Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes

Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes is a classic comfort food dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s the perfect combination of creamy mashed potatoes topped with savory, seasoned ground beef in a rich brown gravy. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to please!

Here’s a simple recipe for Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes:

Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4-5 medium russet potatoes (or Yukon gold)
• 1/2 cup milk (more for desired creaminess)
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean for the best texture)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (or more for a thinner gravy)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:

• Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with water.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth. If you like extra creamy mashed potatoes, you can add sour cream or more milk to your preference.
• Keep warm while you prepare the beef and gravy.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a large skillet, heat a little bit of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon or spatula.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked. If there is excess grease, you can drain it off at this point.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic (if using) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Make the Gravy:

• Sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef and stir to combine. This will help thicken the gravy.
• Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in Worcestershire sauce (if using) and thyme.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to loosen it up.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. Serve:

• To serve, spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate.
• Top with the ground beef and gravy mixture.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired, and enjoy!

Tips:

• Make it ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes and the ground beef gravy ahead of time. Simply reheat them together in a skillet when you’re ready to serve.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the beef and gravy mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use different meats: You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground beef if preferred.
• Thicker gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a bit more flour. For a thinner gravy, add more broth.

This Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes is a filling and satisfying meal that brings comfort and warmth to any table. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal. Enjoy!