That unmistakable aroma of savory beef and onions simmering on the stovetop—it instantly transports me back to my childhood kitchen, especially on chilly evenings. It’s the smell of comfort, of a hearty meal made with simple ingredients and a lot of love. This is exactly what this Simple Hamburger Gravy recipe is all about.
This isn’t just any Hamburger Gravy; it’s a beautifully rich and flavorful sauce that transforms humble ground beef into a meal that feels both nostalgic and deeply satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you need something reliably delicious, or a cozy Sunday supper served over a mountain of fluffy mashed potatoes, this Hamburger Gravy is a true family favorite that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hamburger Gravy recipe is a keeper for so many reasons!
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you can have this deliciousness on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: It uses simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank, making it a great option for feeding a family.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The rich, savory flavors are incredibly satisfying and a surefire way to bring warmth to your mealtime.
- Versatile Champion: Delicious served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, biscuits, or even toast points.
- Family Favorite: It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike – clean plates are practically guaranteed!
Ingredients for Simple Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to gather. Quality ingredients make all the difference in this straightforward dish!
Core Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15% blend recommended): The star of the show, providing that hearty, savory base.
- ¾ cup yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet and aromatic foundation.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle garlicky note that complements the beef.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Or to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Or to taste.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich, flavorful roux for the gravy.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that gives our gravy its luscious consistency.
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth: Adds depth and that unmistakable beefy flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Better than Bouillon sauteed onion flavor (optional but recommended): This is a secret weapon for an extra layer of savory onion goodness.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings a wonderful umami complexity.
- 1 cup 2% milk: Adds creaminess and a smooth finish to the Hamburger Gravy.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish): For a touch of freshness and color.
Substitutions and Tips
- Ground Beef: Feel free to use ground turkey or ground pork. For a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef works, but you might need a touch more fat (like a little extra butter or a drizzle of oil) when browning.
- Onion: Shallots can be used for a milder flavor. In a pinch, 1 teaspoon of onion powder can substitute for fresh onion, though fresh is always best!
- All-Purpose Flour: To make this gluten-free, use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Beef Broth: Chicken broth or even vegetable broth can be used if that’s what you have, though beef broth provides the most classic Hamburger Gravy flavor.
- Milk: For a richer gravy, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half. For a dairy-free version, an unsweetened plain plant-based milk like almond or soy can work, though it may slightly alter the final taste and creaminess.
- Worcestershire Sauce: If you’re out, a little soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) can stand in.
Best Type of Ground Beef to Use
For this Hamburger Gravy, I find that an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio ground beef strikes the perfect balance. The 15% fat content renders out during cooking, providing ample flavor for browning the beef and onions, and contributing richness to the gravy itself. You’ll still want to drain off any excess grease before making the roux, but you’ll have plenty of flavorful bits left in the pan.
If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef works well too; you might just find yourself wanting to add a little extra butter or a touch of olive oil when browning if the pan seems too dry. An 80/20 blend will give you even more flavor but will definitely require thorough draining of excess fat. Ultimately, use what you have and what your family prefers!
Alternatives like ground turkey or ground pork can also be delicious in this Hamburger Gravy, offering slightly different flavor profiles. Ground turkey will be leaner, so consider adding a bit more fat. Ground pork will be richer and quite flavorful on its own.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to whip up this fantastic Hamburger Gravy.
Must-Have Tools
- Large Skillet: A 10 or 12-inch skillet is ideal. Cast iron provides excellent browning, but a good quality non-stick or stainless steel skillet will work perfectly too.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For breaking up the ground beef and stirring.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth, lump-free gravy.
Nice-to-Have Extras
- Meat Chopper: One of those nifty tools designed to break up ground meat easily while it cooks.
- Fine Mesh Sieve: If you’re particular about draining every bit of grease.
How to Make Simple Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for the perfect Hamburger Gravy.
