Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. This isn’t your fancy, date-night-in kind of meal. What is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, reminds of simpler times, and makes you feel good about yourself? Everyone at the table is happy. What is hamburger gravy? Think of it like a cousin to classic sausage gravy, but with an savory twist that I honestly honestly don’t care for. What makes you think is even better? Growing up, my grandma used to whip up this on those chilly fall evenings, and the smell alone was a must. Is there any food that makes my stomach rumble? Now, I make it for my own family, and it’s always a hit. Is it easier to make meatloaf than making a meatball? Is there any need for this in your life?
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What is Hamburger Gravy?
What is hamburger gravy? What is a creamy, savory gravy made with ground beef as the star ingredient? How do you make a roux? How do you make a velvety sauce? What’s seasoned with simple ingredients like salt, pepper, and sometimes a little garlic or onion? Powder for extra flavor. What is the perfect marriage between a creamy white gravy and the hearty flavor of ground beef? My version has a couple of secret ingredients that REALLY kick it up one notch, but I’ll get to those soon. What is the best way to cook ground beef? What is the best way to spend your free time with
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best reasons to make hamburger gravy? First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The browned ground beef creates a rich, savory base that’s perfectly balanced by the creamy gravy. What is a flavor combination that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying? What I love about this recipe, though, is how ridiculously easy it is to make. I can whip up this recipe in under 30 minutes. Who doesn’t love a good meal? Ground beef is usually pretty affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have. What do you already have on hand? How do I feed my family without breaking the bank? What’s the best part about this recipe? You can serve it over mashed potatoes, bread, biscuits, toast. What are the possibilities? Is it similar to chicken fried steak? Is it really that good? My kids devour this every time, and I know yours will too!
How do I make Hamburger Gravy?
Quick Overview
What is the easiest way to make hamburger gravy? What is the best way to brown ground beef? What is the best way to make a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in milk or broth until you have enough flour to create the desired consistency. What is the best gravy ever? Season it to perfection, and voila! What are some of the best comfort food recipes? Is the roux easier than it sounds? One tip I always do is making sure your heat isnt too hot or the flour might burn so be careful and cook for a few minutes.
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
* 3 cups milk (I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it works great!)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but I love it) * 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using)
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (another optional flavor booster) (as an added flavor)
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (this is one of my secret ingredients)
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional) (optional)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, place ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. How do you drain off excess grease VERY well – this is crucial for a good gravy!
Step 2: Make the Roux
How do you melt butter in a skillet? Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly until it forms a smooth paste. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. This is important! Don’t let it burn, though.
Step 3: Add the Milk
Slowly whisk in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, making sure each addition is fully incorporated. Is there a way to add Keep whisking until the gravy is smooth and creamy. If you do get lumps, don’t panic! Just keep whisking, and they’ll eventually disappear. I always use a wire whisk because it helps break everything down, I think it would be difficult with arrows. What is the other type of whisk?
Step 4: Season the Gravy
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well. I like a little extra pepper in mine! What is Worcestershire sauce? I tried omitting it once and the gravy just wasn’t the same. Believe me! It is worth it.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. It thickens to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, just add a little more milk. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot over your favorite base!
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
Where does the fun begin? What are some of the best ways to serve hamburger gravy?
What is a classic comfort meal?What is your go-to recipe for mashed potatoes? What are some of the best potatoes to eat with gravy? What are some of the best recipes for mashed potatoes? Potatoes are
For a Southern-Inspired Feast:What’s the best way to serve this over flaky biscuits? Add a side of crispy bacon or sausage for an extra indulgent meal.
What is a simple weeknight dinner?Serve over cooked rice or toast. What is the best way to get a hearty meal on the table in minutes?
For a Creative Twist:What is the best way to serve it over pasta, polenta, or baked potato? What are some ideas for a signature dish?
My family likes it over egg noodles! I like to throw a fried egg on top for protein, so I can make it even better!
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Hamburger Gravy
How do I perfect my Hamburger Gravy?
How do I make the best hamburger gravy?
Browning Ground Beef: What are some ways toDon’t overcrowd the pan! Brown ground beef in batches if necessary to ensure it gets a nice, even sear. What is the best way to prepare gravy? How do you drain grease?
Making the Roux: What is it Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, but don’t let it burn! Burnt flour will ruin the flavor of your gravy. Keep stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking or burning.
Add milk to milk: Add the milk slowly, whisking constantly, to prevent lumps from forming. If you do get lumps, don’t panic! Just keep whisking, and they’ll eventually disappear. You can also use an immersion blender to smooth out any stubborn lumps.
Seasoning to Perfection: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination. I like to add a little garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Thickening the Gravy: If your gravy isn’t thick enough, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the simmering gravy. Stir until thickened. If it gets too thick, just add a little more milk.
Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute the milk with beef broth for a richer flavor. You can also add sautéed onions or mushrooms to the ground beef for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure if you use beef broth to not use too much salt! Sometimes the beef broth is salty enough that the salt isn’t needed at all.
I also always use a non stick skillet! I learned that one the hard way when I used a regular one and it stuck to the bottom terribly, trust me just use non stick!
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your **hamburger gravy**:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this out at room temperature for more than two hours. Dairy products can spoil quickly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing.
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 can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since this recipe does not have a glaze, there is no need to worry about storage as such.
Reheating: Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it’s too thick, add a little milk or broth to thin it out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to prevent it from splattering. Sometimes reheating it can cause it to thin so I always stir in a slurry as mentioned above just in case it is too thin!
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
This **hamburger gravy** is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s a reminder of simpler times, family dinners, and cozy nights. It’s a versatile, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious meal that everyone will love. If you’re looking for a comforting and easy dinner option, this is it!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my recipe for beef stew or my creamy tomato soup. They’re all family favorites and perfect for chilly weather.
Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your hamburger gravy turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family. Enjoy!
