Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy | Easy Comfort Food Dinner | Recipe | New Recipe Ideas

Table of Contents: Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy

Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy

There’s something deeply satisfying about a steaming casserole of buttery mashed potatoes smothered in rich Ground Beef Gravy—especially when it’s quick, hearty, and made from pantry staples. For seasoned home cooks aged 40–65+, this dish isn’t just food; it’s memory, comfort, and connection on a plate. It’s the kind of easy comfort food that warms the soul whether you’re feeding the family on a frantic Tuesday or hosting an intimate Sunday supper.

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Introduction: Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy

Few meals bring as much cozy satisfaction as Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy—a beloved staple in American households for generations. This classic combo blends creamy, cloud-like potatoes with a savory, deeply flavored Ground Beef Gravy recipe that’s packed with onions, garlic, and aromatic thyme. It’s the ultimate in easy comfort food, delivering restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort and basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Perfect for after-work dinners, holiday leftovers, or feeding a hungry crowd without the stress, this dish is endlessly forgiving and customizable. Whether you’re serving it for a family reunion, a church potluck, or just craving something warm and filling on a rainy evening, this recipe delivers every time. The hamburger gravy (a term many affectionately use) is golden, meaty, and full of umami thanks to Worcestershire sauce and slow-simmered broth. Paired with velvety mashed potatoes, it’s a one-pan wonder that satisfies both kids and adults. Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or cooking double batches to enjoy later.

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Alternate Names & Variations

You might know this cherished meal by other names:
– Meat and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes
– Hamburger Gravy with Potatoes
– Cowboy Hash (especially if adding more vegetables)
– American-style Shepherd’s Pie (Base Layer)

These all fall under the umbrella of easy comfort food made with ground beef and potatoes—a classic duo in frugal, flavorful home cooking. A similar recipe people often search for is Ground Beef Gravy recipe served over toast or biscuits, but the version with mashed potatoes stands out as the most beloved crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients: Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy

Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy

For the Ground Beef Gravy:

• – 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and richness)
• – 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• – 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
• – 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• – 2 cups unsalted beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
• – 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth and umami)
• – 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional but recommended for herbal warmth)
• – 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional, for color and nutrition)
• – Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• – 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• – 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed slightly)
• – 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• – Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley for brightness and color.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy

1. Prep the Potatoes:
Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water by at least 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

2. Make the Gravy – Start Browning Beef:
While potatoes cook, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef (no oil needed—beef fat will render). Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until well-browned, about 6–8 minutes. The key to great hamburger gravy is browning—don’t rush this step! (See FAQ: What is the best way to brown ground beef?)

3. Add Aromatics:
Drain all but 1 tablespoon of beef fat (adds flavor). Add diced onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Create the Roux:
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the mixture. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This roux will thicken your Ground Beef Gravy recipe to a luxurious consistency.

5. Deglaze & Simmer:
Gradually pour in beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook 3–5 minutes until gravy thickens slightly.

6. Add Vegetables (Optional):
Stir in frozen peas and carrots. Simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning—more salt for saltiness, more Worcestershire for tang.

7. Finish the Potatoes:
Drain cooked potatoes well. Return to the pot and let sit 1–2 minutes to steam off extra moisture (this keeps mashed potatoes fluffy).
Add warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth. For extra creaminess, use a ricer or hand mixer at low speed.

8. Serve:
Spoon warm mashed potatoes into bowls or onto a large platter. Top generously with hamburger gravy. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Chef Tips:
– For a richer base, substitute half the broth with milk in the gravy.
– Roast potatoes instead of boiling for deeper flavor next time.
– Leftover mashed potatoes? Use them to make potato patties the next day!

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Recipe Card Block: Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy (Quick Reference)

This delicious Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes to cook, for a total of 55 minutes from start to finish. It yields 4 generous servings, perfect for family meals or leftovers. With approximately 580 calories per serving, this hearty comfort food balances protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats—especially when you include the peas and carrots. Packed with 25g of protein and 8g of fiber (when veggies are added), it’s nourishing as well as comforting.

