Hearty Ground Beef And Gravy Over Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef & Gravy Over Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Comfort beckons with a hearty ground beef and gravy that dances deliciously over creamy mashed potatoes.

Classic diner-style meals never tasted so satisfying.

Tender beef simmers in a rich, savory sauce that promises pure home-cooked happiness.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet soul-warming dishes like this.

Every forkful brings warmth and nostalgia to the table.

This recipe combines affordable ingredients with maximum flavor potential.

Dive into a plate of pure culinary comfort that fills bellies and warms hearts.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

What’s Needed For Ground Beef And Gravy Over Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

For Potato Base:
  • Russet Potatoes: Starchy heroes that create a cloud-like, creamy foundation perfect for holding rich gravy.
  • Butter: Silky smooth enhancer that adds luxurious richness and depth to mashed potatoes.
  • Milk: Liquid magic that transforms potatoes into a velvety, dreamy texture.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor boosters that elevate the entire potato experience.
For Meat and Aromatics:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty protein that provides robust, meaty flavor and substantial texture.
  • Onion: Sweet, aromatic vegetable that adds depth and subtle complexity to the dish.
  • Garlic: Pungent flavor powerhouse that brings warmth and incredible depth to the meat.
For Gravy and Seasoning:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Magical thickening agent that transforms liquid into luscious, clingy gravy.
  • Beef Broth: Liquid gold that intensifies the meat's natural flavors and creates a rich sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy flavor enhancer that adds mysterious umami depth.
  • Soy Sauce: Optional flavor bomb that brings a sophisticated savory undertone.
  • Onion Powder: Concentrated seasoning that amplifies the onion's natural sweetness.
  • Paprika: Vibrant spice that adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color.
  • Butter: Final touch of richness that smooths and rounds out the gravy's flavor.
  • Parsley (Optional Garnish): Fresh, bright herb that adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tools For Ground Beef And Gravy Over Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

  • Large pot: Essential for boiling and mashing potatoes, ensuring they're tender and creamy.
  • Colander: Perfect for draining potatoes after boiling, keeping them light and fluffy.
  • Potato masher or hand mixer: Crucial for creating smooth, creamy mashed potatoes with the right texture.
  • Large skillet: Key for browning ground beef and cooking onions and garlic evenly.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring beef and mixing gravy without scratching the pan.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements and consistent flavor.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients with precision.

How To Cook Ground Beef And Gravy Over Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

  • Potato Preparation

Wash and quarter tender spuds. Submerge in salted water, bringing to a rolling boil. Cook until soft enough for a fork to glide through effortlessly. Drain completely. Mash with creamy butter and rich milk until silky smooth. Season generously with salt and pepper.

  • Beef Foundation

Heat a heavy skillet and tumble ground beef into the pan. Break into delicate crumbles while sizzling. Watch for golden brown edges indicating perfect caramelization. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, allowing them to dance and release their aromatic essence.

  • Luxurious Gravy Creation

Dust beef with a soft layer of flour, stirring to coat each morsel. Pour beef broth slowly, whisking continuously to prevent lumpy textures. Introduce Worcestershire sauce for deep flavor complexity. Simmer until gravy transforms into a rich, velvety blanket that clings lovingly to the meat.

  • Delicious Assembly

Spread fluffy potato mountains onto warm plates. Crown each mountain with steaming beef gravy. Allow gravies to cascade down potato slopes, creating an inviting landscape of comfort.

  • Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh herbs across the platter for a burst of vibrant color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while temperature and textures remain perfect.

Tips To Make Ground Beef And Gravy Extra Rich

  • Potato Perfection Hacks: Ground Beef Gravy Edition
  • Potato Texture Trick: Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes. Warm milk and butter before mixing helps create an ultra-smooth consistency without lumps.
  • Lean Meat Magic: Choose ground beef with 85-90% lean meat to balance flavor and reduce excess grease. Drain fat completely to prevent a greasy gravy and maintain a rich, clean taste.
  • Gravy Depth Booster: Add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of tomato paste to intensify the gravy's complexity. These secret ingredients elevate the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
  • Dietary Flexibility: For gluten-free versions, swap wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Lactose-free alternatives include using plant-based milk and vegan butter in mashed potatoes. Vegetarian option: Replace ground beef with lentils or mushroom crumbles for a protein-packed alternative.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare mashed potatoes and gravy separately up to two days in advance. Store in refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

How To Plate Ground Beef And Gravy Over Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

  • Cozy Comfort Plate: Top the fluffy mashed potatoes with the rich ground beef gravy for a classic, heartwarming meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • Fresh Green Accent: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top to add a bright, fresh pop of color and a subtle herbaceous flavor that cuts through the richness.
  • Veggie Side Kick: Pair the dish with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad to balance the hearty meat and potatoes with some nutritious vegetables.
  • Bread Buddy: Serve with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious gravy and complete the satisfying comfort food experience.

How To Keep Ground Beef And Gravy Over Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Fresh

Keep leftover beef and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the mashed potatoes to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.

  • Quick Reheating Trick: Warm the ground beef gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For mashed potatoes, add a splash of milk and reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to restore creamy consistency.
  • Freezer-Friendly Prep: Pack the ground beef gravy in freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep potatoes fresh by adding them separately after thawing.
  • Batch Cooking Strategy: Double the recipe and store individual portions in meal prep containers. This creates convenient, ready-to-eat lunches or dinners for busy weekdays. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
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Hearty Ground Beef And Gravy Over Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef And Gravy Over Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Hearty ground beef and gravy elevates classic comfort food with rich, savory flavors. Midwestern home cooking meets elegant simplicity in this satisfying meal you’ll want to enjoy with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russets)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk (or more, as needed)
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: Peel and chop russet potatoes into uniform chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, roughly 15-18 minutes. Drain completely and return to pot.
  2. Potato Transformation: Whip potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until achieving a silky, cloud-like consistency. Cover to maintain temperature.
  3. Meat Foundation: Sear ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking into fine crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics become translucent.
  4. Gravy Development: Sprinkle flour over meat mixture, stirring to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually pour beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, and paprika.
  5. Sauce Refinement: Simmer gravy for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Plating Composition: Spread creamy mashed potatoes as a base, then generously ladle beef gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or a light paprika dusting if desired. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Prevent Potato Waterlogging: Drain potatoes completely after boiling to avoid watery mashed potatoes, ensuring a fluffy and light texture.
  • Master Beef Browning Technique: Cook ground beef on medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles for even caramelization and maximum flavor development.
  • Control Gravy Consistency: Whisk broth slowly and steadily to prevent lumps, adjusting thickness by simmering longer or adding more liquid as needed.
  • Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste gravy incrementally during cooking, adding sauces and spices gradually to build complex, layered flavor without overwhelming the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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