Hamburger Gravy Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a deeply comforting, old-school meal that feels like a big warm hug, look no further than Hamburger Gravy. This humble classic transforms a handful of pantry staples into something utterly crave-worthy. Picture seasoned ground beef simmered in a savory, creamy gravy, just begging to be spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or fluffy biscuits. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood dinners or discovering it for the first time, Hamburger Gravy is the perfect solution for weeknight dinners, rainy days, or anytime you need a little comfort on a plate.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for wonderfully simple ingredients—nothing fancy, just the good stuff that lets each flavor shine! Each component is a true workhorse, giving Hamburger Gravy its rich taste, hearty texture, and signature color.

• Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for great flavor and just the right amount of richness.
• Yellow onion: Adds a mellow sweetness and depth.
• Garlic cloves: For a savory aromatic base that makes all the difference.
• All-purpose flour: The secret to thickening your gravy to perfection.
• Beef broth: Provides that robust, beefy backbone to your sauce.
• Milk: Gives your gravy its irresistible creamy texture.
• Worcestershire sauce: A splash for umami and depth.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential simple seasonings to make every flavor pop.
• Dried thyme (optional): Adds a subtle herbal note if you want to take it up a notch.

How to Make Hamburger Gravy

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, using a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Don’t skimp on this step—browning builds tons of flavor!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Once your beef and onions are golden, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, letting it grow fragrant. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and thyme now if you’re using it, so every bite is packed with savory goodness.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture. Stir it all together, coating everything in the flour so no dry spots remain. Cook for about 1-2 minutes—this will help remove the raw flour taste and start thickening that delicious gravy.

Step 4: Add Broth and Milk

Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Follow with the milk and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble away until the sauce is thick and glossy, usually another 4-5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

Let your Hamburger Gravy simmer for a few more minutes, just until everything melds together. The gravy should be creamy, rich, and pourable—like the coziest blanket. If it gets too thick, add a splash more broth or milk until it’s just right for you.

How to Serve Hamburger Gravy

Garnishes

For an extra pop, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions over your Hamburger Gravy right before serving. A dusting of cracked black pepper makes it sing, and a few flakes of smoked paprika are lovely if you want a touch of warmth and color.

Side Dishes

This dish is best friends with creamy mashed potatoes—let that gravy just cascade right over the top! It’s also fabulous spooned onto hot cooked rice, thick slices of toasted bread, or even flaky southern-style biscuits. Think about a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to balance out all the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to change things up, try making open-faced sandwiches with toasted Texas toast as the base, or fill puff pastry shells for a fun, retro twist. You can also serve Hamburger Gravy as a hearty topping for oven fries, or ladled over a cheesy baked potato for the ultimate comfort bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Hamburger Gravy cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or midweek dinners when you need something hearty fast.

Freezing

Hamburger Gravy freezes surprisingly well! Spoon it into freezer-safe bags or containers, allowing a bit of space for expansion. You can stash it away for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the gravy if it has thickened in the fridge. Stir occasionally until hot. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and use short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version of Hamburger Gravy, though you’ll want to boost the flavor with a bit of extra Worcestershire sauce or a touch more seasoning to mimic the richness of beef.

Is this recipe gluten free?

As written, it’s not gluten free due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend (make sure it’s a cup-for-cup substitute) and double check that your broth is gluten free for a satisfying GF version.

How do I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

If your Hamburger Gravy seems too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of extra broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency. For a thicker gravy, let it simmer uncovered a little longer or add a tiny sprinkle more flour next time you make it.

What toppings go well with Hamburger Gravy?

Try shredded cheese, crispy fried onions, or even a dollop of sour cream! Chopped fresh herbs, pickled jalapeños, or sautéed mushrooms are all excellent if you want to give your meal a special touch.

Can I make Hamburger Gravy in advance?

This recipe is a meal-prep dream. Hamburger Gravy actually tastes even better after a day in the fridge, so don’t hesitate to make it in advance. Just reheat as needed and add a splash of liquid to revive that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bubbling skillet of Hamburger Gravy—one of those back-pocket recipes everyone should have. Give it a try, serve it up with love, and watch as it works its simple, heartwarming magic around your table. I can’t wait for you to make this classic comfort food your own!

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