Ground Beef and Gravy

What is it like to have a creamy gravy ladled over GROUND BEEF? I remember my grandma’s dinner on Sunday, the kind where the whole family gathered, and I distinctly remember her house. The air was filled with the aroma of something delicious simmering on the stove. This **Ground Beef and Gravy** recipe isn’t fancy, but it’s pure comfort in a bowl, way easier to make. What is more satisfying than a pot roast on chilly days? What are some of the best ways to spend a weeknight on

What is ground beef and Gravy?

What is Ground Beef and Gravy? Is ground beef cooked in a rich, creamy gravy? Think of it as a deconstructed hamburger, minus the bun, but with all the savory goodness amplified. What is essentially a simple stew made with pantry staples, transformed into something truly special. I don’t know the true origin, but I do know that many countries have their own versions. Some including mushrooms, carrots, and peas. What I love about this recipe is that I can change things up easily and still have a guaranteed meal!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? Is it a symphony of savory goodness, with the browned beef lending depth and richness, and the gravy lending flavor and depth? With a creamy, comforting hug to every bite. What I love about this is how simple it is. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and the whole thing comes together. In under 30 minutes. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you just don’t have the energy to deal with. What are some of the

Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the gravy is made with simple ingredients like potatoes and onions. What is beef broth, flour, and milk? Is it good to serve this over mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, toast? What are some of the best comfort food recipes? I’ve even been known to throw it on top of a Baked Potato for quick and easy lunch. Is it good served over polenta? My family loves shepherd’s pie, but I also like chili. It’s definitely up there with my family’ s all-time favorite. Is it faster to make?

How do I make ground beef and gravy?

Quick Overview

How do I make Ground Beef and gravy? You’ll simply brown ground beef, create a roux with flour and butter, slowly whisk in broth and serve. How do I make a creamy gravy? Is it really that simple? How do you take your time with gravy? How do I thicken my milk to your desired consistency? No fancy equipment is required, just a skillet and whisk!

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef and Gravy:

* 1 pound Ground Beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but leaner works too) * 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for baking) * 2 tablespoons butter * 1 cup beef broth (low sodium is best) Is it better to use 2% olive oil instead of 1 teaspoon garlic powder? What is the best way to add salt and pepper to a dish? 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds a nice depth of flavor)

For Serving:

* Mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, toast, noodles, or polenta * Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How do I follow step

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with the spoon as it cooks. Once it’s fully browned, drain off any excess grease. I always use a spoon to remove as much as I can so that the gravy doesn’t get too greasy.

Step 2: Make the Roux

How do I add butter to a skillet? Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes. The mixture is smooth and golden brown. What is called a roux, and it’s what will thicken your gravy. It’s important to cook the flour for a bit to get rid of that raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep whisking until gravy is smooth and starts to thicken. Don’t rush this step – adding the broth slowly is key to a lump-free gravy!

Step 4: Add the Milk and Seasonings

Stir in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce (if using). What should I do with the gravy? Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes. If you can’t get a desired consistency then continue to cook until it reaches your desired Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

What are some ways to stir ground beef into the gravy? Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, toast, noodles, or polenta. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. I always add a pat of butter to my mashed potatoes before I pour on the gravy – it just adds more flavor. What is that extra bit of richness?

What should I serve it with?

What are some good serving suggestions for this **Ground Beef and Gravy**? What are some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy it: drinking water.

Over Mashed Potatoes: WhatWhat is the classic pairing? Creamy mashed potatoes and savory ground beef and gravy are a match made in comfort food heaven. I always make a big batch of mashed potatoes when I’m making this.

Over Rice:For a lighter option, serve it over fluffy white rice or brown rice. How does rice soak up the delicious gravy? I like to add a little soy sauce or sesame oil to the rice for an extra layer of flavor.

Over Biscuits:For a Southern-inspired meal, spoon it over warm, flaky biscuits. What is a great brunch or lunch option?

Over Toast:For a quick and easy breakfast or lunch, serve it over toast. What is a good way to use up leftover bread?

Over Noodles:What’s a good meal to serve over egg noodles? How does the gravy stick to the noodles? What are some good ways to add Parmesan cheese to a meal?

Over Polenta or Grits?What’s a little different? Serve it over polenta or grits? What are some good ways to add Italian flair to a dish? I like to add a little Parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese to polenta or grits for extra flavor.

I also love to serve this with a side of steamed green beans or salad. What are the endless creative possibilities?

What are some tips for perfecting ground beef and gravy?

How can I take my ground beef and gravy to the next level? What are some tips for perfecting this classic comfort food?

How do I choose the right ground beef?I prefer to use 80/20 ground beef for flavor, but leaner ground meat works too. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.

Don’t skip the Roux: What is theWhat is the roux that thickens gravy? How do I get rid of raw flour taste? You want it to be a light golden color.

Whisk, whisk, Whisk: What isWhen adding the broth to the roux, whisk constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. How do I make lump-free gravy?

Season to Taste: When is it bestDon’t be afraid to season your ground beef and gravy to taste! I like to use garlic powder, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce (if using), but I don’t have a mixer. I use it all the time. Can you add other seasonings like paprika, thyme or rosemary?

Adjust the Consistency: If theIf your gravy is too thick, add a little more broth or milk until it reaches your desired desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to thicken up. Sometimes a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with .025 cup of cold water and whisked in at the end. If you want a thicker gravy, you can use the same recipe.

Add some veggies: Add a fewHow do I add veggies to my ground beef and gravy recipe? I like to add diced onions, carrots, or celery to the skillet when browning ground beef. If you like, add some green beans or peas to the gravy. I’ve even added chopped mushrooms! It really is a chameleon when it comes to making your own.

Make It Ahead:Can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. How do I reheat a skillet over medium heat?

Freeze It:How do you store ground beef and gravy? Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. How do you thaw it overnight in the refrigerator?

Honestly, with these tips, you’re practically guaranteed to make the best **Ground Beef and Gravy** ever! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. That’s the best thing about cooking, right?

Storing and Reheating Tips

Alright, let’s talk storage and reheating! This **Ground Beef and Gravy** is fantastic for meal prepping or leftovers.

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly, and we don’t want any tummy troubles!

Refrigerator Storage: To store it in the refrigerator, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always use glass containers because they’re easy to clean and don’t stain.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freezing is the way to go! Let the **Ground Beef and Gravy** cool completely. Then, portion it out into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. I like to use freezer bags because they take up less space in the freezer. Be sure to squeeze out any excess air before sealing. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating: To reheat, you can use the stovetop or the microwave. On the stovetop, heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might need to add a splash of broth or milk if it seems too thick. In the microwave, heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat it, or it might become rubbery.

One thing I learned the hard way is to label your containers with the date! It helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored. Trust me, you don’t want to find a mystery container in the back of your freezer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it’s a blend that’s designed to be a 1:1 replacement for regular flour. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious! I’ve also used almond flour in a pinch, but the flavor is a little nuttier and the gravy can be slightly thinner.

Can I use a different type of milk?

You can definitely experiment with different types of milk! Whole milk will give you the richest and creamiest gravy, but 2% milk works just fine. You can even use non-dairy milk like almond milk or soy milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might be slightly different. I’ve found that oat milk works surprisingly well, adding a subtle sweetness.

Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?

Yes, definitely! Sauté some sliced mushrooms in the skillet after browning the ground beef. This will add a delicious earthy flavor to the gravy. I usually use cremini mushrooms, but any type of mushroom will work. About 8 ounces is the perfect amount.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

You can! Brown the ground beef in a skillet first, then transfer it to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Whisk everything together to combine. It’s a great way to have dinner waiting for you when you get home! I have been known to use my instant pot to speed things up too.

What can I add to make it a little spicy?

If you want to add a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy. You can also add some diced jalapeños to the skillet when browning the ground beef. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking. Sometimes I add a swirl of sriracha on top when serving for a fun kick!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! My go-to **Ground Beef and Gravy** recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. And if you’re looking for more comforting recipes like this, be sure to check out my other blog posts!

Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them too!

Enjoy!

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