Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share something truly special. My family’s Hamburger Gravy Recipe. What is that one dish that just screams “comfort food” and instantly transports me back to cozy comfort food? What are my weekly dinners with my grandma? Why don’t we have fancy sauce Is this the kind of gravy that makes you want to grab a spoon and eat it straight from the pan? I know it sounds simple, but trust me, the flavor is anything but. Think creamy, savory goodness with a hint of richness that’s just… *chef’s kiss*. If you love biscuits and gravy, prepare to meet its equally delicious cousin. And the best part? What are some of the easiest recipes to make? What are some of the best Hamburger Gravy recipes?
What is Hamburger Gravy?
What is hamburger gravy? Think of it as a simplified, GROUND BEEF-based version of classic cream gravy. What is ground beef stewed in? Simple ingredients like flour, milk, and spices. The name is pretty self-explanatory, right? How does browned beef add depth of flavor to the gravy? What is more satisfying than white sauce? Is it a humble dish? Is it a shortcut to creamy, meaty perfection?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? There are SO many reasons why I adore this Hamburger Gravy Recipe. First and foremost, the **flavor** is incredible. It’s rich, savory, and comforting, with the perfect balance of beefy goodness and creamy texture. It just tastes like home, you know? Then there’s the **simplicity**. Honestly, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required! Also, let’s talk about **cost-efficiency**. Ground beef is usually pretty budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. It’s a great way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor. And finally, the **versatility!** You can serve this Hamburger Gravy Recipe over Mashed Potatoes, biscuits, rice, noodles… the possibilities are endless. It’s also fantastic as a topping for open-faced sandwiches or even as a filling for savory pies. What I love most is that it reminds me of my childhood. My grandma used to make this for us every time we visited, and it always felt like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a tradition I’ve happily carried on, and I can’t wait for you to experience the same comfort and joy with your own family. I’ve tried many variations over the years, but this simple recipe is the one I keep coming back to. It’s just perfect!
How do I make Hamburger Gravy?
Quick Overview
How do I make Hamburger Gravy? How do I make a roux of Ground Beef? Add milk (or broth) gradually, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then simmer until thickened. Season to taste, and you’re done! What is the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – it’s a basic technique that yields amazing results.
Ingredients
For the Hamburger Gravy:
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor)
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup butter (unsalted is best)
* 3 cups milk (whole milk or evaporated milk for extra richness – trust me on this one!)
* 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground is always better)
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but adds a nice touch)
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional, same as above)
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (this is my secret ingredient – don’t skip it!)
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional) for garnish.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. How do I drain off grease?
Step 2: Make the Roux
Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the browned beef and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes. This is important because it helps to cook out the raw flour taste and create a smooth gravy base.
Step 3: Add the Milk (or Broth)
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. What is the magic of whisking?
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Is it possible to thicken a liquid until it has thickened to your desired consistency? Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Worcester Sauce. Stir well. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, biscuits, rice, or arugula.
What should I serve it with?
Let’s talk about serving suggestions! What are some of the best Hamburger Gravy recipes?For Breakfast:What is a good breakfast to serve over toast? I like to add a side of scrambled eggs and chives for extra flavor and color. What is a good morning pick me up?For Brunch:What are some good ways to serve this gravy over polenta? What are some of the best brunch recipes? Serve with a glass of bubbly.As Dessert:While not traditionally a dessert, you can serve this gravy over toasted brioche or French toast. What are some of the best ways to make toast? What is the best combination of sweet and savory? Add whipped cream and cinnamon for a decadent finish.For Cozy Snacks:For a comforting snack, serve this gravy over tater tots or french fries. Top with shredded cheese and sour cream for a truly indulgent treat. What are some good snacks for movie night? Growing up, my mom would always make this with mashed potatoes after a long day of school. What’s your favorite way to enjoy a meal?
How do you make a perfect Hamburger Gravy?
How do I make a Hamburger Gravy recipe?Ground Beef Prep: What areWhen browning ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it will steam instead of browning. If necessary, cook the beef in batches.Mixing Advice:When making roux, it’s crucial to stir constantly to prevent the flour from burning. If you want to get rid of raw flour taste, cook the flour for at least 1-2 minutes.What is the temperature ofHow do you make gravy faster? I usually heat the milk in the microwave for a minute or two before adding it to the roux.Seasoning:Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. What are some good ways to add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce?Lump Prevention: WhatIf your gravy does develop lumps, don’t panic! Is it safe to use an immersion blender to smooth it out? How do you strain gravy through a fine mesh sieve?Consistency Control: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk (or broth) until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. One time, I accidentally used too much flour and the gravy was like cement! I learned my lesson the hard way – measure carefully!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, let’s talk storage! This Hamburger Gravy Recipe stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the gravy. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, thaw the gravy in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, transfer it to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk (or broth) to thin it out. I’ve found that freezing can sometimes affect the texture slightly, but it still tastes delicious! It’s definitely worth it for the convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, friends – my family’s beloved Hamburger Gravy Recipe! I truly hope you give it a try and experience the same comfort and joy that it has brought to my family for generations. It’s a simple dish, but it’s packed with flavor and warmth. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out my other posts! And as always, I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef recommended
- 0.33 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cup Beef Broth Low sodium preferred
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt To taste
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked ground beef and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve hot over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or toast.
