substitute ground turkey or mushrooms for a lighter version.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Comfort food doesn’t have to be guilty food. By choosing lean ground beef, moderate butter, and fresh ingredients, you can enjoy the warmth of this homestyle favorite while keeping it wholesome. This dish reminds us that good food is about balance — nourishing the body and comforting the soul.

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