Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients for both the gravy and the mashed potatoes. I always choose ground beef that’s fresh and lean but still has enough fat to keep the gravy flavorful and rich. For the mashed potatoes, Yukon golds are my go-to—they mash up creamy without needing too much butter or cream. When it comes to seasoning, simple staples like onions, garlic, and a good beef broth elevate the dish without adding fuss. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your pantry or dietary preferences, which makes this recipe very adaptable.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess in mashed potatoes)
Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option. For dairy-free mashed potatoes, swap milk with almond or oat milk and use olive oil instead of butter.
Instructions
- Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir well. This will help thicken the gravy. Cook for another 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Then add the milk and continue stirring until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with butter and sour cream (if using), adding salt and pepper to taste. For extra fluffy mashed potatoes, I like to use a hand masher rather than a blender.
- Serve the rich hamburger gravy generously over the creamy mashed potatoes. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh black pepper or chopped parsley if you like a pop of color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Hamburger Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes, recipe, cooking, food
