best hamburger gravy recipe

The Best best hamburger gravy recipe

I have been making hamburger gravy for my family for years and it is one of those recipes that never fails to please. It is simple, hearty, and uses ingredients I almost always have on hand. Ground beef, flour, milk, and a few seasonings come together to create a rich, creamy gravy that is perfect over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even toast. My kids ask for it on cold weeknights and my husband says it reminds him of his grandmother’s cooking.

It is comfort food at its best, and I love that I can have it on the table in under 30 minutes. This recipe is not just about taste, it also has some practical benefits. Using lean ground beef gives you protein and iron, and you can control the fat by draining the pan well. I use whole milk for a creamier texture, but you can swap in low fat milk if you prefer.

The key technique is making a good roux with the flour and fat, which thickens the gravy without lumps. You want to cook the flour for a minute or two until it smells nutty, then slowly whisk in the milk. That is the secret to a smooth, velvety gravy every time. I love how versatile this dish is.

You can serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes for a classic dinner, or spoon it over warm buttermilk biscuits for a filling breakfast. I have even used it as a topping for egg noodles or rice when I need to stretch a meal. The gravy freezes well too, so I often make a double batch and save half for a busy night. It is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl, and it never lasts long in my house.

If you have never made hamburger gravy from scratch, you are in for a treat. It is much better than any canned gravy and you can adjust the seasoning to your taste. I like to add a pinch of paprika and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. Some people add garlic or onion powder, but I keep it simple so the beef flavor shines.

This is a recipe that has been passed down through my family and I am happy to share it with you. Give it a try and I bet it becomes a favorite in your home too.

Best Hamburger Gravy

4.9 from 1690 votes

This creamy hamburger gravy is made with ground beef, milk, and simple seasonings. It is thick, savory, and perfect over mashed potatoes or biscuits.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Gravy

1 pound lean ground beef (85/15)
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place a large skillet over medium high heat and add the ground beef.
2Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink.
3You should see small bits of brown on the bottom of the pan, which adds flavor.
4Carefully drain off excess fat from the pan, leaving about 1 to 2 tablespoons.
5If your beef is very lean, you may need to add a tablespoon of butter or oil.
6Reduce the heat to medium.
7Sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes.
8The mixture will look pasty and you should smell a toasty aroma.
9This step is important to cook out the raw flour taste.
10Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
11Keep stirring until the gravy thickens, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
12It should coat the back of a spoon and bubble gently.
13Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
14Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
15Let the gravy simmer for another minute, then remove from heat.
16Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or toast.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or frying pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For a thicker gravy, use an extra tablespoon of flour. For a thinner gravy, add a splash more milk. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Watch Video Of How Best Hamburger Gravy Works

This hamburger gravy is one of those recipes that always comes through for me. It is quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and fills up hungry bellies fast.

I love that I can serve it for a busy weeknight dinner or bring it to a family potluck where it always gets compliments. To store leftovers, let the gravy cool and keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk if it seems too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring in between.

For serving, try it over fluffy mashed potatoes with a side of green beans, or spoon it over warm biscuits for a breakfast style dinner. It is a versatile dish that works for any occasion, from casual family meals to holiday gatherings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Gravy

1. Can I make hamburger gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it up to 2 days ahead. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

2. How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?

The key is to cook the flour with the beef fat for a minute before adding the milk, and then whisk continuously as you pour in the milk. If you still get lumps, you can use a whisk to break them up or blend the gravy with an immersion blender.

3. Can I use a different type of milk?

Whole milk gives the creamiest gravy, but you can use 2% or even skim milk. Keep in mind that lower fat milk may result in a thinner gravy. You can also use half and half for a richer version.

4. What can I serve with hamburger gravy?

This gravy is classic over mashed potatoes or buttermilk biscuits. It also works well over egg noodles, rice, or toast. For a low carb option, serve it over cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables.

5. Can I freeze hamburger gravy?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, whisking in a little milk to restore the texture.

Similar Posts