🥔 Ground Beef & Gravy with Mashed Potatoes

A classic comfort food dish made easy and satisfying

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🧾 Introduction (Approx. 300 Words)

Comfort food doesn't get more satisfying than a plate of Ground Beef & Gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes. This timeless dish is hearty, flavorful, and deeply nostalgic for many. Made with simple pantry ingredients like ground beef, onions, flour, broth, and potatoes, it’s budget-friendly and easy enough for a weeknight dinner but good enough to serve to guests or enjoy as a Sunday supper.

The beef is cooked until browned and seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices, then simmered in a rich, brown gravy made from scratch — no packets required! The mashed potatoes are smooth, buttery, and made from real potatoes (no flakes here), creating the perfect base for that savory gravy to soak into.

This dish is a staple in Southern and Midwestern cooking, and there are many ways to make it your own. Whether you prefer a thick stew-like consistency or a more pourable gravy, or if you love a little extra garlic or mushrooms, this recipe is endlessly flexible.

This guide will walk you through everything from choosing the right kind of ground beef, how to get lump-free mashed potatoes, how to build a deeply flavorful homemade gravy, and even some variations and make-ahead tips. You’ll end up with a comforting, filling, and satisfying dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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🛒 Ingredients (Approx. 250 Words)

For the Ground Beef & Gravy:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing)

• Optional: ½ cup sliced mushrooms or peas for added texture

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more to taste)

• ½ cup milk or cream (adjust for desired consistency)

• Salt to taste

• Optional: 2 tablespoons sour cream or cream cheese for creamier texture

• Freshly ground black pepper

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Paprika

• Extra black pepper

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🧰 Tools & Equipment (Approx. 100 Words)

To make this meal, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Large pot for boiling potatoes

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Potato masher or hand mixer

• Colander

• Knife and cutting board

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Optional: Whisk for smoother gravy

A large cast iron skillet works wonderfully for searing and building rich gravy, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do.

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🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Approx. 800 Words)

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel and cube the potatoes.
   Cut them into evenly sized chunks so they cook uniformly.

2. Boil the potatoes.
   Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

3. Drain and mash.
   Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Let them steam off excess moisture for 1 minute.

4. Mash with butter and milk.
   Add butter and half of the milk. Mash with a masher or beat with a hand mixer. Add more milk as needed to reach desired creaminess. Add sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness.

5. Season to taste.
   Stir in salt and pepper. Keep warm on low heat or cover with foil.

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Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat the pan.
   Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter if using.

2. Brown the beef.
   Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes).

3. Drain excess fat.
   For a leaner dish, drain some of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

4. Add onions and garlic.
   Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.

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Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. Add flour.
   Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes. This forms the base of your roux and removes the raw flour taste.

2. Deglaze with broth.
   Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits — this is where the flavor lives!

3. Season the gravy.
   Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.

4. Simmer and thicken.
   Reduce heat and let simmer for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens to your liking. Stir occasionally.

5. Taste and adjust.
   Add salt and pepper as needed. If gravy is too thick, add a splash of water or broth.

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Step 4: Serve

1. Plate the mashed potatoes.
   Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto a plate or bowl.

2. Top with beef and gravy.
   Ladle the savory ground beef and thick gravy over the top of the mashed potatoes.

3. Garnish.
   Sprinkle with chopped parsley or a pinch of paprika for color.

4. Serve hot.
   Best enjoyed warm with a slice of crusty bread or green beans on the side.

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🥄 Variations & Additions (Approx. 250 Words)

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few ways to change it up:

Veggie Add-Ins:

• Peas or carrots: Add frozen peas or diced carrots for color and nutrition.

• Mushrooms: Sauté with onions for a deeper, savory flavor.

• Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for a healthy twist.

Meat Variations:

• Ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner version.

• Ground sausage: Adds spice and depth.

• Vegan version: Use plant-based ground and veggie broth.

Flavor Twists:

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.

• Creamy: Add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of cream to the gravy.

• Cheesy mashed potatoes: Mix cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions (Approx. 150 Words)

This dish is a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed green beans or broccoli

• Buttered corn

• Side salad with vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

• Pickled beets or cucumber salad for contrast

For a comforting drink pairing, consider:

• Hot tea or black coffee

• A malty amber ale

• A glass of red wine (like Merlot or Zinfandel)

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🧊 Storage & Reheating (Approx. 150 Words)

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Keep potatoes and gravy separate if possible to maintain texture.

Freezing:

• Gravy and beef freeze well for up to 2 months.

• Mashed potatoes may lose texture but can be frozen in small portions.

Reheating:

• Microwave in short bursts, stirring often.

• Reheat on stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to prevent drying.

Meal Prep Tip:

• Double the gravy and freeze half for future meals. It can be served over rice, noodles, or toast.

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🔎 Nutrition Information (Approx. 100 Words)

Per serving (1 of 4):

• Calories: ~500–600

• Protein: 25–30g

• Fat: 25–30g

• Carbs: 35–45g

• Fiber: 2–4g

• Sodium: ~600–800mg (depending on broth and seasoning)

For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey and replace butter with olive oil. You can also use cauliflower mash in place of potatoes.

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❤️ Final Thoughts (Approx. 100 Words)

Ground Beef & Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is more than just dinner — it’s classic American comfort food at its best. Rich, meaty, and full of nostalgic flavor, this dish satisfies cravings and warms the soul. Whether you're cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just need something filling after a long day, this recipe delivers every time.