Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes: Prepare to be transported back to cozy weeknight dinners with a dish that’s both nostalgic and utterly satisfying. Forget fancy restaurants; this is comfort food at its finest, a creamy, savory hug in a bowl. Have you ever craved something hearty, filling, and bursting with flavor, but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then, this recipe is your answer!

While its exact origins are shrouded in the mists of culinary history, Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes likely emerged as a resourceful way to stretch ground beef and create a complete meal. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of home cooks, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. Think of it as a deconstructed shepherd’s pie, without the fuss of layering and baking.

What makes this dish so universally loved? It’s the perfect marriage of textures: fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes meet a rich, savory gravy brimming with seasoned ground beef. The taste is undeniably comforting, a symphony of savory and creamy notes that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This is a one-pot (or two-pot, if you prefer separate potatoes) wonder that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. So, ditch the takeout menu and embrace the simple pleasure of homemade Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes. You won’t regret it!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Hamburger Gravy:
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2% for creaminess)
• 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
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
• For the Mashed Potatoes:
• 2.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup milk (warmed)
• 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Preparing the Hamburger Gravy:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. This is a crucial step for developing the rich flavor of the gravy, so don’t rush it!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the butter to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Create the Roux: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the ground beef and onion mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes. This step is important for thickening the gravy and preventing a floury taste. Make sure the flour is fully incorporated and starts to turn a light golden brown. This is your roux!
4. Add the Liquids: Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once the broth is incorporated, slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Let the gravy simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become!
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your preference.
7. Optional Additions: If you’re using mushrooms, sauté them in a separate pan with a little butter until softened before adding them to the gravy during the simmering process. This adds a lovely earthy flavor.
8. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish the gravy with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness.

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water, ensuring the water level is about an inch above the potatoes. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
2. Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Return the potatoes to the pot.
3. Mash the Potatoes: Use a potato masher or a ricer to mash the potatoes until smooth. A ricer will give you the smoothest, most lump-free mashed potatoes, but a potato masher works just fine too. Avoid over-mashing, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
4. Add the Butter and Milk: Add the butter to the mashed potatoes and let it melt slightly from the residual heat. Then, gradually pour in the warm milk, stirring until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. Warming the milk helps the potatoes absorb it better and prevents them from becoming cold.
5. Add Sour Cream (Optional): If using sour cream, stir it in until well combined. Sour cream adds a tangy richness to the mashed potatoes.
6. Season and Serve: Season the mashed potatoes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the mashed potatoes hot, topped with the hamburger gravy.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Plate the Mashed Potatoes: Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate.
2. Top with Hamburger Gravy: Ladle a generous amount of the hamburger gravy over the mashed potatoes. Make sure to get plenty of the ground beef and flavorful gravy.
3. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Gravy and Mashed Potatoes:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final dish will taste. Use good quality ground beef, fresh potatoes, and flavorful beef broth.
• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged and mushy. Cook them until they are just fork-tender.
• Warm the Milk: Warming the milk before adding it to the mashed potatoes helps them absorb it better and prevents them from becoming cold.
• Don’t Over-Mash the Potatoes: Over-mashing the potatoes can release too much starch and make them gluey. Mash them until they are just smooth.
• Adjust the Consistency of the Gravy: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• Make Ahead: You can make the hamburger gravy and mashed potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat them before serving. The gravy may thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little more broth or milk when reheating.
• Add Variations: Feel free to add your own personal touch to this recipe. You can add different vegetables to the gravy, such as carrots, celery, or peas. You can also add different herbs and spices to the mashed potatoes, such as rosemary, chives, or nutmeg.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Hamburger Gravy and Mashed Potatoes!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! Hamburger Gravy Mashed Potatoes – a dish that’s more than just comfort food; it’s a hug on a plate. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes, combined with the savory, richly seasoned hamburger gravy, create a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the simplicity. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. It’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the gravy to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little kick, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the savory notes. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this dish is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to elevate it even further. Consider adding a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for a complete and balanced meal. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also complement the richness of the gravy and potatoes beautifully.

Looking for variations? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
• Mushroom Magic: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the ground beef for an earthy and savory twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the gravy for a touch of heat.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate some finely chopped carrots, celery, and onions into the gravy for added nutrients and texture.
• Herb Infusion: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley, chives, or thyme over the finished dish for a burst of freshness.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking, isn’t it? It’s all about creating something delicious and satisfying that reflects your personal taste and preferences.

I’m confident that you’ll love this hamburger gravy mashed potatoes recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a comforting and delicious meal. It is a great way to use up ground beef and create a hearty meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations? Did you add your own special touch? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know what you think!