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What makes this Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy recipe truly exceptional is its balance of simplicity and depth. The Ground Beef Gravy achieves a luxurious texture through proper roux-building and slow infusion with savory broth and Worcestershire—no bouillon shortcuts needed. The hamburger gravy clings perfectly to the mashed potatoes, creating every spoonful a harmony of flavor and comfort.

This is easy comfort food for family dinners that doesn’t taste “easy”—it tastes like love and effort. Using Yukon Gold potatoes gives a natural creaminess, while warming the milk and butter beforehand prevents cooling the mash. And even if you’ve never made gravy from scratch, the flour-based technique is foolproof with just a little patience. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to for birthdays, snow days, and impromptu get-togethers—because everyone loves a plateful of warm, meaty goodness on buttery potatoes.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store this dish in separate containers for best results: keep mashed potatoes and ground beef gravy apart to prevent sogginess. Refrigerate up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze both components. The hamburger gravy freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over medium heat with a splash of broth to restore consistency.

Mashed potatoes can also be frozen (up to 2 months), though they may slightly weep. Reheat gravy in a pan and mashed potatoes with added butter to revive creaminess. To fully reheat the assembled meal: pile mashed potatoes into an oven-safe dish, top with gravy, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. This keeps the texture just right—perfect for leftover easy comfort food that tastes as good as day one.

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People Also Ask: Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy

What can I make with ground beef and potatoes?

You can make countless comforting dishes beyond this recipe. Try tater tot casserole, beef and potato skillet, shepherd’s pie, or homemade meat loaves. These meals all highlight the hearty synergy between ground beef and potatoes, making them ideal easy comfort food options. You can also stuff baked potatoes with seasoned beef or layer both in a gratin. The pair is forgiving, affordable, and beloved across generations—perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

How do you make gravy from ground beef?

After browning ground beef, drain excess fat and leave about 1 tablespoon. Sauté onions and garlic, then stir in flour to form a roux (this acts as the thickener). Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping up flavorful browned bits from the pan. Simmer until smooth and thickened. Add Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and optional veggies for a rich ground beef gravy recipe. The key is patience: let it simmer gently so the flavors meld. This method transforms simple ingredients into a savory, velvety topping ideal for mashed potatoes or biscuits.

How do you thicken ground beef gravy?

The best way to thicken hamburger gravy is with a flour-based roux (equal parts fat and flour cooked briefly). Alternatives include a slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water, stirred in off-heat), arrowroot for a grain-free option, or simmering longer to reduce. Avoid adding too much flour at once—whisk slowly to prevent lumps. If your gravy is still thin, simmer uncovered to concentrate it. For a richer texture, stir in a splash of cream or evaporated milk at the end. This technique ensures a flawlessly thick Ground Beef Gravy recipe every time.

What is the best way to brown ground beef?

Use a hot pan (preferably cast iron) and avoid overcrowding. Spread beef in a single layer and let it sear without stirring for 3–4 minutes—this creates flavorful Maillard reaction browning. Only then, break it up with a spoon and continue cooking. Do not stir constantly, which steams instead of sears. The result? A more savory, complex hamburger gravy with deep, meaty flavor. This simple step elevates your entire dish, making even the most basic easy comfort food taste restaurant-worthy.

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Conclusion: Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy

There’s a reason Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy has stood the test of time—it’s warm, filling, soul-satisfying, and made with ingredients you already love. Whether you call it hamburger gravy, meat gravy, or just “that thing my grandma made,” one thing’s certain: once you taste it, you’ll be making it again. So grab your skillet, fire up the stove, and treat your family to a plateful of easy comfort food that brings everyone to the table.

We’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add potatoes on the side or mix in diced green beans? Snap a photo and tag us or comment below. Let’s keep the tradition alive—one scoop of gravy at a time.

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