Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hamburger Gravy over Mashed Potatoes is the kind of timeless comfort food that never goes out of style. It is simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a warm, filling meal that feels like home. Tender ground beef cooked in a rich, savory gravy pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a dish that is both humble and indulgent. I grew up eating versions of this meal, and it still feels just as comforting today as it did back then. What I love most is how affordable and approachable it is, using everyday pantry staples while delivering big flavor. It is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust seasoning or texture to suit your preferences. This recipe proves that you do not need complicated ingredients to make something truly comforting.
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Hamburger Gravy over Mashed Potatoes (Classic Comfort Food)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A classic comfort-food dish featuring savory ground beef cooked in a rich onion gravy, served generously over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a pot of salted water and boil until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and set aside.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat.
- Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until gravy thickens.
- Serve hamburger gravy hot over mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor if desired.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef forms the base of the gravy, providing rich, savory flavor and protein. Lean beef works well, but a little fat adds extra depth.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and aroma, balancing the richness of the beef and gravy.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory notes and gives the gravy a warm, comforting undertone.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, flavorful gravy.
All-purpose flour
Flour thickens the gravy, giving it a classic, velvety texture.
Beef broth
Beef broth builds the body of the gravy and intensifies the beefy flavor.
Worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami, enhancing the overall savoriness of the dish.
Salt
Salt brings out the natural flavors of the beef and gravy.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
Potatoes
Potatoes create the creamy base for serving the gravy. Starchy varieties work best for smooth mashed potatoes.
Milk
Milk helps achieve a creamy mashed potato texture without overpowering the flavor.
Additional butter for potatoes
Butter enriches the mashed potatoes and makes them silky and smooth.
Directions
Begin by peeling and cutting the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, then drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and set aside, keeping warm.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add butter to the skillet and sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to coat the beef. Cook for one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Serve the hot gravy generously over the mashed potatoes.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, while cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a practical and satisfying dinner option.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens. Mashed potatoes reheat best with a little added milk or butter.
Variations and Customizations
This dish is easy to adapt. You can add mushrooms to the gravy for extra depth or use ground turkey for a lighter version. A splash of cream can make the gravy richer, while adding paprika or thyme introduces subtle warmth. For a chunkier texture, mash the potatoes less thoroughly, or for ultra-smooth potatoes, use a ricer. You can also serve the gravy over rice or biscuits instead of mashed potatoes. These small adjustments allow you to personalize the recipe while keeping its comforting essence intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes is a filling meal that provides protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Using lean ground beef and low-sodium broth can help reduce fat and sodium content without sacrificing flavor.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Brown the beef well
Proper browning adds depth and prevents bland gravy.
Control gravy thickness
Add broth gradually to reach your preferred consistency.
Season at the end
Final seasoning ensures balanced flavor without over-salting.
FAQs
Can I make hamburger gravy ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well with a splash of broth.
What potatoes are best for mashing?
Starchy potatoes produce the creamiest texture.
Can I use milk instead of broth for gravy?
Broth is recommended for flavor, but milk can be used for a lighter taste.
How do I fix lumpy gravy?
Whisk continuously and add liquid slowly.
Can I freeze this dish?
The gravy freezes well, but potatoes are best fresh.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, peas or green beans work well.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is mild and very popular with children.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour substitute.
How do I make it richer?
Add a little cream or extra butter.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well.
Conclusion
Hamburger Gravy over Mashed Potatoes is a comforting, budget-friendly meal that delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. With its rich gravy and creamy potatoes, it is a classic recipe you will want to keep in regular rotation.
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