The sound of sizzling ground beef fills the kitchen, pulling me back to family dinners where laughter and warmth reigned. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes, a comfort food classic that brings joy to the table with its rich flavors and hearty textures. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this satisfying meal, perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without the stress. With its creamy mashed potatoes cradling savory beef gravy, this dish is not only quick and easy but also naturally gluten-free with simple substitutions. Are you ready to make your kitchen smell amazing and indulge in pure comfort? Let’s dive in!
Why is This Recipe So Satisfying?
Comforting flavor comes from the savory beef gravy that brings warmth to every bite, reminiscent of family gatherings. Quick and easy preparation means you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying with loved ones. Customizable ingredients allow you to adjust flavors, making it perfect for every palate. Gluten-free options ensure everyone can savor this dish without worry. Whether served on a busy weeknight or at a cozy gathering, this recipe is bound to impress, much like my Potatoes Gratin Comfort that pairs perfectly as a side!
Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy Ingredients
For the Beef and Gravy
• Ground Beef – Choose lean ground beef (around 80/20) for a healthier option and avoid excess grease.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy; finely diced ensures even cooking.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the dish aromatic goodness, enhancing the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – This thickens the gravy; cook briefly to avoid a raw taste.
• Beef Broth – Enhances the rich meatiness of the gravy; consider using vegetable broth for a lighter alternative.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Essential for the complex umami flavor in the dish.
• Onion Powder – Intensifies the onion flavor; can be omitted if you don’t have it on hand.
• Salt and Pepper – Don’t forget to season to taste; they’re essential for enhancing flavors.
• Butter – Adds creamy richness to the gravy and mashed potatoes, but feel free to skip it if desired.
For the Mashed Potatoes
• Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes – Perfect for mashing due to their starchy content; peeled and cubed ensures even cooking.
• Milk – Warmed milk results in ultra-smooth mashed potatoes; almond milk works as a non-dairy alternative.
Enjoy this Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes that’s bound to become a family favorite!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Comfort
Step 1: Boil Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing your Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes for 12–15 minutes until they are fork-tender and can be easily pierced. Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly and set them aside for mashing.
Step 2: Mash Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained potatoes. Incorporate butter and warmed milk to achieve a creamy consistency, mashing with a potato masher until smooth. Be sure to season the mixture with salt to taste. Once creamy and well-mixed, set aside the mashed potatoes, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare the savory beef and gravy.
Step 3: Cook Beef
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the meat for 5–7 minutes until it is no longer pink and has a rich, hearty color. This step is key to building the savory base for your Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Comfort.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
Add finely diced onion and freshly minced garlic to the browned beef in the skillet. Cook together for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, enhancing the savory aroma in your kitchen. This aromatic mixture is what will elevate the flavor profile of your beef and gravy.
Step 5: Thicken Gravy
Sprinkle all-purpose flour evenly over the beef and aromatic mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for about 1 minute to remove any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. This will create a thick and rich gravy as it begins to bubble away on the stovetop.
Step 6: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld beautifully. If desired, stir in a tablespoon of butter toward the end for an extra touch of richness. Your Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy is now bursting with flavor, ready to embrace those creamy mashed potatoes.
Step 7: Serve
To plate, generously spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto each serving dish. Ladle the rich beef gravy over the potatoes, ensuring a comforting coat of flavor. For a fresh touch, garnish with cracked black pepper or freshly chopped parsley. Your Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Comfort is now ready to be enjoyed by family and friends!
Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy Variations
Feel free to experiment and recreate this comforting dish to match your taste buds!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute butter and milk with unsweetened almond milk and vegan butter for a lighter take. Enjoy the same creaminess, minus the dairy!
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to amp up the heat in the gravy. Spice lovers will appreciate this added depth!
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Wild Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms alongside the onions for an earthy twist. This addition creates a hearty gravy full of delightful flavors that everyone will love!
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while simmering the gravy. The fragrant aroma will elevate your dish and provide beautiful herbal notes.
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Vegetable Boost: Incorporate finely chopped carrots and celery with the onions. This adds nutrition and a pop of color, making your meal even more wholesome.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness in the gravy. This is perfect for elevating the texture and making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Discover even more variations with my delicious Potatoes Gratin Comfort, which pairs beautifully with this meal and adds another layer of flavor to your dining experience!
What to Serve with Savory Ground Beef and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
A comforting dinner is best enjoyed with perfect pairings that enhance the delicious flavors on your plate.
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Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky crunch of toasted bread perfectly complements the rich gravy, creating a delightful textural contrast.
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Steamed Green Beans: Fresh, vibrant green beans add a crisp bite, providing a refreshing balance to the creamy goodness of the dish.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Slightly caramelized Brussels sprouts bring a sweet nuttiness that harmonizes beautifully with the savory beef.
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Simple Side Salad: A light salad of mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette adds brightness, cleansing the palate between hearty bites.
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Crispy Potato Wedges: The added crunch of potato wedges offers a comforting familiarity, perfectly pairing with the thick gravy and tender beef.
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Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based slaw adds crunch and acidity, providing a delightful contrast to the comforting flavors of ground beef and gravy.
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Berry Crisp: For dessert, end your meal on a sweet note with a warm berry crisp; the tartness and sweetness wonderfully offset the savory dish.
Each of these sides enriches your experience of savoring ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes, transforming a simple meal into a memorable feast!
How to Store and Freeze Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy
Room Temperature: Keep any leftovers at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Fridge: Store leftover delicious ground beef and gravy in an airtight container, where it will last for up to 3 days. Reheat using low heat to prevent separation.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat both the mashed potatoes and gravy on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to smoothen the potatoes.
Expert Tips for Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy
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Choose Lean Beef: Opt for 80/20 lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, enhancing the overall texture of your delicious ground beef and gravy.
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Measure Flour Carefully: Use just the right amount of flour to thicken the gravy; too much can make it gummy.
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Warm Your Ingredients: For creamy mashed potatoes, always use warmed milk and room-temperature butter to prevent lumps and achieve silky smoothness.
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Taste as You Go: Remember to taste the gravy while it’s simmering; adjusting seasoning along the way ensures a perfectly balanced flavor.
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Avoid Raw Flour Flavor: Cook the flour for a full minute before adding the broth to eliminate any raw taste, creating a rich gravy.
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Store Smart: If you have leftovers, store the mashed potatoes and gravy separately in airtight containers to maintain their texture when reheating.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes on busy weeknights! You can cook the savory beef gravy up to 3 days in advance, allowing it to chill completely before transferring it to an airtight container for refrigeration. The creamy mashed potatoes can be made up to 24 hours ahead as well; just store them in a covered dish in the fridge. To maintain their quality, reheat both the gravy and mashed potatoes gently—adding a splash of milk to the potatoes will restore their creaminess. When ready to serve, simply heat them thoroughly, and you’ll have a heartwarming meal that brings comfort with minimal effort!
Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe FAQs
What type of ground beef should I use for the best flavor?
I recommend using lean ground beef, ideally around 80/20, as it balances flavor and health. This will give you a deliciously meaty base without excess grease that can make the gravy too greasy.
How should I store leftovers of my Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The mashed potatoes and gravy will keep for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to the mashed potatoes to regain their creaminess.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! For freezing, allow the beef and gravy to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy it, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove over low heat.
What if my gravy is too thick after cooking?
If your gravy turns out too thick, don’t worry! Simply whisk in a little extra beef broth or water over low heat until you reach your desired consistency. This will help smooth it out while keeping all that wonderful flavor intact.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets regarding this dish?
Yes! It’s important to avoid giving this meal to pets, particularly due to the presence of onions and garlic, which can be harmful to them. Always keep human and pet food separate to ensure safety!
Can I use non-dairy substitutes in this recipe?
Very! You can substitute the butter and milk with non-dairy alternatives like unsweetened almond milk and vegan butter to make this dish dairy-free yet still delicious. Enjoy the comfort without the dairy if you wish!
Delicious Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Comfort You Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by peeling and cubing your Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes for 12–15 minutes until they are fork-tender and can be easily pierced. Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly and set them aside for mashing.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained potatoes. Incorporate butter and warmed milk to achieve a creamy consistency, mashing with a potato masher until smooth. Be sure to season the mixture with salt to taste. Once creamy and well-mixed, set aside the mashed potatoes.
- In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the meat for 5–7 minutes until it is no longer pink.
- Add finely diced onion and freshly minced garlic to the browned beef in the skillet. Cook together for another 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the beef and aromatic mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the mixture thickens. If desired, stir in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness.
- To plate, spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto each dish. Ladle the rich beef gravy over the potatoes. Garnish with cracked black pepper or freshly chopped parsley.
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