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Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

This comforting dish pairs savory beef gravy with fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes to create a satisfying meal. Perfect for chilly evenings, the recipe is both quick and affordable while allowing for fun variations to suit your taste.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the mashed potatoes
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup whole milk warmed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For the beef and gravy
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or lean)
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Place the peeled and chunked russet potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
  2. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Mash with 4 tablespoons of butter and ½ cup of warmed milk, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm while you prepare the beef and gravy.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 6-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
  5. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the meat mixture and stir continuously for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  6. Gradually stir in 2 cups of beef broth, making sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps. Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and ½ teaspoon dried thyme (if using).
  7. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes until the gravy thickens to a velvety consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
  8. To serve, spoon a generous mound of mashed potatoes onto each plate, create a small well, and pour the savory beef gravy over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

This comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The recipe is incredibly versatile—feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or even use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. You can also experiment with extra vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or carrots. Serve with a crisp salad or steamed veggies to round out the meal.