Ground Beef and Gravy

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This cozy Ground Beef and Gravy recipe is pure comfort food: tender, seasoned beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy and spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s budget-friendly, quick enough for busy weeknights, and packed with classic homestyle flavor that the whole table will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes, prepared (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed and return the skillet to the heat.
  4. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked beef mixture. Stir well to coat and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  6. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine.
  8. Let the beef and gravy simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  9. Spoon the savory ground beef and gravy over warm mashed potatoes and serve immediately.

Variation

  1. Swap the mashed potatoes for cooked egg noodles, rice, or buttered toast for a different twist.
  2. Add 1–2 cups of sliced mushrooms or frozen mixed vegetables when you sauté the onions for more texture and nutrition.
  3. Turn it into a cheesy skillet by stirring in 1/2–1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella right at the end until just melted.

Cooking Notes

  1. Brown the beef well to build flavor; a little caramelization on the bottom of the pan will make the gravy richer.
  2. Sprinkling the flour directly over the meat helps it absorb evenly and prevents floury clumps in the gravy.
  3. Simmer gently rather than boiling hard—this keeps the gravy smooth and prevents it from separating.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve over classic buttery mashed potatoes with a side of green beans, peas, or a crisp salad.
  2. Spoon the beef and gravy over toast or biscuits for a hearty, diner-style meal.
  3. Use leftovers as a filling for baked potatoes or stuffed bell peppers.

Tips

  • Prep the onions and garlic before you start cooking so the recipe comes together quickly.
  • For extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding the broth.
  • Make it ahead: the gravy thickens as it sits—reheat gently with a bit of extra broth to loosen before serving.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes. Store cooked beef and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
  2. Can I freeze ground beef and gravy?
    Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low heat, loosening with broth as needed.
  3. Can I use a different meat?
    Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work well. Use chicken broth with poultry, and adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. How can I make this gluten-free?
    Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or thicken with 1–2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water before stirring into the simmering broth.

Conclusion

Savory Ground Beef and Gravy over mashed potatoes is the kind of simple, satisfying comfort food you can put on the table any night of the week. With budget-friendly ingredients, a rich homemade gravy, and endless ways to customize, it’s sure to become a family favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

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Ground Beef and Gravy

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Omnivore
Print Recipe

Description

This cozy Ground Beef and Gravy recipe is pure comfort food: tender, seasoned beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy and spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s budget-friendly, quick enough for busy weeknights, and packed with classic homestyle flavor that the whole table will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes, prepared (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed and return the skillet to the heat.
  4. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked beef mixture. Stir well to coat and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  6. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine.
  8. Let the beef and gravy simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  9. Spoon the savory ground beef and gravy over warm mashed potatoes and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90% or higher) if you prefer a lighter dish, or regular ground beef for extra richness.
  • If the gravy gets too thick, whisk in a splash of extra broth or water until it loosens.
  • Taste before adding the full amount of salt—soy sauce and broth can both be quite salty.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/4 of recipe over mashed potatoes)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg (estimated, depends on broth and soy sauce)
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: ground beef and gravy, beef and gravy over mashed potatoes, easy ground beef recipe, comfort food, skillet dinner

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