Hamburger Gravy

Hamburger Gravy is a hearty, one-pan recipe made with seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, noodles, or biscuits, this comforting dish is easy to make and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Customize with optional vegetables or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 cube beef bouillon or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon
• ½ cup half and half

Optional Additions (see notes):

• 10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 8 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced, rinsed, and patted dry
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

Instructions:

Cook the Beef:

1. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it starts to brown.
2. Add the diced onions halfway through cooking and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Season and Thicken:

1. Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper.
2. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Make the Gravy:

1. Gradually add the beef broth in small splashes, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom and sides of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits.
2. Slowly add the half and half, followed by the beef bouillon, stirring well after each addition.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble gently until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Serve:

1. Once the gravy has reached your preferred thickness, serve it hot over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or biscuits.

Optional Additions:

• Stir in cream of mushroom soup for extra creaminess.
• Substitute milk for half and half for a lighter gravy.
• Add sliced mushrooms or mixed vegetables for added flavor and texture.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hamburger Gravy is a comforting, versatile dish that’s quick to prepare with pantry staples. It offers a rich and hearty flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of bases like mashed potatoes or biscuits. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Tips

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
• For a thicker gravy, simmer longer or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
• For deeper flavor, let the beef brown slightly before adding onions.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add frozen peas, carrots, or green beans for a one-pan meal.
• Use heavy cream instead of half and half for an even richer gravy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen if needed.

What can I use instead of beef broth? Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely. Let the gravy cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving

Serve this gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or warm biscuits. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or steamed greens for a balanced meal.

Suggestions

For an elevated presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Pair this dish with a crisp side salad or crusty bread to round out the meal. It’s a simple, hearty recipe that will become a family favorite.