Ah, comfort food—there’s just something magical about it, right? When I think of cozy nights in, my mind instantly goes to ground beef and gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I remember my grandma making this dish on chilly evenings, the aroma wafting through the house, wrapping around me like a soft blanket. The savory gravy poured generously over those creamy, buttery mashed potatoes is simply irresistible. You can’t help but dive in! This meal is not just delicious; it’s also quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy Sunday dinner. Trust me, once you’ve tried this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your comfort food repertoire.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
How to Prepare Ground Beef and Gravy Over Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
Cooking the Ground Beef and Gravy
Let’s get started with the star of the show—our ground beef! In a large skillet, heat it over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in the chopped onions and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell is already amazing! After that, drain any excess fat from the skillet. It’s important to keep it from being too greasy, trust me!
Now, sprinkle in the flour, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until everything is well combined. This will help thicken our gravy beautifully. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly. It’s like magic as it thickens up right before your eyes! Keep stirring for about 3-5 minutes until you achieve that rich, velvety texture. If you want an extra kick, feel free to add some garlic powder at this stage for a flavor boost!
Making the Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
While the gravy is simmering, let’s whip up those fluffy mashed potatoes! Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into even-sized chunks. Place them in a pot of cold, salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let them cook until fork-tender, usually around 15-20 minutes.
After they’re tender, drain the potatoes well in a colander. Then, return them to the pot to mash them up. Add in the butter and milk, and mash until they’re creamy and fluffy. Don’t be afraid to really get in there—this is where the magic happens! If you like your potatoes extra decadent, you can always add a little more butter or milk. Now, it’s time to serve! Spoon that luscious beef gravy generously over your fluffy mashed potatoes, and enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for hungry bellies.
- Comforting flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please the whole family.
- Versatile; you can add your favorite seasonings or veggies.
- Leftovers are delicious and reheat wonderfully.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your ground beef and gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes turns out perfectly every time! First, if you want to lighten up the dish, you can swap half of the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken—just be sure to season it well to keep that rich flavor. Also, don’t skimp on the salt and pepper; they really elevate the dish!
If you like a creamier texture for your mashed potatoes, try using sour cream or cream cheese in addition to butter and milk. It adds a lovely tang! And for a touch of freshness, consider topping your dish with fresh chopped parsley or chives. Finally, always taste your gravy before serving—if it needs a little something extra, a splash of Worcestershire sauce can work wonders! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Section
It’s always good to know what you’re eating! Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition per serving of ground beef and gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re just estimates. Enjoy this hearty meal while keeping an eye on your nutritional needs!
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and gravy in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just keep the mashed potatoes separate until serving to keep them fluffy.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works great! Just be sure to season it well since it’s milder in flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave gently or warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to keep the gravy from getting too thick.
Can I add vegetables to the gravy?
You bet! Feel free to toss in some peas or carrots for added nutrition and color. Just sauté them along with the onions!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers is super simple! Just let your ground beef and gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes cool down to room temperature, then transfer them into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the gravy from the mashed potatoes if you can; this helps keep everything nice and fresh!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, the best way to reheat is to use the microwave or stovetop. If you’re microwaving, pop it in on medium power for a few minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If you’re using the stovetop, gently warm it over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to the gravy to keep it from thickening too much. Trust me, with these tips, your dish will taste just as good as when it was freshly made!
Print
Ground Beef and Gravy Over Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ground beef and gravy served over fluffy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add flour, salt, and pepper to the skillet; stir to combine.
- Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Prepare mashed potatoes by boiling potatoes until tender.
- Drain potatoes and mash with butter and milk until fluffy.
- Serve the beef gravy over the mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder to the beef mixture.
- Top with chopped parsley for garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: ground beef, gravy, mashed potatoes
