Ground Beef And Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

About Ground Beef And Gravy

This classic pairing is more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic embrace. The combination of savory ground beef simmering in a rich, deeply flavored gravy, typically served over a bed of fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes, evokes a sense of home and tradition. It’s a culinary hug that transcends generations, making it a beloved choice for many families. Its inherent simplicity yet profound satisfaction solidifies its place as a staple in comfort food culture. For more inspiring dinner ideas, check out our cheesy chicken and rice casserole, another excellent choice for a hearty meal.

What makes this dish cozy?

The coziness of ground beef and gravy stems from its warmth, familiar flavors, and comforting textures. The tender beef, enveloped in a smooth, savory gravy, offers a deeply satisfying taste. Paired with soft, buttery mashed potatoes, each spoonful is a comforting delight. This hearty meal often conjures memories of family gatherings and relaxed evenings, contributing to its undeniable cozy appeal. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, particularly on a chilly evening. You can learn more about the concept of comfort food by visiting its Wikipedia page.

Why you will love this recipe.

You will absolutely love this ground beef and gravy recipe for its incredible ease of preparation and its universally appealing flavors. It’s an accessible dish, even for novice cooks, yielding impressive results with minimal fuss. The ingredients are straightforward and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a delicious weeknight dinner. Furthermore, its versatility allows for simple adaptations to suit various tastes or dietary needs, ensuring it can become a regular in your meal rotation. It truly is an easy recipe that delivers big on taste and satisfaction.

Ingredients for Your Hearty Meal

Crafting this hearty meal starts with selecting fresh, quality ingredients that contribute to its rich flavors. A well-stocked pantry and refrigerator ensure you can whip up this delightful dinner without multiple trips to the grocery store. From the succulent meat to the aromatic seasonings, each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect, comforting taste. Planning your ingredients beforehand also helps in streamlining the cooking process, making it an even easier recipe to tackle after a busy day. Explore other main course recipes for more delicious ideas.

Meat and vegetable items.

For the core of your ground beef and gravy, you’ll need one pound of lean ground beef, preferably 80/20 or 85/15 for optimal flavor without excessive grease. Complementing the beef are aromatic vegetables such as one medium yellow onion, finely chopped, and two cloves of garlic, minced. For added texture and nutrition within the gravy itself, consider including a cup of frozen peas and carrots, which cook quickly and add a touch of sweetness. These simple additions elevate the overall depth of flavor and visual appeal of your hearty meal, turning it into a truly satisfying experience.

Dairy and seasoning needs.

To achieve creamy mashed potatoes and a perfectly seasoned gravy, gather several key dairy and seasoning items. For the mashed potatoes, you’ll need two pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and quartered, a half-cup of whole milk, and four tablespoons of unsalted butter. The gravy requires two tablespoons of all-purpose flour for thickening, two cups of beef broth, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. A pinch of dried thyme or bay leaf can also enhance the gravy’s aroma, adding another layer of complexity to your comforting ground beef and gravy.

Making Creamy Mashed Potatoes

The foundation of a great ground beef and gravy dinner is undoubtedly the mashed potatoes. Achieving that perfect, creamy consistency requires attention to a few simple techniques. When done right, they become a silky, rich canvas for the savory gravy. This section guides you through the process, from selecting the right potato variety to the final seasoning, ensuring your mashed potatoes are light, fluffy, and full of flavor. A truly creamy mashed potato is a treat on its own, but it’s particularly outstanding when paired with a rich, savory topping.

Boil and mash potatoes properly.

Start by selecting russet potatoes, as their high starch content yields the fluffiest mash. Peel and quarter two pounds of potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water by about an inch, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender, usually 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander, letting them steam dry for a couple of minutes. This step is crucial for preventing watery mashed potatoes. For the creamiest texture, pass them through a potato ricer or use a sturdy masher until smooth. Avoid over-mashing, which can make them gummy. For an in-depth understanding of this classic side, consult the Mashed Potato Wikipedia page.

Seasoning for perfect potatoes.

