Few meals deliver comfort quite like Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. This hearty dish layers buttery, creamy mashed potatoes with a savory ground beef and onion gravy that’s rich, filling, and absolutely satisfying. It’s the kind of cozy comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The mashed potatoes are smooth and fluffy, while the beefy gravy has a depth of flavor from onions, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Add in peas and carrots for a homestyle touch, and you’ve got a one-bowl meal that tastes like it’s been passed down for generations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy and budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples like potatoes, ground beef, and broth.
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Family-approved comfort food: Creamy potatoes and savory gravy are always a hit with kids and adults.
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Quick weeknight dinner: On the table in about 40 minutes from start to finish.
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Customizable: Add vegetables, swap meats, or season to your taste.
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One-bowl meal: Protein, carbs, and optional veggies all in one dish.
Ingredient Breakdown
For the Mashed Potatoes:
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Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold work best for fluffy, creamy results.
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Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the mash.
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Butter: Provides richness and classic buttery flavor.
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Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that elevates the potatoes.
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
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Ground beef: The hearty protein base of the dish; choose 80/20 for best flavor.
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Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy.
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Garlic: Provides savory aroma and flavor complexity.
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All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
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Beef broth: Forms the base of the gravy and infuses rich, meaty flavor.
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Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and tang.
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Peas and carrots (optional): Add color, texture, and a veggie boost.
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Salt and pepper: Brings all the flavors together.
Pro Tips
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Use starchy potatoes: Russet potatoes mash light and fluffy, while Yukon Gold adds buttery richness.
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Don’t overwork the potatoes: Mash gently—overmixing makes them gummy.
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Brown the beef well: Let it caramelize slightly for deeper flavor in the gravy.
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Add broth gradually: Stir slowly to avoid lumps in your gravy.
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Rest the gravy: Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken naturally before serving.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Swap the meat: Ground turkey, or chicken can replace beef.
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Make it vegetarian: Use lentils or mushrooms with vegetable broth.
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Extra creamy potatoes: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese.
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Add heat: A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes gives it a spicy kick.
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Low-carb option: Swap mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can round it out with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or buttered dinner rolls. For a cozy Southern-inspired plate, serve it alongside collard greens or green beans. If you’re entertaining, serve in shallow bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a rustic yet elegant touch.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make ahead: Mashed potatoes and beef gravy can be prepared separately up to 2 days ahead. Reheat and combine just before serving.
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Freeze mashed potatoes and beef gravy separately for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the best texture, reheat potatoes with a splash of milk and butter, and reheat gravy gently while stirring.
Cultural or Historical Notes
This dish has roots in classic meat-and-potatoes cooking, a staple of American comfort food for generations. It’s reminiscent of shepherd’s pie or Salisbury steak but simplified into a skillet-and-pot meal. Its popularity grew in mid-century kitchens where quick, hearty dinners were essential. Today, it remains a timeless recipe that feels both nostalgic and satisfying, especially on cold nights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, instant potatoes work in a pinch, but fresh potatoes deliver the best texture and flavor.
How can I thicken the gravy more?
If it’s too thin, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water and stir into the simmering gravy until thickened.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef first, then add all gravy ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours. Make mashed potatoes separately.
What’s the best potato for mashing?
Russet potatoes are light and fluffy, while Yukon Golds create a buttery, rich mash. Both work beautifully.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely. This recipe scales easily. Store portions in meal-prep containers for quick lunches or dinners.
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes, return to pot, add milk and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over beef mixture, cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 5 minutes until gravy thickens. Add peas and carrots if using. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates or bowls. Top with ground beef and gravy mixture.