Easy ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes recipe with detailed step-by-step instructions. A classic comfort food dinner made from simple ingredients.

---

Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

Servings

4–6 people
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~30 minutes

---

Ingredients

Mashed Potatoes

• 2 pounds potatoes (Russet for fluffy, Yukon Gold for creamy)

• 4 tablespoons butter

• ½–¾ cup milk or heavy cream (warm)

• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

---

Ground Beef and Gravy

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

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons butter (or beef drippings)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1½ to 2 cups beef broth (warm if possible)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Optional seasonings (choose 1–2):

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • Pinch of thyme or paprika

• Optional finish: 2–3 tablespoons cream or milk

---

Step-by-Step Directions

---

STEP 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel and cut potatoes
   Peel the potatoes (optional) and cut them into evenly sized chunks, about 1½–2 inches. This helps them cook evenly.

2. Boil
   Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch.
   Add 1 teaspoon salt to the water.

3. Cook
   Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender (a fork slides in easily).

4. Drain
   Drain potatoes completely and return them to the hot pot for 1 minute to let excess moisture evaporate.

5. Mash
   Add butter and mash until mostly smooth.

6. Add milk
   Slowly pour in warm milk or cream while mashing until creamy.

7. Season
   Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.

---

STEP 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat skillet
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Brown beef
   Add ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink.

3. Drain excess grease
   If there is a lot of fat, spoon off excess, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan for flavor.

---

STEP 3: Add Onion and Garlic

1. Add onion
   Stir in diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent.

2. Add garlic
   Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.

---

STEP 4: Make the Gravy

1. Add butter
   Add 2 tablespoons butter to the pan and let it melt.

2. Add flour
   Sprinkle flour evenly over the beef. Stir well so everything is coated.

3. Cook the roux
   Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. This removes the raw flour taste.

4. Add broth slowly
   Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring continuously.
   The gravy will thicken as it heats.

5. Season
   Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.

6. Simmer
   Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gravy is thick and glossy.

7. Finish (optional)
   Stir in cream or milk for extra richness.

---

STEP 5: Serve

1. Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls.

2. Ladle hot ground beef and gravy over the potatoes.

3. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper or a small pat of butter on top.

---

Helpful Tips

• Too thick? Add a splash of broth or milk.

• Too thin? Simmer a few more minutes or stir in a small flour-water slurry.

• Extra flavor: A dash of soy sauce or beef bouillon deepens the gravy.

• Leftovers: Reheat gently with a little broth to loosen.