Once mashed, it’s time to transform them into a truly luxurious side. Heat half a cup of whole milk and four tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan until the butter melts and the milk is warm, but not boiling. Gradually add the warm milk and butter mixture to the mashed potatoes, stirring gently until fully incorporated and the desired creamy consistency is achieved. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. For an extra touch of richness, a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese can be folded in. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley before serving adds a beautiful, fresh finish to your perfectly seasoned creamy mashed potatoes.

Cooking the Ground Beef Gravy

The heart of this hearty meal is the savory ground beef gravy. Its depth of flavor comes from carefully browning the beef and creating a rich, thick sauce. This section will walk you through the steps to build layers of flavor, from searing the meat to achieving the perfect gravy consistency. A well-executed gravy elevates the entire dish, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness. Making a flavorful ground beef and gravy is simpler than you might think, and these steps will help you achieve a restaurant-quality sauce right in your own kitchen. Consider trying our creamy baked mac and cheese for another comforting dish.

Brown the ground beef well.

Begin by placing one pound of ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. This browning step is crucial as it develops rich, caramelized flavors (Maillard reaction) that form the base of your gravy. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This prevents the gravy from becoming greasy and ensures a cleaner, more intense beef flavor. After draining, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent, usually about 5-7 minutes. These aromatics will infuse the beef with additional savory notes.

Thicken gravy with flour and broth.

With the beef and aromatics cooked, it’s time to build the gravy. Sprinkle two tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the beef mixture. Stir continuously for about one minute, allowing the flour to cook and coat the ingredients. This creates a roux, which will thicken your gravy and eliminate any raw flour taste. Gradually pour in two cups of beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for a touch of savory depth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be rich and coating, not watery.

Add vegetables to the gravy.

To complete your flavorful ground beef gravy, add one cup of frozen peas and carrots. These vegetables contribute color, texture, and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes of the beef and gravy. Stir them into the simmering gravy and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Season the gravy generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring the flavor is robust and well-balanced. The addition of vegetables makes this ground beef and gravy an even more wholesome and satisfying component of your family dinner, adding both nutrition and visual appeal.

Putting Ground Beef Dinner Together

Assembling your ground beef dinner is the final, satisfying step that brings all the comforting elements together. This dish is designed for simplicity and deliciousness, making it perfect for a weeknight family dinner. The rich, savory gravy, perfectly complemented by creamy mashed potatoes, creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This section focuses on the simple act of combining these elements into a delightful and appealing meal, ready to be enjoyed immediately. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward assembly, allowing you to enjoy your culinary efforts swiftly.

Spoon gravy over mashed potatoes.

To serve your delicious ground beef and gravy dinner, spoon a generous portion of the creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Create a slight well in the center of the mashed potatoes to cradle the savory gravy. Then, ladle a generous amount of the rich ground beef gravy, complete with its tender vegetables, over the mashed potatoes. The velvety gravy will seep into the potatoes, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. This presentation ensures every bite offers a perfect balance of creamy and savory. Serve immediately to enjoy the warmth and comfort of this hearty meal.

Preparation and Cooking Times

One of the best aspects of making ground beef and gravy is its relatively short preparation and cooking times, especially considering the hearty and satisfying outcome. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Understanding the timeline helps you manage your cooking effectively, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. This recipe is designed for efficiency, allowing you to quickly bring a delicious family dinner to the table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, truly an easy recipe.

Quick prep time needed.

The beauty of this ground beef and gravy recipe lies in its incredibly quick prep time. You can expect to spend approximately 15 minutes getting all your ingredients ready. This includes peeling and quartering potatoes, chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and gathering all your pantry staples. Having everything measured and prepped (mise en place) before you start cooking will make the process even smoother and faster, ensuring you can transition seamlessly from preparation to cooking. This quick prep time makes it an excellent choice for a spur-of-the-moment family dinner.

Total cooking duration.

