Simple Ground Beef and Gravy with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

This comforting and satisfying dish brings all the rich, hearty flavors of a classic comfort food to your table—without the guilt! Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is an easy, family-friendly recipe perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with protein and flavor, this dish pairs perfectly with creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional, but recommended)
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
• 1 tablespoon light butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or fork until smooth.
3. Mix in the Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, and light butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm.

Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the chopped onion and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Make the Gravy

1. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
2. Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water), stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

1. Divide the mashed potatoes evenly among plates.
2. Top each serving with the ground beef and gravy mixture.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~300
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• WW Points: ~6 (varies by plan and specific ingredients)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Filling: The creamy mashed potatoes and savory beef gravy make for a satisfying and cozy meal.
2. Weight Watchers-Friendly: Lower in calories and fat, this recipe allows you to enjoy comfort food without overindulging.
3. Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables like peas or carrots to boost the nutritional content.
4. Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal comes together in under 40 minutes.

Tips for Success

• For Creamier Mashed Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally buttery flavor.
• Lean Protein Alternatives: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef to lower the points further.
• Gravy Consistency: If you prefer a thicker gravy, add a little more cornstarch slurry. For thinner gravy, use less.
• Meal Prep: Make extra mashed potatoes and freeze them for a quick side dish later in the week.

Serving Suggestions

• Vegetable Sides: Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

The Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a comfort food classic reimagined for healthy eating. Rich, flavorful, and simple to prepare, this dish proves you don’t have to sacrifice taste to stay on track with your goals. It’s hearty enough to please the whole family while being light enough to fit your Weight Watchers plan. Enjoy this guilt-free indulgence any night of the week!