🥔 Why This Classic Meal Belongs in Every Meal Plan
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a plate of creamy mashed potatoes smothered in savory ground beef and rich brown gravy. It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving comfort food, ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes is a go-to dish that fits seamlessly into your meal plan.
It’s made with pantry staples, cooks up fast, and tastes like something your grandma might’ve served—what more could you want?
🍽️ What Is Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes?
Think of it as the ultimate meat-and-potatoes meal: seasoned ground beef cooked until tender, then simmered in a savory gravy, and served on top of fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s simple, budget-conscious, and endlessly comforting.
Best of all, it works beautifully for:
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Weeknight dinners
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Meal prep
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Leftover makeovers
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
| For the Ground Beef & Gravy | For the Mashed Potatoes |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef – 1 lb | Potatoes – 2 lbs (Yukon Gold or Russet) |
| Onion – 1 small, diced | Milk – ½ cup |
| Garlic – 2 cloves, minced | Butter – 4 tbsp |
| Beef Broth – 2 cups | Salt – to taste |
| Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tbsp | Pepper – to taste |
| Cornstarch – 1 tbsp (for thickening) | Optional: sour cream or cream cheese |
| Salt & Pepper – to taste |
👨🍳 How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
1. Start with the Mashed Potatoes:
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Peel and chop potatoes.
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Boil until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
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Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef and Gravy:
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In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
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Add beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
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In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little cold water, then stir into the pan to thicken the gravy.
3. Assemble:
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Scoop mashed potatoes into bowls or plates.
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Ladle the beef and gravy mixture generously on top.
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Garnish with parsley or a dash of black pepper, if desired.
🗓️ Why It Works in a Meal Plan
This dish hits every meal plan goal:
✅ Fast to make (under 30 minutes)
✅ Budget-friendly ingredients
✅ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
✅ Versatile—you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even mushrooms
✅ Comfort food at its finest
You can easily scale the recipe up for batch cooking or make it stretch by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn into the beef mixture.
🔁 Variations and Add-Ons
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Shepherd’s Pie Style: Layer and bake with cheese on top.
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Low-Carb: Serve over mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
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Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the gravy.
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Southern Twist: Add a splash of cream and use sausage or bacon fat in the mash.
❤️ Final Thoughts: A Comfort Staple That Feeds Your Soul (and Your Meal Plan)
Ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes isn’t just a comfort meal—it’s a smart, satisfying addition to your weekly meal plan. Whether you're feeding a family, meal prepping, or just want something warm and nostalgic after a long day, this dish always hits the spot.
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