From the moment you start browning the ground beef to when the gravy is perfectly thickened and the potatoes are mashed, the total cooking duration for this ground beef and gravy dinner is about 30-35 minutes. This efficient cooking time, combined with the quick prep, means you can have a complete, comforting meal on the table in under an hour. While the gravy simmers, you can easily manage the mashed potatoes, allowing for simultaneous preparation. This streamlined process ensures that even on the busiest evenings, a hearty, homemade family dinner is well within reach.

Servings and Nutrition Facts

This ground beef and gravy recipe is designed to be a generous and satisfying meal for your family. Understanding the serving size and general nutritional information can help you plan your meals and maintain a balanced diet. While specific calorie counts can vary based on exact ingredients and portions, this section provides a general overview, highlighting the dish as a substantial and filling option. It’s a truly hearty meal that provides ample energy and satisfaction, making it a reliable choice for dinner ideas.

Serves four people generously.

This recipe for ground beef and gravy is perfectly portioned to serve four people generously. Each serving offers a substantial amount of both creamy mashed potatoes and rich, savory beef gravy, ensuring everyone leaves the table feeling satisfied and nourished. If you’re cooking for a larger group, simply double the ingredients to accommodate more diners without compromising on flavor or quality. The generous serving size makes it an excellent choice for a family dinner, providing ample food for everyone to enjoy without feeling deprived.

Calories per serving amount.

While precise calorie counts depend on specific brands and exact measurements, a typical serving of this ground beef and gravy with mashed potatoes would range approximately between 550 to 700 calories. This makes it a hearty meal, providing significant energy and satisfaction. The lean ground beef contributes protein, the potatoes offer carbohydrates, and the vegetables add essential vitamins and fiber. For more detailed nutritional information, you can use online calorie calculators with your specific ingredient choices. Overall, it’s a balanced and fulfilling comfort food option.

Tips for Best Results

Achieving the perfect ground beef and gravy isn’t just about following the steps; it’s also about incorporating a few smart tips that can elevate your dish from good to exceptional. These simple techniques address common challenges, ensuring your gravy is lump-free and your beef flavor is optimized. By paying attention to these details, you’ll consistently create a meal that tastes like it came from a seasoned chef, making this already easy recipe even more foolproof and delightful for any family dinner.

Draining excess beef fat.

One of the most crucial tips for creating a delicious ground beef gravy is properly draining excess beef fat after browning. While some fat adds flavor, too much can make your gravy greasy and unappetizing. After your ground beef is thoroughly browned, carefully tilt the skillet and use a spoon or paper towels to scoop or soak up the rendered fat. Leaving just a tablespoon or two in the pan is usually ideal for sautéing aromatics and creating your roux. This simple step ensures a cleaner, richer-tasting gravy that isn’t heavy or oily, making your hearty meal much more enjoyable.

Preventing gravy lumps easily.

Preventing lumps in your gravy is key to a smooth, velvety sauce. The easiest way to achieve this is to gradually add your liquid (beef broth) to the flour-coated beef mixture (the roux), whisking constantly. Start with a small amount of broth to create a thick paste, then slowly add the rest, whisking vigorously to incorporate. Ensure the broth is at least room temperature, if not warm, to help it blend seamlessly. If you do find a few stubborn lumps, don’t fret; you can always pass the finished gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before serving for a perfectly smooth consistency. This ensures your ground beef and gravy is always perfectly smooth.

Serving Your Delicious Dish

Once your ground beef and gravy is perfectly cooked and ready, serving it appealingly enhances the dining experience. While it’s fantastic on its own, a few thoughtful additions can round out the meal and add a touch of elegance. This section offers ideas for complementary sides and simple garnishes that will make your hearty meal truly shine. Presenting your family dinner beautifully can make it even more enjoyable and memorable, transforming a simple dish into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Great sides to pair with it.

Ground beef and gravy with mashed potatoes is a complete meal, but a few simple sides can elevate it further. Steamed or roasted green beans with a hint of garlic, glazed carrots, or a fresh side salad with a vinaigrette dressing offer a pleasant contrast in texture and flavor. Warm, crusty dinner rolls are also a fantastic addition, perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy. These sides complement the richness of the main dish without overpowering it, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying family dinner experience. They add freshness and variety to this comforting ground beef and gravy.

