Ground Beef and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes (Air Fryer Recipe)

Introduction:

This hearty dish is comfort food at its finest—savory seasoned ground beef smothered in rich brown gravy and served over creamy mashed potatoes. Making it in the air fryer not only speeds up the process but also gives the beef a slightly crisp texture that’s perfect for holding onto the gravy. It’s a quick, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients:

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

1 lb (450g) lean ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil (optional for added richness)

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt & black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 cup beef broth

Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

For the Mashed Potatoes:

1½ lbs (700g) potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 tbsp butter

¼ cup milk (more if needed for desired texture)

Salt, to taste

Optional: garlic powder or shredded cheese for extra flavor

Instructions:

 Cook Potatoes in Air Fryer (for Mashed Potatoes):

Toss the cubed potatoes with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt.

Place in a foil-lined air fryer basket or an oven-safe dish.

Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until fork-tender.

Transfer to a bowl. Mash with butter, milk, and a bit of salt. Add more milk for creaminess.

Tip: If you’re in a rush, you can microwave the potatoes instead while the beef is in the air fryer.

 Cook Ground Beef in Air Fryer:

Form the ground beef into small crumbles (do not press them into a patty).

Add the chopped onion and garlic. Toss lightly with olive oil, if using.

Place everything into a foil-lined or oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer.

Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until beef is browned and cooked through.

Carefully drain excess grease, if any.

 Make the Gravy (in Air Fryer):

To the cooked beef, sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat.

Add the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and beef broth.

Stir well and return to air fryer.

Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the gravy thickens.

If your air fryer doesn’t mix well with liquids, you can transfer the mixture to a stovetop or microwave-safe dish to finish the gravy.

Assemble and Serve:

Spoon a generous serving of mashed potatoes onto a plate or bowl.

Top with hot ground beef and thickened gravy.

Garnish with parsley or cracked black pepper.

Optional Add-ins & Variations:

Add peas or mushrooms to the gravy for texture and flavor.

Use garlic mashed potatoes or cheesy mash for a twist.

Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika.