Have you ever wondered how to elevate a simple meal into a comforting, savory dish that warms the soul? The Simple Hamburger Gravy Recipe is your answer! This versatile recipe combines ground beef, rich flavorings, and creamy textures, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious entrée that your family will love. Let’s dive into this comforting classic!
Ingredients Needed
To prepare our Simple Hamburger Gravy Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (an 85/15% blend is recommended) – This will form the base of your gravy, providing a hearty and meaty flavor.
- ¾ cup yellow onion (finely chopped) – Fresh onions add a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder enhances the savory aspect of the gravy.
- ½ teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt brings out all the flavors in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Pepper adds a touch of spice and warmth.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Butter helps create a rich, creamy gravy.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – This will act as the thickener for your gravy.
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth – Broth provides moisture and depth without overwhelming the dish.
- 2 teaspoons Better than Bouillon sautéed onion flavor – An excellent way to boost the onion flavor without additional prep.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – Adds a delightful umami flavor to the gravy.
- 1 cup 2% milk – Creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – This is for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
Timing
The beauty of this Simple Hamburger Gravy Recipe lies in its efficiency. Here’s a quick breakdown of the required time:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
This is about 25% quicker than many traditional homemade gravy recipes, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal!
How to Make Simple Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef, finely chopped yellow onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is browned and no pink remains.
Step 2: Drain Excess Fat
Transfer the beef mixture to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure a less greasy gravy.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth, creating a roux.
Step 4: Add Broth and Flavorings
Slowly pour in the low-sodium beef broth while continuously whisking to remove lumps. Stir in the Better than Bouillon and Worcestershire sauce, and let the gravy bubble and thicken for 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate Milk
Pour in the milk, whisking until smooth. This gives the gravy a creamy consistency.
Step 6: Combine and Thicken
Reduce the heat to low, and return the reserved ground beef mixture to the gravy. Allow it to bubble for an additional 5 minutes until it is nicely thickened.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
When the hamburger gravy is ready, remove it from the heat and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.
Nutritional Information
The following nutritional values are estimates for one serving (1/4 of the total recipe):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
This recipe offers a balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates to fuel your day!
Healthier Alternatives For Simple Hamburger Gravy Recipe
If you’re looking to make this dish healthier, consider these alternatives:
- Use lean turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter option.
- Swap whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for additional fiber.
- Replace 2% milk with unsweetened almond milk to cut calories and fat!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your hamburger gravy over:
- Mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food pairing.
- Egg noodles for a hearty twist.
- Rice for a gluten-free option.
Add a side of steamed vegetables to create a balanced meal.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your hamburger gravy turns out perfect:
- Not draining excess fat can lead to greasy gravy. Always drain after browning the meat!
- Adding the milk too early can curdle it. Make sure to wait until the gravy has thickened.
- Not whisking the roux continuously may result in lumps. Keep that whisk moving!
Storing Tips For Simple Hamburger Gravy Recipe
If you have leftovers, here are some storage tips:
- Store any cooled gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, warm over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if necessary.
Conclusion
The Simple Hamburger Gravy Recipe is a comforting dish that combines simple ingredients and enhances them into something special. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weekdays. We encourage you to try this recipe with your own twist, and don’t forget to share your experience with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make hamburger gravy thicker?
To thicken the gravy, you can let it simmer longer, or add a mixture of cornstarch and water gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
Can I freeze hamburger gravy?
Yes, you can freeze hamburger gravy. Just make sure it’s completely cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
What can I pair with hamburger gravy?
Hamburger gravy pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even crusty bread for a delightful meal.
Is this recipe adaptable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your beef broth is also gluten-free.
How spicy is this hamburger gravy recipe?
This recipe is fairly mild, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you’d like to spice it up!
Now, it’s time to grab those ingredients and bring this classic dish to your table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Print
Simple Hamburger Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting hamburger gravy made with ground beef and rich flavors, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15% blend)
- ¾ cup yellow onion (finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Better than Bouillon sautéed onion flavor
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 5-6 minutes.
- Drain excess fat and transfer the mixture to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add Better than Bouillon and Worcestershire sauce; let it bubble for 3-5 minutes to thicken.
- Pour in milk, whisking until smooth.
- Return the ground beef mixture to the gravy, simmer for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
To make this dish healthier, consider using lean turkey, whole wheat flour, or unsweetened almond milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: hamburger gravy recipe, easy homemade gravy, ground beef recipes, comfort food, beef gravy recipe