Garnishing for extra appeal.

A simple garnish can make a big difference in the visual appeal of your ground beef and gravy. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich flavors. Alternatively, a dash of paprika or a swirl of sour cream on top of the mashed potatoes can create an inviting look. These small touches show attention to detail and make your hearty meal even more appetizing, transforming an easy recipe into something special. A little greenery goes a long way in presenting your ground beef dinner beautifully.

Ground Beef And Gravy Variations

While the classic ground beef and gravy recipe is undeniably delicious, it also serves as an excellent base for various culinary explorations. Customizing your hearty meal with different proteins or vegetables can introduce exciting new flavors and textures, catering to diverse preferences or what you have on hand. These variations can keep your family dinner rotation fresh and interesting, ensuring this comfort food remains a favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this easy recipe truly your own, embracing the spirit of creative home cooking.

Try ground turkey option.

For a lighter alternative to traditional ground beef, consider using ground turkey in your gravy. Ground turkey offers a leaner protein source while still absorbing the rich flavors of the gravy beautifully. When browning ground turkey, you might need to add a touch more oil to the pan as it contains less natural fat. The cooking process remains largely the same, ensuring you still achieve a hearty and flavorful meal. This simple swap makes your ground beef and gravy dinner a versatile option for those looking to reduce red meat intake. Explore our ground turkey and peppers recipe for more turkey-based dinner ideas.

Add different vegetables.

The versatility of ground beef and gravy extends to the vegetables you can incorporate. Beyond peas and carrots, try adding diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of simmering. For a more robust flavor, diced celery and leeks can be sautéed with the onions and garlic at the beginning. If you enjoy a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can also be stirred in. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also introduce new dimensions of flavor and texture, making your family dinner even more exciting.

Storing Leftovers Safely

One of the many advantages of ground beef and gravy is how well it keeps, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping or enjoying delicious leftovers. Proper storage ensures your hearty meal remains fresh and safe to eat for days after cooking. This section provides essential tips for refrigerating and reheating your dish, so you can savor every last bit of this comforting family dinner without worry. Knowing how to handle leftovers correctly means less waste and more enjoyment of your easy recipe.

How to refrigerate leftovers.

To safely refrigerate your ground beef and gravy leftovers, allow the dish to cool down to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Transfer the gravy and mashed potatoes into separate airtight containers. This helps maintain their individual textures and flavors, as potatoes can sometimes absorb too much liquid if stored with the gravy. Place the sealed containers in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for 3-4 days. Proper airtight storage is crucial for preventing spoilage and maintaining the quality of your comforting ground beef and gravy.

Reheating the dish well.

Reheating ground beef and gravy is simple, ensuring your comfort food tastes just as good as the first time. For the gravy, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot throughout. If it appears too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Mashed potatoes can be reheated in the microwave, stirring every minute, or gently warmed on the stovetop with a little extra milk or butter. Ensure both components are piping hot before serving to enjoy a delicious and safe meal. Enjoy your easy recipe leftovers!

Enjoy Ground Beef And Gravy Today

There’s no better time than now to bring the comforting warmth of ground beef and gravy to your table. This hearty meal is a testament to the power of simple ingredients creating profound satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this easy recipe promises a delicious and rewarding experience. Gather your loved ones, set the table, and prepare to create cherished memories around this delightful family dinner. It’s more than just food; it’s an invitation to connect and enjoy the simple pleasures of home. Share your culinary adventures by tagging us on Instagram or finding inspiration on Pinterest!

A perfect family dinner.

Ground beef and gravy truly stands out as a perfect family dinner. Its universally appealing flavors cater to both adults and children, making it a crowd-pleaser that minimizes mealtime negotiations. It’s hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites after a long day, yet simple enough not to overwhelm the cook. The comforting nature of this dish fosters a sense of togetherness, making it ideal for creating treasured family moments around the dinner table. Embrace this easy recipe and let it become a beloved tradition in your home, providing delicious comfort food for years to come.