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Hamburger Gravy Recipe

Hamburger Gravy

Wholesome Cove
This hamburger gravy recipe is comfort food at its finest, featuring savory ground beef in a rich, creamy gravy that's ready in just 25 minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it's perfect served over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or toast for a budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 315 kcal

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch skillet or frying pan with high sides
  • Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
  • Whisk For smooth gravy
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle For serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 450g, 80-85% lean works best
  • 1 medium yellow onion about 1 cup or 150g, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 60g
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 30g
  • 2 cups whole milk 480ml
  • 1 cup beef broth 240ml
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon beef bouillon paste or 1 bouillon cube, crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and spread in an even layer. Let cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then break up into crumbles and continue cooking until fully browned with no pink remaining, about 6-8 minutes total.
  • Reduce heat to medium, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  • Add butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Sprinkle flour evenly over the meat mixture and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until flour turns slightly golden and smells nutty.
  • Sprinkle beef bouillon paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt over the flour-coated meat. Stir together for 30 seconds to distribute seasonings evenly.
  • Slowly pour in milk while stirring constantly with a whisk, adding gradually to prevent lumps. Once all milk is incorporated, add beef broth in the same gradual manner, whisking continuously.
  • Bring gravy to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Continue simmering for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until gravy thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  • Remove from heat and taste the gravy, adjusting seasonings as needed with additional salt and pepper. The gravy should be thick enough to coat mashed potatoes but still pourable.
  • Ladle hot gravy over mashed potatoes, biscuits, toast, or noodles. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use ground beef with 80-85% lean content for best flavor. Extra-lean beef will result in less flavorful gravy.
  • Don't drain all the fat after browning the beef. Keep 2-3 tablespoons of fat in the pan to combine with the flour for a proper roux.
  • Add liquids gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cold milk can cause the roux to seize, so use room temperature milk when possible.
  • Cook the flour for at least 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. It should smell slightly nutty.
  • If gravy becomes too thick, add milk or broth gradually until you reach desired consistency. It will thicken as it cools.
  • For dairy-free version, substitute beef broth for all the milk (use 3 cups total beef broth) to make a brown gravy.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on stovetop with a splash of milk to restore consistency.
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently, adding liquid as needed.
  • For extra flavor, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions, or stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end.
  • Gravy can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 21gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 425mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 15mg
Keyword comfort food, creamy beef gravy, easy gravy recipe, ground beef gravy, hamburger gravy
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