If you’re craving one of those cozy dinners that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did, these Smothered Beef Patties with Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans are such a good one.
The beef patties are seasoned simply, browned in a skillet, and then simmered right in a homemade onion gravy until they’re tender and full of flavor. Spoon everything over creamy mashed potatoes, add buttery green beans on the side, and you have a full comfort-food dinner made with really basic ingredients.
This one definitely gives Salisbury steak vibes, but we’re keeping it simple, inexpensive, and family-friendly.
This is one of those dinners that feels hearty and homemade without needing expensive ingredients. Ground beef, potatoes, onions, broth, and green beans do most of the work here.
The onion gravy is also made right in the same skillet you cook the beef patties in, so all those browned bits from the meat end up flavoring the sauce. No gravy packets needed!
It’s especially good for nights when you want something warm and filling but don’t want another pasta bake or chicken dinner.
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold salted water.
Bring to a boil and cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
While the potatoes cook, add the ground beef, diced onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.
Mix everything together just until combined. Try not to overwork the beef.
Form the mixture into 4–5 oval patties.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the beef patties and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.
Transfer the patties to a plate. They do not need to be completely cooked through yet because they’ll finish cooking in the gravy.
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the butter and sliced onion to the same skillet. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir continuously for about 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to keep the gravy smooth.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
Return the browned beef patties to the skillet.
Spoon some of the onion gravy over each patty, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the beef patties reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
The gravy should also thicken as everything simmers together.
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the warm pot.
Add the butter and ½ cup of milk.
Mash until creamy, adding a little additional milk as needed until they reach your preferred consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the green beans until tender.
Toss with butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add a generous scoop of mashed potatoes to each plate and top with one of the beef patties.
Spoon plenty of onion gravy over the beef and potatoes and serve the buttery green beans alongside.
One of my favorite things about this meal is that 1½ pounds of ground beef turns into a full, hearty dinner for the family.
The mashed potatoes help stretch the meal without making it feel like you’re stretching anything at all, and homemade gravy costs very little to make.
Frozen green beans are also completely fine here and are often cheaper than fresh.
And because the gravy is made in the same skillet as the beef patties, you get a ton of flavor without needing to buy extra ingredients.
Yes. Ground turkey can work if that’s what you have on hand, although the flavor will be a little lighter.
If you use a leaner meat, you may need a little extra oil when browning the patties.
Absolutely.
Homemade mashed potatoes are delicious here, but this is supposed to be a realistic weeknight dinner. If instant potatoes are what gets dinner on the table faster, use them.
The beef patties and gravy can be made ahead and stored together in the refrigerator.
Reheat them gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water.
The mashed potatoes can also be reheated with a splash of milk and a little extra butter.
I love this meal with mashed potatoes and green beans because it gives you the whole classic comfort-food plate.
You could also serve the beef patties and gravy with:
Basically, if it tastes good covered in onion gravy, it’s fair game.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
For best results, keep the mashed potatoes and green beans separate from the patties and gravy if possible.
Reheat the beef and gravy slowly on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
These easy smothered beef patties are simmered in homemade onion gravy and served with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for an inexpensive family dinner.
