Introduction
When you’re craving something warm, filling, and incredibly satisfying, ground beef and gravy with mashed potatoes is exactly what you need. This recipe is the definition of comfort food—juicy beef, rich brown gravy, and buttery mashed potatoes all in one bite.
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If you love cozy, classic dishes, don’t miss our Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings or this creamy KFC Gravy Recipe—they pair perfectly with this hearty plate.
Why This Ground Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a Family Favorite
This dish is beloved for a reason:
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Simple ingredients found in every kitchen
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Ready in 30 minutes or less
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Perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family
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Budget-friendly and easily scalable
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Comforting like grandma’s cooking
It’s the type of meal that hugs you from the inside out. Add a spoonful of homemade gravy, and you’re golden.
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Ingredients
For the Ground Beef & Gravy:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups beef broth
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
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Optional: ½ tsp thyme or Worcestershire sauce for added depth
For the Mashed Potatoes:
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3 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)
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3–4 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (if homemade)
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½ cup milk
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3 tbsp butter
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Salt to taste
Directions
Step-by-Step: How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
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Prepare the Mashed Potatoes (if making fresh)
Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt. -
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. -
Make the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over the cooked beef and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let simmer for 5–8 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and optional thyme or Worcestershire sauce. -
Assemble and Serve
Spoon the mashed potatoes onto a plate or bowl. Ladle the hot beef and gravy over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Tips for Best Results:
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Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
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Add a touch of cream cheese to mashed potatoes for extra richness.
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Make extra gravy—it’s the star!
Variations:
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Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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Add peas or corn to make it a one-pan meal.
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Serve over rice or egg noodles instead of potatoes for a twist.
Want another budget-friendly classic? Try our Basic Vegetable Soup for a warm, healthy companion.
Storage
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze mashed potatoes and beef/gravy separately for up to 1 month.
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Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Time & Yield
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Course: Dinner, Main
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Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
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Difficulty: Easy
Tools Used
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Large skillet
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Medium saucepan (for mashed potatoes)
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Potato masher or electric mixer
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Cutting board & knife
Final Thoughts
This ground beef and gravy with mashed potatoes recipe is everything comfort food should be—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings people to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds.
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Whether it’s a cold winter night or a long weekday, this dish warms the soul and fills the belly.
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Looking for more classic recipes like this? Don’t miss our Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe—another perfect pairing.
For more inspiration, check out this Easy Hamburger Gravy recipe on AllRecipes—it’s a similar twist with tons of 5-star reviews.

Ground Beef and Gravy with Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- - Instructions
- Boil potatoes, mash with milk and butter. Season with salt.
- Sauté onion and garlic in skillet. Add ground beef and brown it.
- Stir in flour, cook 1 minute. Add beef broth and simmer until thick.
- Season to taste. Serve hot over mashed potatoes.
Notes
Add peas or corn for texture. Swap beef with turkey for lighter version. Use instant mashed potatoes to save time.