Ultimate Ground Beef & Gravy with Mashed Potatoes (30-Min Comfort Classic)

Sometimes, the answer to life’s chaos is a plate of ground beef & gravy with mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of no-fuss, all-flavor dinner that makes you sigh with relief and reach for seconds. Whether you’ve got hungry teens with one foot in the fridge, or a partner who asks, “What’s for dinner?” before their shoes are even off—this meal shuts down complaints and fills up hearts.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about that rich, savory gravy blanketing a pillowy scoop of mashed potatoes, all topped with tender ground beef that’s seasoned just right. This recipe feels like a throwback to grandma’s kitchen, with a modern twist (read: ready in under an hour). It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and gloriously cozy. So, pull out that big skillet—it’s time to feed your people with love, butter, and a whole lotta gravy.

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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef & Gravy with Mashed Potatoes

• One-pan wonder. Less mess, more magic.
• Comfort food classic. Think homemade, hearty, and totally satisfying.
• Budget-friendly. Ground beef saves the day again.
• Versatile. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles.
• No fancy ingredients. Pantry staples shine here.

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Ingredients

For the Ground Beef & Gravy:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes (or about 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed)
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup milk or heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

PIN IT OR SAVE IT

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Instructions

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes (If Not Pre-Made)

• Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes).
• Drain, mash with butter and milk, and season to taste.
• Cover and set aside to keep warm.

2. Brown the Beef

• In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
• Drain excess grease but leave a little for flavor.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet.
• Cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

4. Make the Gravy

• Push the beef to one side. Melt butter on the empty side, then whisk in flour to form a roux.
• Stir and cook for 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
• Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Combine everything.

5. Season and Simmer

• Stir in Worcestershire sauce and thyme.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens.

6. Serve It Up

• Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls.
• Top with a generous ladle of beef and gravy.
• Garnish with parsley or chives if you’re feeling fancy.

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Melania’s Tips for Flavorful Ground Beef & Gravy

• Use beef broth, not water. It’s the secret to deep, meaty flavor.
• Don’t skip the roux. That butter-flour mix makes the gravy rich and silky.
• Got leftovers? Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it saucy.
• Bonus depth: Add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.

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Bake It With the Littles

Let the kids help with:

• Mashing potatoes. Just hand them a masher and let them go to town.
• Stirring the gravy. Older kids love seeing the transformation from broth to silky sauce.
• Serving time. Little hands love scooping and garnishing—just keep the ladle away from the cat.

It’s a great dish to introduce basic cooking steps in a low-stress way.

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Meal-Prep Magic

Yes, you can make this ahead!

• Gravy keeps: Store the beef and gravy separately in the fridge up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently: Warm on the stovetop with a bit of broth to loosen it up.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze just the beef and gravy—make fresh mashed potatoes later for best texture.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

Want to lighten things up? Try these easy tweaks:

• Use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
• Swap whole milk for unsweetened almond milk in the mashed potatoes.
• Add cauliflower mash or a mix of cauliflower and potatoes for extra veggies.
• Stir chopped mushrooms into the beef to stretch it and add nutrients.

Still hearty. Still delicious.

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Leftover Remix

This dish reinvents itself beautifully:

• Shepherd’s Pie: Spoon into a baking dish, top with leftover mashed potatoes, and bake until bubbly.
• Open-faced sandwich: Serve the beef and gravy over toast or a biscuit.
• Beefy hash: Mix with roasted veggies or diced potatoes for a quick skillet hash.

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Gift It Like a Pro

Ground beef and gravy is a warm hug in casserole form—ideal for gifting.

• Pack the beef and gravy in one container, mashed potatoes in another.
• Add heating instructions and a little note (“Comfort in a container!” works every time).
• Great for new parents, neighbors, or anyone who just needs a break from takeout.

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FAQs

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

What’s the best potato for mashing?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are perfect—creamy and fluffy.

Can I use jarred gravy?
You could, but trust me, this homemade version is fast and infinitely better.

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Final Thought

Ground beef & gravy with mashed potatoes is more than a meal—it’s a cozy ritual. It brings comfort on busy weeknights, fuels conversation around the table, and tastes just like home. So next time life feels a little chaotic, whip up this dinner and let the rich aroma remind you that simple food really is the best kind.

And if comfort food is your love language, don’t miss my Creamy Chicken & Rice Bake—another weeknight lifesaver you’ll want to put on repeat.

For homemade beef gravy: Allrecipes’ Easy Beef Gravy Recipe

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