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Savory Beef and Gravy Delight
Savory Beef and Gravy Delight is classic comfort food: seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy (often thickened with flour or cornstarch and boosted with Worcestershire), spooned over buttery, creamy mashed potatoes. Most “ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes” recipes follow the same cozy formula: brown beef with onion, add broth and seasonings, thicken into gravy, then serve over mashed potatoes.
Dish type
Dish type: Comfort-food dinner (ground beef gravy over mashed potatoes).
Main ingredients: Ground beef, onion/garlic, beef broth, flour or cornstarch (thickener), Worcestershire sauce, potatoes, butter, milk or buttermilk.
Cuisine: American homestyle.
Cooking method: Skillet gravy + boiled-and-mashed potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s fast and budget-friendly, and still feels like a “real dinner.”
- One skillet makes the beef gravy while potatoes boil, so timing is easy.
- Worcestershire and browned bits add deep, savory flavor without complicated ingredients.
- It’s flexible: add peas and carrots, mushrooms, or extra seasoning to match your family’s taste.
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Boil the potatoes. Peel (optional), chunk, and boil potatoes until fork-tender, then drain. Tip: cut pieces evenly so they cook at the same speed.
Brown the beef. Cook ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink; drain excess fat if needed. Tip: leave a little fat for flavor, but drain if it looks greasy.
Add aromatics. Stir in onion (and garlic if using) and cook until the onion is translucent. Tip: don’t rush the onion, it sweetens and deepens the gravy.
Make the thickener base. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir, cooking for about 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Tip: coating the beef in flour before adding liquid helps prevent lumps.
Build the gravy. Gradually add beef broth while stirring, then add Worcestershire sauce; simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Tip: scrape browned bits from the pan because they’re pure flavor.
Mash the potatoes. Mash drained potatoes with butter, then stir in milk or buttermilk, salt, and pepper until creamy. Tip: warming butter/buttermilk before adding can help the potatoes stay fluffy and smooth.
Serve. Spoon creamy mashed potatoes into bowls and ladle the beef and gravy over the top. Tip: finish with black pepper and a little parsley if you want it to look extra homey.
Tips for Success
- For thicker gravy, simmer a bit longer; for thinner, add a splash more broth.
- Cook flour in the fat briefly before adding broth to prevent a starchy taste.
- Don’t overwork mashed potatoes, which can make them gluey; mash just until smooth.
Variations & Substitutions
- Creamy “SOS style”: swap some broth for milk to make a creamier hamburger gravy.
- Veggie boost: stir in frozen peas and carrots near the end.
- Extra savory: add Dijon mustard or beef bouillon for more depth (common in hamburger gravy styles).
What to Serve With It
- A simple green veggie (green beans or broccoli) to balance the rich gravy.
- Dinner rolls or biscuits to scoop up extra gravy, since hamburger gravy is often served with bread options too.
Storage & Reheating
Store mashed potatoes and beef gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge, then reheat gently. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen the texture back to creamy.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition depends on beef leanness and how much butter and milk you use in the potatoes. If you tell me your ground beef percentage (90/10, 85/15, etc.) and whether you’re using milk or buttermilk, I can estimate calories, protein, carbs, fat, fiber, sugar, and sodium per serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dumping all the broth in at once, which can make flour clump; add gradually while stirring.
- Skipping the “cook the flour” step, which can leave a raw flour taste in the gravy.
- Overmixing potatoes, which can make them gummy.
FAQ
Can I make ground beef and gravy ahead of time?
Yes. The gravy reheats well; add a splash of broth to loosen it when warming.
Flour or cornstarch, which is better?
Flour is classic and cooks right in the pan, while cornstarch can thicken quickly when stirred into simmering broth.
What can I add for more flavor?
Worcestershire sauce is a common add-in, and some recipes also use Dijon or bouillon.
Can I use buttermilk in mashed potatoes?
Yes, buttermilk mashed potatoes are a popular variation for extra tang and creaminess.
Conclusion
Savory Beef and Gravy Delight is the kind of cozy, filling dinner that tastes like home: rich ground beef gravy over creamy mashed potatoes with zero fuss. If you tell me whether you want a darker, broth-based gravy or a creamier “hamburger gravy” style, I’ll tailor the exact gravy ratio for your perfect plate.
Savory Beef and Gravy Delight: Rich and Tender Ground Beef Simmered in Flavorful Gravy, Perfectly Paired with Creamy Mashed Potatoes!
Rich and tender ground beef simmered in flavorful gravy, perfectly paired with creamy mashed potatoes. A comforting and flavorful dish that is easy to make and ideal for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 packet Gravy Mix
- 4 medium Potatoes
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/2 cup Milk
Directions
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Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
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Sprinkle the gravy mix over the meat and stir to combine.
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Boil the potatoes until tender, drain, and mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy.
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Serve the savory beef and gravy over a generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!
