ground beef and gravy

Name: ground beef and gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for cooking)

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You know those nights? The ones where the clock is ticking, the kids are clamoring for dinner, and the thought of wrestling with a complicated meal makes you want to just… order pizza. Yeah, I’ve been there. More times than I care to admit! But then I remember this little gem: my absolute favorite GROUND BEEF and gravy recipe. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a trip back to my grandma’s kitchen, and a lifesaver on those chaotic evenings. Honestly, it’s way better than that sad, bland meatloaf you might be thinking of. This ground beef and gravy is rich, savory, and surprisingly simple, transforming humble ingredients into something truly magical. It’s the kind of dish that makes your house smell incredible and guarantees happy faces all around the table. I’m so excited to share this with you, because it’s become a staple in my own home, and I just know it will in yours too.

What is ground beef and gravy?

So, what exactly is this magical dish we call Ground Beef and gravy? At its heart, it’s about taking simple, everyday ingredients – think ground beef, a few pantry staples, and some flavor boosters – and turning them into a deeply satisfying, comforting meal. It’s not complicated; it’s more like a warm, savory stew or a thick, hearty sauce built around tender bits of seasoned ground beef. It’s the kind of dish that feels rustic and homemade, even on your busiest days. I like to think of it as the culinary equivalent of pulling on your favorite cozy sweater. It’s approachable, it’s forgiving, and the result is always a home run. It’s essentially the comfort food hall of fame, without all the fuss you might expect.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me tell you why this ground beef and gravy is my absolute favorite. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. It’s rich, it’s savory, with a depth that you just wouldn’t expect from such a straightforward dish. The ground beef gets browned to perfection, creating little nuggets of deliciousness, all swimming in a luscious, velvety gravy that’s seasoned just right. What I love most about this is how incredibly simple it is. Seriously, I can whip this up on a weeknight with one hand tied behind my back – and believe me, I’ve had to do that more than once! The ingredients are all budget-friendly and readily available, which makes it a go-to when you need a filling meal without breaking the bank. And the versatility! Oh my goodness, you can serve this over Mashed Potatoes (a classic, of course!), with rice, or even spooned into a warm dinner roll. It’s a dish that adapts to whatever you have on hand. Compared to other simple ground beef dishes, this one just hits different; it’s more comforting, more satisfying, and honestly, way more delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary rockstar, even if you’ve only been cooking for a few years.

How do I make ground beef and gravy?

Quick Overview

Making this Ground Beef and gravy is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll start by browning your ground beef, then build a quick, savory gravy right in the same pan. The beauty of this method is that you capture all those yummy browned bits from the beef, which is where so much of the flavor comes from. It’s a one-pan wonder for the most part, minimizing cleanup, which is always a huge win in my book. It’s truly designed for busy cooks who want maximum flavor with minimum fuss. You’ll have a delicious, comforting meal on the table in under an hour, and that’s a promise!

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef base:
1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 is my preference for flavor, but 90/10 works too if you’re watching fat content)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter, if you prefer that richness)

For the Savory Gravy:
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups beef broth (low-sodium is great, so you can control the salt)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (this is a secret weapon for depth!)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh if you have it)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color and freshness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and place it over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil (or butter). Once shimmering, add your finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with your spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned. This is a crucial step for flavor, so don’t rush it! Once browned, drain off any excess grease, leaving a little bit behind for flavor. You want a good amount of those lovely browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Build the Gravy Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the browned beef and onions. Stir it in well, coating the meat and vegetables. Let this cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is called making a “roux” and it helps thicken the gravy and cook out any raw flour taste. You’ll notice it start to form a paste.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously as you go to prevent lumps from forming. Once all the broth is added, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often. As it simmers, the gravy will begin to thicken.

Step 4: Simmer and Season

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After simmering, taste the gravy and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This is where you really fine-tune it to your liking. Remember, the beef broth might already have salt, so start with a little and add more as needed.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

Once the gravy has reached your desired thickness and the flavors are just right, it’s ready to serve! If you like a bit of freshness, stir in some chopped fresh parsley right before serving. This simple ground beef and gravy is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it truly shines when served with your favorite sides. I’ll get into those next!

