Hamburger Gravy

Hamburger gravy is a classic, hearty recipe that’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy biscuits, creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or toast. With simple pantry staples and minimal prep, it’s the ultimate comfort food that the whole family will enjoy. Rich, flavorful, and versatile, this old-fashioned hamburger gravy is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon butter or oil if the pan is lean

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains.
2. Do not drain the fat; if the skillet is very lean, add 1 tablespoon butter or oil.
3. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cook for 1 minute.
4. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
5. Gradually add milk, beef broth, and the beef bouillon cube, stirring until smooth.
6. Cook over medium heat until the gravy thickens and becomes bubbly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot over biscuits, mashed potatoes, rice, or toast.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve immediately over biscuits or mashed potatoes for a classic meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
• Freezing is possible; store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

1. Mushroom Hamburger Gravy – Add sautéed mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor.
2. Cheesy Hamburger Gravy – Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, cheesy twist.
3. Spicy Gravy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
4. Herb-Infused – Mix in thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
5. Creamy Sour Cream Version – Stir in ¼ cup sour cream at the end.
6. Garlic Lovers – Increase garlic to 4 cloves.
7. Onion Lovers – Caramelize onions first for a sweeter, richer flavor.
8. Low-Fat Option – Use lean beef and skim milk.
9. Beef Broth Upgrade – Substitute with homemade beef stock for extra richness.
10. Crockpot Version – Cook browned beef, onions, garlic, and broth in the slow cooker and thicken with flour at the end.
11. Vegetable Boost – Add peas, carrots, or corn for a one-pan meal.
12. Gravy over Rice – Serve with cooked rice for a filling dinner.
13. Biscuit Bake – Top gravy with biscuit dough and bake for a casserole-style dish.
14. Smoky Flavor – Add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
15. Thicker Gravy – Add an extra tablespoon of flour for a thicker consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make it a day ahead and reheat gently on the stove.
2. Can I use a different type of milk?
   Whole milk works best, but 2% or even non-dairy milk can be substituted.
3. Can I freeze hamburger gravy?
   Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
4. Can I use turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.
5. Do I need to add butter if my beef is fatty?
   No, only add butter or oil if the pan is too lean.
6. Can I use instant beef bouillon instead of cubes?
   Yes, follow the package instructions for equivalent flavor.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
8. How thick should the gravy be?
   Thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
9. What is the best side for hamburger gravy?
   Biscuits, mashed potatoes, toast, or rice all work well.
10. Can I add vegetables to the gravy?
    Yes, carrots, peas, or mushrooms can be added during cooking.

Hamburger gravy is an easy, versatile, and comforting dish that has stood the test of time. With minimal ingredients and just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a rich, flavorful gravy over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or rice. Customize it with herbs, cheese, or vegetables to make it your own. It’s a perfect meal for busy nights, family dinners, or anytime you crave classic comfort food.

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