Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, look no further than Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. This delightful meal has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and it’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together. The creamy mashed potatoes topped with savory hamburger gravy create a cozy experience that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished favorite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a little over 25 minutes of cooking time, this dish is perfect for when you want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a hearty meal, and this comforting plate of goodness is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The gravy can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, making weeknight dinners a breeze when you’re short on time.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich hamburger gravy paired with the creamy mashed potatoes creates a flavor explosion that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of what makes cooking so enjoyable! For this comforting dish, here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup milk (warmed)
• 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Sneak in some peas or carrots into the gravy for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can bring an exciting kick to the gravy.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.

How to Make Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This step not only cooks the beef but also adds flavor to your gravy! Once done, drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add the butter to your skillet with the browned beef. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion. Cook until softened and translucent—about 5-7 minutes—then add minced garlic for an aromatic boost. This step elevates your dish by adding sweetness from the onions and depth from the garlic.

Step 3: Thicken the Gravy

Lower your heat to medium-low and sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until it turns light golden brown. This process helps thicken your gravy while ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Create Your Gravy Base

Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly—this prevents lumps from forming! Next, slowly add milk while continuing to whisk everything together. Bringing this mixture to a simmer will help develop that rich flavor we all love.

Step 5: Simmer for Flavor

Bring down the heat to low after achieving a gentle simmer. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let your gravy simmer for about 15-20 minutes until thickened to your liking. Remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Step 6: Taste Test Time!

Now’s your chance! Sample your gravy and adjust seasoning if needed; feel free to add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce based on what you love best.

Step 7: Optional Mushrooms

If you’re adding mushrooms, sauté them separately with some butter until softened before tossing them into your gravy during simmering—this adds great texture!

Step 8: Prepare Your Potatoes

While your gravy simmers away happily, place peeled and quartered potatoes into a large pot covered with cold water—make sure it’s about an inch above them! Add just a pinch of salt before bringing it all to boil over high heat.

Step 9: Mash Those Potatoes!

Once fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes), drain them well in a colander before returning them back into their pot. Mash them using either a potato masher or ricer until nice and smooth.

Step 10: Mix In Creaminess

Add butter into those fluffy potatoes first so it melts nicely from residual heat. Gradually pour in warm milk while stirring until they reach that creamy consistency we all crave! If you’re feeling indulgent, toss in sour cream too!

Step 11: Final Seasoning Touches

Season those mashed potatoes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired—give them one last taste test before serving!

Step12: Serve It Up!

Spoon generous portions of mashed potatoes onto each plate followed by ladles full of hamburger gravy on top. If you like some freshness on there too—garnish with chopped parsley before diving in!

Enjoy this comforting classic that feels just like home!

Pro Tips for Making Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Creating the perfect Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure every bite is comforting and delicious!

• Choose Quality Ground Beef: Opting for an 80/20 blend will provide the right balance of flavor and juiciness. This fat content helps keep the meat tender while adding richness to your gravy.

• Don’t Rush the Onions: Cooking the onions until they are soft and translucent enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor. This step is crucial for building the savory base of your gravy.

• Whisk Constantly: When adding liquids to the flour mixture, whisking continuously prevents lumps from forming, resulting in a smooth and creamy gravy that clings perfectly to those mashed potatoes.

• Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Taste your gravy as it simmers and adjust seasonings incrementally. This allows you to find that perfect balance of flavors without overpowering the dish.

• Use Warm Milk for Mashed Potatoes: Adding warm milk to your mashed potatoes keeps them fluffy and prevents them from cooling down too quickly. This ensures a delightful temperature when serving.

How to Serve Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Serving Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes can be a truly satisfying experience! Here are some ideas on how to present this warm comfort food masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top adds a pop of color and freshness, making your dish visually appealing while enhancing its flavor.
• Sliced Green Onions: These provide a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the gravy beautifully.
• Shredded Cheese: A handful of shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella can melt into the hot gravy, adding an extra layer of creaminess.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Green Beans: Their crisp texture offers a nice contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes, plus they add a healthy element to your meal.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely char that pairs well with the savory gravy.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover gravy on your plate—pure bliss!
• Simple Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumber balances out the hearty nature of this dish while refreshing your palate.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create not just a meal but an experience that warms hearts and satisfies appetites. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep these delicious leftovers fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover hamburger gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the mashed potatoes separate from the gravy to maintain their texture.
• If you plan to enjoy them later, consider storing them in individual portions for easy reheating.

Freezing

• Allow the hamburger gravy and mashed potatoes to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer the gravy to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
• For mashed potatoes, portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, labeling each with the date.
• Both can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat the gravy, place it in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through; add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.
• For mashed potatoes, you can microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between, or reheat on the stove with a bit of milk and butter to revive their creaminess.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about this comforting recipe.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still give you a flavorful gravy while being lower in fat. Just follow the same cooking instructions.

How do I make Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version of Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The result will still be deliciously satisfying!

Can I prepare Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare both components ahead of time and store them separately. They reheat beautifully and are perfect for busy weeknights.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots to your gravy for extra flavor and nutrition. You might also experiment with adding different spices or herbs according to your taste preference!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes recipe brings warmth and comfort to your table! It’s truly special because it combines simple ingredients into a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Enjoy making this dish, and don’t hesitate to share it with family and friends who will love its rich flavors just as much as you do! Happy cooking!