If you’re craving a comforting, homey meal that comes together quickly with ingredients you likely have on hand, this Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the perfect blend of savory browned beef and smooth, creamy gravy, seasoned just right to satisfy that cozy dinner urge without fuss. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or even rice, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate and has become one of my favorite quick fixes for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each adding essential flavor, texture, or richness to the dish. From lean ground beef that forms the hearty base to seasonings that infuse every bite with depth, every element plays a starring role.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Use lean beef to keep the gravy rich but not greasy, and it browns beautifully for that meaty foundation.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped finely): Adds sweetness and aroma that soften through cooking, weaving into the gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor with subtle depth, giving the dish a rounded taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle warmth and slight bite, balancing out the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A delicate herb blend that lifts the beef with fragrant hints of oregano and basil.
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon paste: Perfect for boosting savory notes and adding complexity without extra salt.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds tang and subtle umami, enriching the gravy’s character.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Introduces a mild sharpness that brightens the overall flavor.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Acts as the thickening agent, giving you that perfect gravy texture.
- 2 cups whole milk: Creates the creamy base for the gravy, smoothing everything together.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into harmony.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous notes when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high and adding the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion. Cook until the meat is nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step is crucial because browning the beef properly adds that deep, savory flavor that forms the heart of this gravy. Don’t drain the fat if you’re using lean beef; leaving some fat keeps the dish juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, beef bouillon paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir these seasonings into the beef mixture, letting them cook together briefly so the flavors marry beautifully. This seasoning blend turns simple browned beef into an irresistible base full of rich, complex tastes.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Turn the heat down to medium and sprinkle the flour over the meat. Stir it thoroughly so it absorbs the fat and juices, which is what will create the thick, luscious texture of your gravy. Taking your time here ensures the flour cooks out its raw taste and starts working as the perfect thickening agent.
Step 4: Add the Milk Slowly
Pour the milk into the skillet gradually, stirring constantly as you go. This slow addition prevents lumps and helps the flour dissolve evenly, leading to a smooth, creamy gravy base. Patience here will reward you with a silky consistency that’s anything but ordinary.
Step 5: Let It Bubble and Thicken
Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Keep stirring occasionally as the gravy thickens, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. This step gives you control over the final texture — cook it a bit longer for thicker gravy or less if you prefer it creamier and looser.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Give your gravy a taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. This final seasoning step lets you tailor the flavor exactly how you like it. If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish that makes your Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe even more inviting.
How to Serve Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a beautiful burst of green but also a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens every spoonful. For a touch of extra comfort, try adding a sprinkle of black pepper or, if you like a little heat, a dash of paprika.
Side Dishes
This Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe pairs perfectly with classic mashed potatoes offering creamy, fluffy contrast to the rich gravy. It also works wonderfully over buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, or even roasted vegetables, each adding texture and making the meal hearty and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, serve the hamburger gravy over a toasted biscuit or drop it onto warm, crusty bread as an open-faced sandwich. You could also use it as a saucy topping for a baked potato or even dollop it over steamed greens for a richer, comforting side dish. This gravy is versatile and ready to be the star of any plate you imagine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the gravy cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for lunches or another quick dinner later in the week.
Freezing
This hamburger gravy freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months and is a convenient option when you want a quick homemade comfort meal on hand.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of milk or water if it’s too thick, and season again if needed. It tastes just as good the next day as it does fresh!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or a splash of extra Worcestershire sauce to boost flavor when using turkey.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the whole milk for a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk. Just choose an unsweetened, neutral-flavored variety for the best results, and the gravy will remain creamy and delicious.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If your gravy isn’t thickening as much as you like, you can sprinkle in an additional teaspoon of flour and stir well, cooking it for a few more minutes. Alternatively, simmer it a bit longer to reduce excess liquid for a richer consistency.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Adding finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas during the initial browning step can boost the flavor and nutritional value, turning this into a more robust one-pan meal.
What meals pair well with Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe?
This gravy complements comfort food staples like mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or biscuits. It’s also fantastic spooned over roasted veggies or used as a hearty topping for baked potatoes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a rich, creamy gravy made with ground beef, and this Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create pure deliciousness. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your new go-to comfort meal in no time!
Print
Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Hamburger Gravy recipe is a comforting and hearty dish featuring lean ground beef simmered with onions and a savory blend of spices, thickened with flour and creamy whole milk to create a rich, flavorful gravy. Perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, this quick and simple skillet meal comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped finely
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon paste (e.g., Better Than Bouillon)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to taste)
Thickening and Liquids
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onion: Add the lean ground beef and chopped onion to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it browns. Retain some fat unless the beef isn’t lean, in which case drain excess fat but leave some for flavor.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, beef bouillon paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to the cooked meat mixture, blending well.
- Incorporate Flour: Lower the heat to medium and stir in the flour, mixing thoroughly to evenly coat the meat mixture and begin building the gravy base.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly stir in the whole milk until the flour fully dissolves, creating a smooth mixture.
- Simmer and Thicken: Continue cooking as the gravy comes to a gentle bubble, stirring occasionally. Allow it to thicken to desired consistency, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This gravy is delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat, but if using higher fat content beef, drain some fat after browning.
- The beef bouillon paste adds a rich, meaty flavor; choose a quality brand like Better Than Bouillon for best results.
- Adjust the thickness by cooking the gravy longer if you prefer it thicker, or add more milk for a thinner consistency.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- This gravy can be made ahead and reheated gently, adding a splash of milk to loosen if necessary.
