Here’s a simple, classic recipe for ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes—comfort food, no fuss.
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the mashed potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ to ¾ cup milk (or cream)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the ground beef and gravy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Make the mashed potatoes
- Peel and cube the potatoes.
- Place them in a pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil.
- Cook 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Drain well, then mash with butter and milk.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Cover and keep warm.
2. Cook the ground beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Make the gravy
- Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add butter.
- Sprinkle flour over the butter and stir, cooking 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
To Serve
Spoon mashed potatoes onto a plate or bowl and top generously with ground beef and gravy.
Optional Add-Ins
- Mushrooms for a Salisbury-style flavor
- Frozen peas or corn stirred into the gravy
- A splash of cream for richer gravy
If you want a one-pan version, a slow cooker version, or a budget-friendly large-batch recipe, just say the word.