Hamburger gravy is a classic comfort food that combines ground beef, savory gravy, and simple seasonings to create a hearty, satisfying dish. Originating from American home kitchens, this dish is often served over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and filling. The richness of the beef and the smooth, savory gravy come together to make every bite incredibly comforting.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (85% lean is ideal)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
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2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
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1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
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2 tablespoons butter (optional for extra richness)
Substitutions:
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Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy.
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Dairy-Free: Replace milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk.
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Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Make the Gravy Base: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Let the flour cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw taste.
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Add Broth and Milk: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly. Add the milk and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
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Season: Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve: Serve the hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a full meal.
Pro Tips:
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Avoid Lumps: Make sure to stir the flour into the beef thoroughly before adding liquid to avoid lumps in the gravy.
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Adjust Thickness: If your gravy is too thick, simply add more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Brown the Beef Properly: Browning the beef well adds depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step.
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Use Cold Broth: When adding broth to the flour mixture, cold broth helps prevent the gravy from becoming too lumpy.
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Simmer for Extra Flavor: Let the gravy simmer for a few extra minutes if you have time to develop a deeper flavor.
Variations and Customizations
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Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend as a thickening agent.
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Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms in place of beef.
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Low-Carb: Serve the gravy over cauliflower mash or low-carb bread options instead of traditional mashed potatoes or biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve Over: Mashed potatoes, rice, or homemade biscuits.
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Side Dishes: Serve with sautéed green beans, roasted carrots, or a side salad for a complete meal.
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Pair With: A glass of red wine, like a cabernet sauvignon, or a cold iced tea for a satisfying, cozy meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 20g
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Carbohydrates: 10g
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Fat: 22g
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Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I store leftovers?
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Leftover hamburger gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q2: Can I freeze hamburger gravy?
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Yes! Freeze the gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk to loosen the gravy if needed.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
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Yes, you can make hamburger gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
Closing Thoughts
Hamburger gravy is the ultimate comfort food—simple, satisfying, and versatile. It’s a great dish to have in your weeknight dinner rotation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy making this hearty dish, and feel free to share your version with us or ask any questions.
