- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Make the Gravy
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and thyme.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- If using peas and carrots, stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Serve
Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls, then generously ladle the hot ground beef and gravy over the top.
💡 Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer gravy.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Serve over buttered egg noodles or rice instead of mashed potatoes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Steamed green beans
- Buttered corn
- Roasted broccoli
- Warm dinner rolls or biscuits
🥶 Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the beef and gravy for up to 3 months. Mashed potatoes can also be frozen, though the texture may soften slightly after thawing.
❤️ Why You'll Love It
- One-pan beef and gravy
- Creamy homemade mashed potatoes
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Budget-friendly
- Comfort food the whole family will enjoy
It's a timeless meal that's warm, filling, and satisfying—perfect for cozy dinners any time of year.