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
In your large skillet, add the ground beef and chopped yellow onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef with your spatula, until it’s nicely browned and the onion is softened, about 7-10 minutes. You’re looking for those lovely caramelized bits at the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor!
Step 2: Season and Drain
Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If there’s a lot of excess grease in the pan, carefully drain it off, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of flavorful drippings in the skillet.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Once it’s melted, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef and drippings. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This paste you’ve created is called a roux, and it’s what will thicken our Hamburger Gravy.
Step 4: Gradually Add Liquids
Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Once the broth is incorporated, whisk in the Better than Bouillon (if using) and the Worcestershire sauce.
Step 5: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, still whisking occasionally. Now, pour in the milk and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the Hamburger Gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, usually about 5-7 minutes. It should beautifully coat the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste the Hamburger Gravy and adjust salt and pepper if needed. If using, stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, or biscuits for a truly comforting meal.
Tips for Success
A few little pointers can elevate your Hamburger Gravy from good to absolutely amazing!
- Brown the Beef Properly: Don’t rush the browning process. Those crispy, browned bits of beef are flavor powerhouses for your Hamburger Gravy.
- Cook the Flour: Make sure to cook the flour in the fat for at least a minute or two. This step toasts the flour, removing any raw taste and deepening the flavor of your roux. Skipping this can result in a pasty-tasting gravy.
- Whisk, Whisk, Whisk: When adding the liquids, especially the broth initially, whisk vigorously and constantly. This is key to preventing lumps and achieving a silky-smooth Hamburger Gravy.
- Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is personal. Always taste your Hamburger Gravy before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or even a dash more Worcestershire if you feel it needs it.
- Control the Heat: Don’t let the gravy boil too rapidly, especially after adding the milk, as it can sometimes cause it to separate or scorch. A gentle simmer is all you need.
How to Store Simple Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Storing your leftover Hamburger Gravy properly ensures it’s just as delicious the next day!
- Room Temperature: Hamburger Gravy should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the meat and dairy content.
- In the Refrigerator: Allow the Hamburger Gravy to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to reach the desired consistency as it can thicken upon cooling. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
- Freezing Tips: Yes, you can freeze Hamburger Gravy! Let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or broth if needed to restore its creamy texture. Whisk well while reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making this Hamburger Gravy.
How can I make this Hamburger Gravy thicker or thinner?
Absolutely! To make it thicker, you can simmer it a bit longer to allow more liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, make a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water, then slowly whisk it into the simmering gravy until it thickens. To make it thinner, simply whisk in a little more milk or beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make Hamburger Gravy without milk?
Yes! If you prefer not to use milk, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth for a more intensely savory, though less creamy, Hamburger Gravy. Alternatively, for creaminess without dairy, try an unsweetened plain plant-based creamer or a rich, unsweetened plant-based milk, keeping in mind it might subtly change the flavor.
What do I serve Hamburger Gravy with?
Oh, the possibilities are endless and delicious! It’s classic over fluffy mashed potatoes, but also wonderful with egg noodles, white rice, or fluffy buttermilk biscuits. Some folks even love it over toast points for a quick, hearty snack or breakfast!
Can I add mushrooms to this Hamburger Gravy?
Yes, that sounds delicious! Sauté about 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms after you’ve browned the beef and onions (you might want to drain most of the beef fat first, then add a little butter or oil for the mushrooms if needed). Cook them until they are nicely browned and have released their liquid before proceeding with the flour.
Is Hamburger Gravy naturally gluten-free?
This specific recipe is not, as it uses all-purpose wheat flour. However, you can easily make it gluten-free! Simply swap the regular all-purpose flour for a good-quality measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend. Also, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Conclusion
When you need a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and filled with comforting flavor, this Simple Hamburger Gravy recipe is truly a go-to dish. It’s the kind of honest, unpretentious cooking that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Give this Hamburger Gravy a try, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your home, just as it is in mine.
