Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
If you’re searching for a dinner that delivers pure cozy vibes, Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the answer. This dish is all about luscious, savory beef gravy spooned generously over creamy mashed potatoes—a classic combination that’s both satisfying and totally comforting. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or craving something hearty and nostalgic, Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a breeze to whip up and guaranteed to spark smiles around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is its simplicity—each ingredient serves a purpose, coming together to create rich flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and that signature golden gravy. Gather these essentials and you’re just half an hour away from dinner bliss!
- Olive oil: Gives the onion a silky base and helps brown the beef beautifully.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the gravy.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty star—choose 80/20 or leaner for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Elevates everything with gentle savory notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the gravy until it’s silky, rich, and perfect for pouring.
- Beef broth (1 1/2 cups): Turns your pan drippings into a deeply beefy, glossy gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a pop of umami and a hint of tang.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Sweet, woodsy flavor that rounds out the dish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Season to taste and amp up the other flavors.
- Mashed potatoes (3 cups, prepared): The creamy bed for your savory beef and luscious gravy.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A final fresh, colorful touch—highly recommended for presentation and flavor.
How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the chopped onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally. This takes about three to four minutes but instantly fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Getting those onions just right lays a flavorful foundation for your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add your ground beef directly to the pan with the softened onions. Break it apart with a spoon, spreading it out so it browns evenly. You want deep color for rich flavor, so don’t rush this step. Drain off any excess fat for a lighter gravy, but keep just enough to enrich the finished dish.
Step 3: Stir in Garlic
When the beef is browned, sprinkle in the minced garlic. Stir and cook for one minute—just long enough to release its aroma and flavor, but not so long that it burns. This bit of garlic works behind the scenes, making the gravy more robust and deeply layered.
Step 4: Flour and Gravy Base
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture, then stir so it coats everything. This is how you get that dreamy, velvety gravy for your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. The flour soaks up flavorful drippings, setting up for a thick and luscious sauce.
Step 5: Add Broth and Seasonings
Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring, ensuring no lumps form. Then add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your ideal consistency. This is when all the flavors meld together and get irresistibly rich.
Step 6: Ladle Over Mashed Potatoes and Serve
Spoon generous portions of hot, prepared mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls, then top with a hearty scoop (or two!) of the beef and gravy. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness if you have it. All that’s left is to dig in and savor every comforting bite of your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes
For that extra-special finishing touch, shower your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes with freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions. Even a dash of cracked black pepper or a dollop of sour cream can bring a little flair and complementary flavor—presentation counts for just as much as taste!
Side Dishes
This dish is already hearty, but pairing it with crisp green beans, roasted carrots, or buttered peas adds freshness and color to your meal. For an all-American, family-style spread, add a simple side salad or warm dinner rolls to mop up any leftover gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes in individual ramekins or mason jars for a fun twist at gatherings. For a rustic vibe, assemble everything family-style in a large serving dish, letting everyone scoop their own. You can even layer the beef, gravy, and potatoes in a casserole, then bake briefly for a bubbly, golden top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply let everything cool before storing. Transfer the beef and gravy to an airtight container and keep mashed potatoes in a separate container to preserve their texture. Stored this way in the fridge, Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes remarkably well! Spoon the cooled beef and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze mashed potatoes separately if you can. When freezing, be sure to leave a little room in each container for expansion. Label with the date—your future self will thank you when all you need to do is thaw and reheat for a homemade comfort-food dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the beef and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Mashed potatoes can be gently reheated in the microwave with a splash of milk, or even on the stovetop. If the gravy looks thick, just stir in a bit of extra broth or water to bring it back to its silky best.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! While classic Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes relies on beef for coziness and robust flavor, ground turkey is a great lighter alternative. Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy a slightly leaner take on the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for cornstarch to thicken the gravy, and ensure your mashed potatoes are made without any gluten-containing ingredients. Voilà , a gluten-free version of your favorite comfort meal.
Can I add vegetables to the beef and gravy?
Definitely—feel free to fold in some diced carrots, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color. Sauté any added vegetables with the onions at the start so they blend seamlessly into your Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes.
What kind of mashed potatoes work best?
The creamier the better! Yukon Gold potatoes make especially buttery and smooth mashed potatoes, but russets also work well for fluffiness. Use your favorite mashed potato recipe or premade from the store if you’re short on time.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes, this is a fantastic meal-prep option! Prepare both the ground beef and gravy as well as the mashed potatoes in advance, store them separately, and reheat individual portions as needed. It tastes just as comforting the next day—maybe even more so!
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try making Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes—it’s the ultimate weeknight win and a crowd-pleaser with all ages. Whether you serve it family-style or just treat yourself to a cozy bowl, this recipe promises to deliver big flavor and satisfying comfort every single time. Give it a spot in your regular dinner rotation and watch it become an instant favorite!
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Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and hearty meal with this delicious recipe for Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. Tender ground beef in a savory gravy served atop creamy mashed potatoes creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess fat. Stir in garlic.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Assemble: Serve hot over mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or butter at the end.
- This dish pairs well with green beans or roasted vegetables as side dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg