This incredibly comforting Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is so simple and satisfying! You can make this budget-friendly meal so quickly and it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need some serious comfort food!
A FAMILY TRADITION THAT NEVER DISAPPOINTS
Some recipes just feel like home, and this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is definitely one of those for me. This meal has been in my family for generations – my grandmother made it for my mom, my mom made it for me, and now I make it for my own kids. There’s something so special about serving your family the same dishes that comforted you as a child!
What I love most about this recipe is how basic yet completely satisfying it is. Just imagine a big scoop of creamy mashed potatoes topped with savory ground beef all smothered in rich, delicious gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food that somehow manages to hit the spot every single time.
My kids get so excited when they see this on the dinner table. It’s one of those rare meals that everyone in the family eagerly devours without complaints – which any parent knows is worth its weight in gold!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS MEAL
There are so many reasons this Ground Beef and Gravy recipe has stood the test of time in my family:
- It’s incredibly budget-friendly! Using ground beef stretches your meat budget, and potatoes are one of the most economical side dishes around.
- The prep is super simple. No fancy techniques or complicated steps – just straightforward, honest cooking that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s completely customizable. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s taste or add extra vegetables to boost the nutrition.
- Leftovers taste amazing. If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
- It’s pure comfort food. There’s just something about meat and potatoes that satisfies on a deep level – especially when gravy is involved!
This recipe reminds me of simpler times when meals didn’t need to be fancy or Instagram-worthy – they just needed to taste good and fill bellies. It’s the kind of cooking that never goes out of style!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
The beauty of this recipe is that it uses basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- Potatoes – Russets or Yukon Golds both work great. Russets make fluffier mashed potatoes, while Yukons give a creamier, buttery result.
- Butter – For richness and flavor. I don’t recommend skimping here!
- Milk – Whole milk makes the creamiest potatoes, but any milk you have on hand will work.
- Garlic powder – For a hint of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that let the potato flavor shine.
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- Ground beef – I usually use 80/20 for the best flavor, but leaner options work too.
- Beef broth – The foundation of our gravy. I recommend low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
- Onion – For flavor and a bit of texture in the gravy.
- Garlic powder – A simple way to add depth without having to chop fresh garlic.
- Cornstarch – This thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for bringing out all the savory flavors.
HOW TO MAKE GROUND BEEF AND GRAVY OVER MASHED POTATOES
This meal comes together in just a few simple steps:
Making the Mashed Potatoes:
- Start with the potatoes. Peel and cut them into even chunks (about 1-inch pieces), then place them in a pot of salted water.
- Boil until tender. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes – you’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
- Warm the milk and butter. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the milk and butter together until the butter melts. This little step makes a big difference in the creaminess of your potatoes!
- Mash them up. Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot. Use a potato masher (or even a fork in a pinch) to mash them to your desired consistency.
- Add the warm milk mixture. Pour it in gradually while stirring to create creamy, smooth potatoes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Making the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- Prepare the thickening mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and a bit of the beef broth until smooth. Set this aside – it’ll be used to thicken your gravy later.
- Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess fat.
- Add flavor. Pour in most of the beef broth, along with the chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes until the onions soften.
- Thicken the gravy. Add your cornstarch mixture to the skillet while whisking gently. Increase the heat slightly and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.
Serving It Up:
Scoop a generous portion of mashed potatoes into each bowl, then top with the ground beef and gravy. That’s it! Simple, hearty, and completely delicious.
HELPFUL TIPS AND VARIATIONS
After making this dish countless times over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks:
- For extra-smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer if you have one. If not, a regular masher works just fine!
- Make it even easier by using instant mashed potatoes or store-bought gravy. No judgment here – my mom often used canned gravy and it was still delicious!
- Add mushrooms to the beef mixture for an almost stroganoff-like flavor. Just toss them in with the onions.
- Forgot to thaw your ground beef? You can actually cook it from frozen! Just flip it occasionally as it thaws in the pan and break it up as you go.
- For a lighter version, try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You might want to use a bit more seasoning or even add a beef bouillon cube for extra flavor.
- Need some green on your plate? This pairs beautifully with simple steamed broccoli, green beans, or even a side salad.
- Not a potato fan? Serve the ground beef and gravy over rice, egg noodles, or even mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more for cooking water
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups beef broth divided
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- Fill a medium pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the potato pieces and boil for 7-8 minutes or until fork-tender.
- While potatoes are cooking, combine butter and milk in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until butter is completely melted. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, whisking between each, until butter melts.
- Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes to your desired consistency using a potato masher or fork.
- Gradually stir in the warm butter-milk mixture until fully incorporated.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and adjust seasonings to taste. Set aside.
For the Ground Beef and Gravy:
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 1/4 cup of the beef broth until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the remaining 1 3/4 cups beef broth, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes until the onion is tender.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet while gently whisking. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy has thickened.
To Serve:
- Divide the mashed potatoes among serving bowls.
- Top each portion with ground beef and gravy.
- Serve hot, with extra gravy if desired.
Notes
- For an even easier meal, use instant mashed potatoes or canned beef gravy.
- Add sliced mushrooms along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- This dish pairs well with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
