Ground Beef Recipes With Potatoes And Gravy

Name: Ground Beef Recipes With Potatoes And Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 onion, diced; 2 cups beef broth; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chopped fresh herbs for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food Cravings

When I first tried making ground beef with potatoes and gravy, I was pleasantly surprised by how comforting and satisfying the dish turned out. The rich flavor of the beef combined with the creamy, savory gravy and tender potatoes is simply irresistible. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly filling. I often make it on busy weeknights, and my family always appreciates the warmth and heartiness it brings to the table.

Created by

Delilah Spencer

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:07:12.912Z

One of my favorite kitchen memories involves whipping up this hearty dish on a chilly Sunday evening. The aroma of the beef sizzling in the skillet would fill the house, and my family would gather around, eagerly anticipating dinner. I’ve learned that browning the beef properly is key to building flavor, as it creates that delicious crust on the meat. Pairing it with perfectly seasoned gravy is what elevates it.

I also like to customize the recipe by adding in some vegetables like carrots or peas when I want to amp up the nutrition. It not only diversifies the flavors but also gives the dish an extra burst of color and texture. The addition of herbs like thyme or rosemary can bring a fresh twist that complements the richness of the gravy beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Satisfying comfort food that warms the soul
Rich, savory gravy that enhances every bite
Versatile and easy to customize with vegetables

Perfecting the Gravy

The gravy is one of the star components of this dish, and getting it just right can make all the difference. To achieve a rich, velvety texture, ensure you stir the flour into the onions thoroughly before adding the beef broth. This step helps prevent lumps in your gravy. Cooking the flour with the onions for a minute or two will also give the gravy a deeper flavor, so don’t rush this crucial step.

To enhance the flavor further, consider using homemade beef broth if you have it. The freshness and depth of homemade broth can elevate your dish significantly. If using store-bought, opt for a low-sodium option to allow you to control the salt level. Additionally, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a hint of umami, which complements the beef and potatoes beautifully.

Selecting and Preparing Potatoes

Choosing the right type of potatoes can impact the overall dish. Yukon Golds or Russets work brilliantly for this recipe due to their hearty texture and ability to hold shape during cooking. Avoid waxy potatoes like Red Bliss, as they may become mushy and break apart in the gravy. After peeling and cubing, rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps them stay firm while cooking.

Once cubed, the potatoes should be added to the skillet as soon as possible to prevent browning. Ensure they are evenly coated in the gravy upon addition, allowing them to absorb flavors without overcooking. Keep an eye on their tenderness—overcooked potatoes can turn mushy, so check them after about 15 minutes of simmering, stirring gently to avoid breaking them apart.

Make-Ahead and Serving Suggestions

This ground beef and potatoes dish is perfect for meal prep. It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing the flavors to meld even further. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy, as it thickens upon cooling. Simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

For serving, consider pairing this dish with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad for a balanced meal. You can also customize the dish by adding peas or carrots during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition. A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving can brighten the dish and add a layer of freshness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to whip up this delicious dish:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 onion, diced
2 cups beef broth
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped fresh herbs for garnish

Now that you have everything you need, let's move on to the cooking instructions!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your hearty meal:

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef and set aside.

Sauté the Onion

In the same skillet, add butter and onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Prepare the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring consistently to combine. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking to avoid lumps.

Add Potatoes

Return the browned beef to the skillet, then add the cubed potatoes. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook Until Tender

Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.

Once it’s cooked, serve it warm, perhaps garnished with fresh herbs!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or your favorite seasoning blend to the beef while it cooks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your gravy turns out too thin, don't fret! Create a slurry by combining a tablespoon of flour with a bit of cold water in a separate bowl, then stir it into the simmering gravy. Keep stirring and allow it to cook for a couple more minutes, watching it thicken before your eyes. Conversely, if the gravy is too thick, add a bit of beef broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Overcooked ground beef can become tough and dry, ruining the overall texture of the dish. To avoid this, make sure to keep an eye on the beef as it browns—once it’s fully browned and no longer pink, remove it from the heat immediately. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly once combined with the hot gravy.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten the dish, consider substituting half of the ground beef with lean ground turkey or ground chicken. This swap will still provide the protein you desire without all the fat. For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for textured vegetable protein or lentils cooked separately and mixed in at the end.

Incorporating additional vegetables is also a great way to add nutrition and flavor. Feel free to toss in diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers—they should be added approximately halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Also, if you're looking for a bit more spice, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can give the dish a satisfying kick.

Scaling the Recipe for Bigger Crowds

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings. If scaling up, ensure you have a sufficiently large skillet or pot, or consider dividing the ingredients between two skillets to ensure even cooking. Keep the same cooking times in mind, but check for doneness periodically as larger volumes may require slight adjustments.

When increasing the quantity, be mindful of seasoning as well. You might have to adjust the salt and pepper content, typically adding a little less than what you think initially suggested to avoid over-seasoning. It’s always better to start with less and adjust after tasting during cooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work beautifully for a sweeter twist on the dish!

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can add more vegetables, such as carrots or green beans, and reduce the amount of butter in the gravy.

→ Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It reheats well and the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

→ What can I serve on the side?

This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.