Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

This comforting dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with a rich, savory ground beef gravy. Tender potatoes are mashed with butter and milk, while the beef is browned with onions and garlic, then simmered in a flavorful broth thickened to perfection. Optional additions like thyme and peas and carrots bring extra warmth and color. It’s easy, filling, and perfect for family dinners, making every spoonful a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve it hot for a complete meal that’s bound to please!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and basic pantry staples keep this dish affordable.
One-Pot Gravy: The gravy is made right in the skillet, minimizing cleanup while adding flavor.
Versatile: Customize with different herbs, add veggies, or swap ingredients to make it your own.

Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and minimal grease. Leaner beef will work, but you may want to add a bit more butter for richness.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes make especially creamy mashed potatoes, but russets also work well.
Beef Broth: Adds depth to the gravy; use low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a rich, umami flavor to the gravy. You can add extra for a more pronounced flavor.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: These add a pop of color and nutrition, but feel free to omit or substitute with your favorite vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Boil the Potatoes:

Peel and quarter 2-3 large potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork; they should be soft.

Drain and Mash:

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of butter. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the pot to keep the mashed potatoes warm while you prepare the gravy.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Brown the Beef:

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks for even browning, about 7-10 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Sauté Onions and Garlic:

Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the ground beef.
Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, infusing the beef with a rich aroma.

Step 3: Make the Gravy
Incorporate Flour:

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked beef and onions. Stir continuously until well incorporated to prevent lumps, cooking for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Add Broth and Seasonings:

Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth while stirring constantly. This prevents lumps from forming in the gravy.
Add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of thyme (optional) to enhance flavor. Stir well to combine.

Simmer and Thicken:

Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
For added nutrition, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots and cook until they are heated through.

Step 4: Serve the Dish
Assemble the Dish:

Spoon generous portions of the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls.
Top with the ground beef gravy, letting it cascade over the potatoes for a rich, appetizing presentation.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for added color and freshness.
Serve immediately while everything is hot.

Serving Suggestions:
This classic, cozy meal pairs well with simple sides for a complete dinner. Here are a few ideas:

Green Beans: Steamed or roasted green beans add a nice crunch and vibrant color.
Buttered Rolls: A side of warm rolls or crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the gravy.
Side Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can add brightness to the meal.
Sautéed Spinach: This nutritious side complements the rich flavors of the beef and potatoes.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
This dish is perfect for leftovers and reheats well.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Mashed potatoes don’t always freeze well, so it’s best to prepare fresh potatoes when serving again.
Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

Recipe Variations:
Add some flair to this classic dish with these fun variations:

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan to the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
Loaded Gravy: Stir in chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for added flavor and texture.
Herb-Infused: Substitute thyme with rosemary or Italian seasoning for a different twist.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the gravy for a subtle heat.

Conclusion:
This Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes recipe is a heartwarming, classic dish that’s perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving something cozy. With creamy mashed potatoes topped with savory beef gravy, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. Enjoy every warm, delicious bite!