What to Serve It With

Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to what to serve with this incredible ground beef and gravy! For a classic, no-fuss dinner, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a generous scoop over fluffy mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes soak up that rich gravy like a dream. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, it’s also fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white rice – it’s a little lighter but still so satisfying. My kids also adore it spooned over buttered egg noodles; the way the noodles tangle with the beef and gravy is pure comfort. For a more rustic meal, try serving it with crusty bread or biscuits for dipping. I’ve even served it alongside some roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips for a more complete meal, and it was delicious. Honestly, this ground beef and gravy is so versatile, it’s a winner with almost anything!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef and Gravy

I’ve made this ground beef and gravy more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think make a world of difference. First, don’t be afraid of those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after you brown the beef – that’s pure flavor gold! Make sure to scrape them up when you add the liquid; that’s where the magic happens. When you’re adding the flour, make sure to cook it for a minute or two before adding the liquid. This cooks out any raw flour taste and ensures a smooth, luscious gravy. Speaking of the gravy, if you find it’s too thick, just whisk in a little more beef broth or even some water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to let it reduce, or make a quick slurry of a tablespoon of flour mixed with a couple of tablespoons of cold water and whisk that into the simmering gravy. My absolute favorite tip, though, is the Worcestershire sauce. Don’t skip it! It adds this incredible umami depth that you just can’t get otherwise. For seasoning, always taste and adjust at the end. Different broths have different salt levels, and ground beef can vary too, so tasting is key to perfection. And finally, if you have fresh thyme, use it! It adds a wonderful freshness that dried thyme can’t quite replicate. I learned the hard way that overcooking the garlic can make it bitter, so just a quick minute is all you need to get that lovely aroma without the bitterness.

Storing and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this ground beef and gravy is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few options. The easiest way is to pop it back into a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If it seems a little thick after refrigerating, just add a splash of beef broth or water while you’re heating it to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, just be sure to stir it halfway through for even heating. I haven’t tried freezing this one myself because we tend to eat it all so quickly, but I imagine it would freeze reasonably well for about 2-3 months. If you do freeze it, I’d recommend thawing it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For best results, add any fresh parsley garnish just before serving after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this ground beef and gravy gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the same quantity (3 tablespoons). Make sure your gluten-free flour blend contains a binder like xanthan gum. The cooking process remains the same. You’ll get a wonderfully thick and flavorful gravy without any gluten. It’s a simple substitution that makes this recipe accessible for everyone!

Do I need to peel the onion?

Yes, for this recipe, it’s best to peel the onion before chopping. The papery outer skin of the onion can be tough and unpleasant to eat, and it doesn’t break down much during the cooking process. Peeling it ensures you get that lovely sweet, savory flavor from the onion without any undesirable texture.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

You certainly can! Ground turkey or chicken will work as a substitute for ground beef. Keep in mind that these leaner meats won’t render as much fat as ground beef, so you might want to add a little extra oil or butter when you sauté the onions and garlic to ensure everything cooks smoothly and doesn’t stick. The flavor profile will be slightly different – a bit milder – but it will still be a delicious and comforting meal.

How can I make the gravy richer or more decadent?

For an extra rich and decadent gravy, you have a few options! You can whisk in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the very end of cooking, just before serving. This will add a lovely creaminess and richness. Another great trick is to use a combination of beef broth and maybe half a cup of dry red wine (like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) when you’re building the gravy – let the wine simmer and reduce a bit before adding the broth for an even deeper flavor.

What can I add for extra flavor or texture?

That’s where the fun really begins! You can add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions for extra veggies and flavor. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a lovely smoky note. If you like a little spice, a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. For texture, some people love to stir in some frozen peas or corn right at the end of simmering for a pop of color and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my absolute favorite ground beef and gravy recipe! It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the inside out, and it’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to make something truly special. It’s comforting, it’s incredibly forgiving, and honestly, it’s just downright delicious. I hope you give this recipe a try and that it becomes a beloved staple in your home too. It’s the perfect example of how simple, honest cooking can bring so much joy. If you do make it, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turns out in the comments below! Or maybe you have your own little twist on it? I’m always up for trying new ideas! Happy cooking, and enjoy every savory, comforting bite!

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