Ground Beef Gravy with Mashed Potatoes

Ground beef gravy with mashed potatoes is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together savory flavors in a satisfying way. This classic meal is a great choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a cozy, home-cooked dinner. The rich and flavorful beef gravy is paired perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a comforting combination that appeals to all ages. With its ease of preparation and budget-friendly ingredients, this dish is both delicious and filling.

The key to making this recipe a winner lies in the savory beef gravy. With the right balance of seasoning, the gravy brings depth and richness that elevates the humble mashed potatoes to new heights. You can even adjust the thickness of the gravy to your preference, making it as creamy or hearty as you like. Plus, the dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe is simple and requires only 30 minutes to prepare, perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

2. Comforting and Hearty

The combination of ground beef gravy and mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food. It’s satisfying and filling, making it a great option for cozy family dinners.

3. Budget-Friendly

Made with affordable ingredients like ground beef, mashed potatoes, and beef broth, this dish is perfect for anyone looking for a tasty meal on a budget.

4. Versatile

You can serve this meal with a side of vegetables or add extra seasonings to the gravy to suit your personal taste.

5. Family-Friendly

With its rich flavor and familiar ingredients, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great addition to family dinner rotations.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• All-purpose flour
• Beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mashed potatoes

Variations

• Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in some peas, carrots, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
• Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce for a spicy kick to the gravy.
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in some shredded cheese or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes for an extra creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
• Herbed Gravy: Add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary to the gravy for a fragrant, herby twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.

Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is softened and translucent.

Step 3: Add Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and create a roux for the gravy.

Step 4: Gradually Add Beef Broth

Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to ensure the gravy thickens evenly. Keep stirring until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then pour the rich beef gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Control Gravy Thickness: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken.
• Homemade Mashed Potatoes: For a creamier texture, use butter, milk, or heavy cream when making the mashed potatoes. Freshly mashed potatoes will give the dish a richer flavor.
• Season Well: Be sure to taste the gravy as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to balance the flavors.

How to Serve

This dish is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, but you can also serve it with rice, roasted potatoes, or bread. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the ground beef gravy and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Both components will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the beef gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. The mashed potatoes can also be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the beef gravy and mashed potatoes separately on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth to the gravy to loosen it up if it becomes too thick during reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner version of this dish. It will work just as well in the gravy.

2. How do I make the mashed potatoes smoother?

For smoother mashed potatoes, make sure to use a potato masher or a hand mixer. Adding cream or milk will also help create a smoother, creamier texture.

3. Can I make the gravy in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when ready to serve, adding a little extra broth if needed.

4. What can I serve this dish with?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a side salad, or even roasted carrots or green beans for added color and nutrition.

5. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be used in place of homemade mashed potatoes for a quicker, more convenient version of this meal.

6. How can I make the gravy thicker?

If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes, or mix in a small amount of cornstarch or flour slurry (flour mixed with a little water) to thicken it.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, both the mashed potatoes and beef gravy can be frozen separately. Reheat when you’re ready to serve, but note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

8. Can I make this dish with ground pork?

Yes, ground pork would be a delicious substitute for ground beef. It will give the gravy a slightly different flavor profile but still be a great option.

9. Is this dish spicy?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like some heat in the gravy.

10. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, chicken broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth, although the flavor of the gravy will be slightly lighter.

Conclusion

Ground beef gravy with mashed potatoes is the epitome of comfort food. With rich, flavorful gravy and creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile, making it an excellent option for any weeknight dinner or family gathering. Whether served as a classic comfort food meal or with creative twists, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Print