Easy Ground Beef and Gravy (The Ultimate Comfort Food!)

There are certain meals that feel like a warm hug on a plate. They’re the simple, hearty, and unpretentious dishes we turn to on busy weeknights or chilly evenings when we crave pure comfort. What if you could whip up one of the most satisfying comfort food classics—from scratch—in about 40 minutes? This Ground Beef and Gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes is that meal. Forget any notion that a rich, savory homemade gravy is complicated. This recipe is incredibly easy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor, delivering a complete and satisfying dinner that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Ingredients

This classic dish is made with simple, accessible pantry staples. The recipe is broken into two main components: the homemade mashed potatoes and the rich beef gravy.

For the Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes	2 pounds, peeled and cubed
Salted Butter	3 tablespoons
Whole Milk	½ cup
Garlic Powder	½ teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon, plus more for boiling
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper	To taste

For the Savory Ground Beef and Gravy

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Lean Ground Beef	1 pound
Low-Sodium Beef Broth	2 cups, divided
Small Onion	1, chopped
Garlic Powder	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper	¼ – ½ teaspoon
Cornstarch	2 tablespoons

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

This entire from-scratch comfort meal comes together in well under an hour, making it a perfect choice for any night of the week.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is prepared in two parts that can be cooked simultaneously: the mashed potatoes and the ground beef gravy.

Part 1: Making the Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Fill a medium pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the cubed potatoes and boil for 7-8 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Warm the Milk and Butter

While the potatoes are boiling, combine the butter and milk in a small saucepan. Heat them over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is warm.

Tip: Warming the milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes is the secret to extra creamy, lump-free mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Mash and Season the Potatoes

Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly in a colander and return them to the hot, empty pot. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. Gradually stir in the warm butter-milk mixture until it’s fully incorporated and the potatoes are creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stir well, and set aside.

Part 2: Making the Savory Ground Beef and Gravy

Step 4: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup of the cold beef broth until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This mixture, called a slurry, is what will thicken your gravy. Set it aside for later.

Step 5: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, using a spoon to break it apart into small crumbles, until it is no longer pink. Carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 6: Simmer and Thicken the Gravy

Add the remaining 1 ¾ cups of beef broth, the chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir everything to combine and let it simmer, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes until the onion is soft and tender. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering skillet while whisking gently. Increase the heat to bring the gravy to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it has thickened into a rich, savory gravy.

Part 3: Assembling Your Meal

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

To serve, divide the fluffy mashed potatoes among four bowls. Spoon a generous portion of the hot Ground Beef and Gravy over the top of each bed of potatoes. Serve immediately and enjoy this ultimate comfort food meal!

Nutritional Information

This is a hearty, classic meal. The following nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the fat content of your beef and other specific ingredients.

• High in Protein: The ground beef provides a substantial amount of protein, making this a very filling meal.
• Complete Meal: This dish combines protein, carbohydrates, and fat for a satisfying all-in-one dinner.

Healthier Alternatives

This comfort food favorite can easily be lightened up with a few simple substitutions.

• Leaner Protein: Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or ground chicken to reduce the fat content. You may need to add a little olive oil to the pan to brown it.
• Lighter Mashed Potatoes: For a lighter mash, you can substitute half of the potatoes with steamed and mashed cauliflower. Using low-fat milk and reducing the butter will also help.
• Boost the Veggies: Add more nutrition by stirring in a cup of frozen mixed peas and carrots or some sliced sautéed mushrooms into the gravy during the last few minutes of simmering.

Serving Suggestions

While this is a perfect meal on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a simple side dish.

• With Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside a simple side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or glazed carrots for a complete and balanced dinner plate.
• Change the Base: This savory ground beef and gravy is also delicious served over fluffy white rice, buttery egg noodles, or even a slice of toasted bread for a classic diner-style meal.
• Fresh Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over the top can add a nice touch of color and a hint of freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Follow these simple tips to ensure your meal is perfectly creamy and delicious every time.

• Getting Lumpy Gravy: Adding cornstarch directly to hot liquid will cause it to clump instantly. Solution: Always make a slurry first. Whisk the cornstarch with a small amount of cold liquid (in this case, broth) until it is completely smooth before adding it to the hot skillet.
• Watery or Gummy Mashed Potatoes: Watery potatoes are a result of not draining them well enough. Solution: After draining the boiled potatoes in a colander, return them to the hot, empty pot for a minute over low heat. This allows any excess water to steam away, resulting in fluffier potatoes.
• A Bland Gravy: The flavor of your gravy is heavily dependent on the quality of your broth. Solution: Use a good quality, flavorful beef broth. Be sure to taste the finished gravy and adjust the seasoning with enough salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Storing Tips

This dish makes for fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often get even better the next day.

• To Store: Store the mashed potatoes and the ground beef and gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. When reheating the mashed potatoes, you may want to add a splash of milk to restore their creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Easy Ground Beef and Gravy recipe is the embodiment of simple, heartfelt cooking. It’s a timeless, budget-friendly meal that delivers rich, savory flavors and ultimate comfort without any complicated steps. It’s the perfect, reliable dinner to have in your back pocket for those busy nights when you need a wholesome, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

We hope this becomes a beloved comfort food classic in your home. Give it a try and let us know in the comments what you think! We love hearing from you. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy and delicious weeknight meal ideas.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use a different thickener for the gravy?

Yes. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour. After draining the fat from the beef, sprinkle 3-4 tablespoons of flour over the meat and stir for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Then, gradually whisk in the beef broth and simmer until thickened.

Q2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes to save time?

Absolutely! The notes in the recipe data mention this, and it’s a great shortcut. If you’re short on time, preparing a batch of instant mashed potatoes makes this an even quicker meal.

Q3. How can I add more flavor to the gravy?

For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, or a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the gravy as it simmers.

Q4. Can I make the components ahead of time?

Yes. Both the mashed potatoes and the ground beef and gravy can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

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