Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy

This Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy—often affectionately called “Poor Man’s Shepherd’s Pie”—is the ultimate blue-collar comfort food. It takes the best part of a roast dinner (the gravy and mash) and turns it into a quick weeknight meal by using ground beef instead of a slow-roasted joint. The result is a rich, savory “hamburger gravy” that clings perfectly to creamy, buttery potatoes.

Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy

Ingredients:

How To Make Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef Gravy:

Step 1: Prepare the Mash:Place quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15/20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain the water, then mash with milk and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, and keep the lid on to retain heat.

Step 2: Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned. Use your spatula to break the meat into small crumbles. Drain off the excess fat.

Step 3: Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3/5 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and onion mixture. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to “toast” the flour (this removes the raw flour taste). Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps.

Step 5: Simmer and Season: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. If using, toss in the frozen peas and carrots now. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the gravy is thick and glossy.

Step 6: Serve: Spoon a generous heap of mashed potatoes onto each plate and create a “well” in the center. Ladle the hot ground beef gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.