When I think about comfort food, my mind immediately gravitates toward the rich aroma of ground beef sizzling in a pan and the creamy fluffiness of mashed potatoes. 

It’s a combination that has an uncanny ability to make everything feel right in the world. After a long week, there’s something profoundly satisfying about embracing this hearty dish. 

Today, I’m excited to share with you my go-to recipe for ground beef and mashed potatoes that has all the nostalgia while bringing a few surprises that elevate its flavors.

What is Ground Beef and Mashed Potato?

At its core, this recipe is a delightful marriage of tender ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes, seasoned to perfection. The ground beef is usually cooked with generous spices and savory sauces until it’s juicy and flavorful. 

On the side, or sometimes on top, we have the mashed potatoes—smooth, buttery, and comforting. But don’t forget, it’s not just about taste. The balance of protein, fiber, and carbs makes it a satisfying meal to fuel your day.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Mashed Potato Recipe

Once you’ve experienced this dish, you’ll quickly understand its charm. Here are a few reasons why this recipe should be on your dinner table:

Ease of Preparation: You don’t need a culinary degree to whip this up. I promise anyone, from novice cooks to seasoned pros, will have success diving into this recipe.

Nostalgic Flavors: Every bite transports me back to cozy family dinners, memories of laughter, and stories shared around the table.

Versatility: You can make adjustments based on what you have. More vegetables? Throw them in. Prefer a different seasoning? Go for it!

Nutritious: The ingredients can be quite healthy, especially when using lean beef and incorporating cauliflower into the mashed potatoes for some added nutrition.

Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s a perfect candidate for meal prep. Cook a batch, and you’ll have delicious leftovers that will last you throughout the week.

The Ingredients

For this recipe, I recommend gathering the following ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Yellow Onion, finely sliced
• 8 oz Button Mushrooms, sliced
• 2 pounds Extra Lean Ground Sirloin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Sea Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 2 packets Savory Brown Gravy Mix
• 3 cups Rich Beef Bone Broth (or your preferred liquid)
• 2 Tablespoons Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
• 1 Tablespoon Aged Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

For the Lower Calorie Mashed Potato Blend

• 24 oz package Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• 24 oz package Fluffy Mashed Cauliflower

These ingredients provide a blend of flavors and textures that come together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you even turn on the stove, get everything ready. Slice the onion and mushrooms, measure out the spices, and have your ground beef on standby. A little prep goes a long way. Trust me; it saves you from chaos later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion and cook it until it’s translucent. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once that’s done, toss in the mushrooms. Let them sauté until they’re tender and have released their moisture, which will take another 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Now comes the star of the show—ground sirloin. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef to the skillet. As it cooks, break up any large chunks with your spatula. We want it nicely browned. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the salt and pepper while cooking to bring out those flavors.

Step 4: Add the Gravy Mix

Once the beef is browned, it’s gravy time! Sprinkle the savory brown gravy mix over the meat mixture. Pour in the beef bone broth, whisking to combine everything smoothly. Bring this to a slow simmer and let it thicken for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Flavor It Up

Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika into the mix. At this point, taste it. Does it need more salt or spice? Adjust as needed.

Step 6: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While that’s cooking away, let’s pivot to the mashies. Prepare both the creamy mashed potatoes and fluffy mashed cauliflower according to package instructions. This is where the magic lies—combining these two delivers a lighter texture without losing that delicious potato flavor.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Once both components are ready, it’s time to plate. You can either create a lovely layered plate with mashed potatoes on the bottom and the beef mixture on top or combine them in a cozy bowl. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese to add a gooey element before serving.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure your dish is successful and delicious, here are some handy tips:

• Use a Leaner Cut of Beef: Opt for leaner cuts like sirloin to avoid excessive grease.
• Incorporate Veggies: Want to sneak in some greens? Add spinach, peas, or carrots to boost the nutrient profile.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer longer.
• Flavor Boosting: Consider adding garlic or fresh herbs like thyme for added flavor complexity.
• Make-Ahead Tip: This dish reheats beautifully. You can prepare it a day ahead and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Can I Store Ground Beef and Mashed Potato?

