There’s something timeless about a hearty plate of mashed potatoes with ground beef gravy. This dish is the ultimate comfort food — simple, satisfying, and made from pantry staples you likely already have at home. With creamy mashed potatoes as the base and savory ground beef gravy poured over the top, every bite delivers warmth, flavor, and nostalgia.
Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping a cozy dinner for two, or looking for an easy weeknight recipe, this dish checks all the boxes: affordable, filling, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy
This recipe blends two comfort food heroes — mashed potatoes and savory beef gravy — into one perfect meal.
Here’s why it’s a must-try:
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Budget-friendly: Made with simple ingredients that stretch across multiple servings.
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Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour.
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Customizable: Add vegetables, spices, or cheese to suit your taste.
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Comforting: Perfect for cold evenings or when you crave home-style goodness.
It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of family dinners, cozy kitchens, and the simple joy of homemade food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what you need for both the mashed potatoes and the ground beef gravy.
Mashed Potatoes
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 2 lb, quartered and peeled |
| Milk | 1 ½ cups |
| Butter | ¼ cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Ground Beef and Gravy
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Beef broth | ¼ cup |
| Curry powder (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Frozen carrots and peas (optional) | 1 cup |
How To Make Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy
This recipe comes together in five simple steps — from creamy mashed potatoes to thick, rich gravy. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by adding the quartered and peeled potatoes to a large pot. Cover them with cold water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender — about 15–20 minutes. Drain them thoroughly.
Mash the potatoes while still hot with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the texture to your liking — a little extra milk makes them creamier, while less milk gives a denser consistency.
Set aside and keep warm.
Pro tip: Warm your milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes — it makes the mash extra smooth and prevents lumping.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned.
Drain any excess fat to prevent the gravy from becoming greasy.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This builds the flavorful base for your gravy.
Step 3: Create the Beef Gravy
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour evenly over the beef mixture. Stir constantly for about one minute — this step cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the gravy.
Gradually pour in ¼ cup of beef broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
As the gravy thickens, reduce the heat and season with salt, pepper, and curry powder (if using). The curry powder adds a subtle warmth and depth that makes this gravy truly special.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick and glossy.
Optional twist: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra umami flavor.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables (Optional)
If you’d like to include some color and texture, stir in 1 cup of frozen carrots and peas.
Cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the gravy is bubbling gently.
This transforms the dish into a balanced, one-pan meal — hearty, flavorful, and wholesome.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To serve, spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate.
Top with a hearty ladle of ground beef gravy, making sure to get plenty of sauce in every bite.
Garnish with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of black pepper, or even a drizzle of melted butter for an extra touch of indulgence.
Enjoy immediately while it’s hot — comfort food doesn’t get better than this.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
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Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Golds or Russets are perfect for creamy mashed potatoes.
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Make it richer: Substitute some milk with cream or half-and-half for extra indulgence.
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Save time: Use instant mashed potatoes if you’re short on time (though homemade is always best!).
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Flavor boosters: Add a pinch of paprika or thyme to the gravy for added aroma.
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Vegetarian version: Swap the beef for plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like:
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Steamed broccoli or green beans
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Roasted corn on the cob
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Buttery dinner rolls
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A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
For extra comfort, serve with a glass of iced tea or a cozy mug of hot chocolate during the colder months.
People Also Ask (PAA)
What kind of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are best. They mash easily and create that smooth, fluffy texture we all love.
Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mashed potatoes up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of milk or butter before serving.
How can I thicken my beef gravy if it’s too thin?
Simply mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold broth or water to create a slurry. Stir it into the gravy and simmer until it thickens.
Can I freeze mashed potatoes with beef gravy?
You can freeze them separately. Mashed potatoes freeze well for up to 2 months, while the beef gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly to maintain texture.
What’s the secret to creamy mashed potatoes?
Mash them while they’re hot and avoid overmixing, which can make them gluey. Use warm milk and butter for the smoothest, creamiest results.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish offers a satisfying mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats:
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Potatoes provide energy and potassium.
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Beef adds protein and iron for muscle health.
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Milk and butter supply calcium and healthy fats.
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Vegetables (if added) contribute fiber and vitamins.
While indulgent, it’s still a balanced comfort meal — especially when paired with greens or a side salad.
Quick Recap
| Step | Process | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boil and mash potatoes | 20 mins |
| 2 | Brown ground beef with onion and garlic | 10 mins |
| 3 | Make gravy with flour and broth | 7 mins |
| 4 | Add vegetables (optional) | 5 mins |
| 5 | Serve and enjoy | Immediate |
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm the mashed potatoes and gravy separately over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the texture.
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Freeze: Keep in freezer-safe bags for longer storage — up to 2 months.
❤️ Final Thoughts: A Family Favorite Reimagined
Mashed potatoes with ground beef gravy is more than just a meal — it’s a taste of home. Every spoonful combines creamy comfort and savory satisfaction, making it the perfect recipe for any night of the week.
Simple ingredients, easy steps, and rich flavor come together to create something truly special — a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
So next time you’re craving classic comfort food, skip the takeout and make this delicious homemade favorite instead. Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you.