Introduction
Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, buttery potatoes served under a rich, savory ground beef gravy. This cozy dish brings together two beloved classics into one warm and filling meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough for Sunday dinners. It’s like a shortcut shepherd’s pie — simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly!
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 lbs (about 5–6 medium) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tbsp butter
½ cup milk (or more as needed for creaminess)
¼ cup sour cream (optional, for extra richness)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Ground Beef Gravy:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp butter or oil (for browning)
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
Drain, then mash with butter, milk, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.
2. Make the Ground Beef Gravy:
In a large skillet, melt butter or add oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef and onion; cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease.
Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in beef broth, a little at a time, until smooth.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5–8 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
3. Serve:
Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto a plate or bowl.
Ladle the rich ground beef gravy over the top.
Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Description
This dish is pure comfort in a bowl — creamy mashed potatoes topped with a savory, hearty beef gravy. The flavors are balanced with buttery, smooth potatoes and rich, meaty sauce that’s perfectly seasoned and full of homemade warmth. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside.
Tips and Variations
Add veggies: Mix in peas, carrots, or corn to make it more like a quick shepherd’s pie.
Creamier potatoes: Substitute half-and-half for milk, or add a bit of cream cheese.
Richer gravy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a teaspoon of soy sauce for extra umami depth.
Lean version: Use ground turkey or chicken and chicken broth for a lighter option.
Extra flavor: Stir a bit of Dijon mustard or caramelized onions into the gravy.
Correction
A common mistake is not cooking the flour long enough before adding the broth. If you skip this, your gravy can taste floury or have lumps. Always let the flour cook for at least a minute in the beef drippings before whisking in the liquid.
Enjoy
Serve your Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy piping hot and enjoy a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s simple, delicious, and satisfying. It pairs beautifully with green beans, roasted vegetables, or a side salad — the perfect dinner for when you need a cozy, homemade classic.