Absolutely! This dish holds up well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Store it in a sealed container. For longer storage, consider freezing portions. It’s perfect for those days when you don’t have time to cook; just reheat and enjoy!

What Can I Serve with Ground Beef and Mashed Potato?

Some sides complement this dish beautifully:

• Steamed Green Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans for a fresh crunch.
• Salad: A crisp garden salad for balance.
• Bread Rolls: Because who doesn’t love fresh bread with a hearty meal?
• Roasted Vegetables: They add color and variety to your plate.

Variations of Ground Beef and Mashed Potato

Yes, even comfort food can be jazzed up! Here are five variations to consider:

• Cheesy Beef and Mashed Potato Bake: Layer the beef mixture and mashed potatoes in a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly.
• Add Spicy Kick: Mix in jalapeños or use spicy ground beef to spice things up.
• Swapped Meats: Swap out beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing taste.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with lentils or meat alternatives.
• Smoky and Sweet: Add barbecue sauce instead of gravy for a sweet and smoky flavor profile.

Pamela Dunlap

Ground Beef And Mashed Potato Recipe

When I think about comfort food, my mind immediately gravitates toward the rich aroma of ground beef sizzling in a pan and the creamy fluffiness of mashed potatoes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 328

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Yellow Onion finely sliced
• 8 oz Button Mushrooms sliced
• 2 pounds Extra Lean Ground Sirloin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Sea Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 2 packets Savory Brown Gravy Mix
• 3 cups Rich Beef Bone Broth or your preferred liquid
• 2 Tablespoons Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
• 1 Tablespoon Aged Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• For the Lower Calorie Mashed Potato Blend
• 24 oz package Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• 24 oz package Fluffy Mashed Cauliflower

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Before you even turn on the stove, get everything ready. Slice the onion and mushrooms, measure out the spices, and have your ground beef on standby. A little prep goes a long way. Trust me; it saves you from chaos later.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion and cook it until it’s translucent. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once that’s done, toss in the mushrooms. Let them sauté until they’re tender and have released their moisture, which will take another 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Now comes the star of the show—ground sirloin. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef to the skillet. As it cooks, break up any large chunks with your spatula. We want it nicely browned. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the salt and pepper while cooking to bring out those flavors.
4. Once the beef is browned, it’s gravy time! Sprinkle the savory brown gravy mix over the meat mixture. Pour in the beef bone broth, whisking to combine everything smoothly. Bring this to a slow simmer and let it thicken for about 5 minutes.
5. Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika into the mix. At this point, taste it. Does it need more salt or spice? Adjust as needed.
6. While that’s cooking away, let’s pivot to the mashies. Prepare both the creamy mashed potatoes and fluffy mashed cauliflower according to package instructions. This is where the magic lies—combining these two delivers a lighter texture without losing that delicious potato flavor.
7. Once both components are ready, it’s time to plate. You can either create a lovely layered plate with mashed potatoes on the bottom and the beef mixture on top or combine them in a cozy bowl. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese to add a gooey element before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 328kcal

Notes

• Use a Leaner Cut of Beef: Opt for leaner cuts like sirloin to avoid excessive grease.
• Incorporate Veggies: Want to sneak in some greens? Add spinach, peas, or carrots to boost the nutrient profile.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer longer.
• Flavor Boosting: Consider adding garlic or fresh herbs like thyme for added flavor complexity.
• Make-Ahead Tip: This dish reheats beautifully. You can prepare it a day ahead and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

After exploring James Martin’s pancake recipe, it’s clear that this simple dish holds the power to elevate your breakfast game. With just a few ingredients and some care, you can create something truly special. 

Whether served as breakfast or brunch, these pancakes invite warmth and happiness. They offer a canvas for creativity—mix in flavors or toppings that excite your taste buds. DIY pancake mornings can transform into cherished traditions. 

This recipe is not only about food; it’s about creating memories and sharing moments. So, roll up your sleeves and give it a try; you won’t be disappointed. Happy flipping!