hamburger gravy tips

Name: Hamburger Gravy Tips
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup hamburger drippings; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

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Okay, let’s talk about comfort food. We’re talking about that warm, hug-in-a-bowl kind of meal that just makes you feel good. For me, that’s always been hamburger gravy. It’s like the simpler, weeknight-friendly cousin of a classic beef stroganoff, but honestly? I think it’s even better! It’s seriously the most underrated dish, and mastering it is easier than you think. I’m sharing my best What are hamburger gravy tips?, learned over years of making this for my family, so you can get it perfect every single time. What is that delicious gravy with perfectly browned Ground Beef served over creamy mashed potatoes? Can it get any better? I don’t think so!

What is Hamburger Gravy?

Think of hamburger gravy as the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food. It’s essentially a creamy, savory sauce made with browned Ground Beef, flour (to thicken it), milk or broth, and a blend of seasonings. Sometimes I add a touch of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of sour cream for extra depth of flavor. It’s essentially a white gravy base, amped up with the savory goodness of browned beef. No fancy cuts of meat here, just simple, honest ingredients transformed into something truly special. It’s that simple, satisfying meal that just hits the spot, you know? My grandma used to make it for us on rainy days and it’s a childhood memory that I hold so close to my heart!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even start? There are so many reasons why this hamburger gravy recipe is a winner! I mean, who doesn’t love a creamy, comforting gravy, especially when it’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make?

• Flavor Explosion: The browned Ground Beef creates this rich, savory base that’s just irresistible. Then you add in the seasonings, the milk or broth simmers all of that goodness together. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. I always make sure to get a good sear on the beef. Don’t be afraid to let it brown! That’s where all the flavor is!

• What is simple?What are some of the best recipes that anyone can make.? Is it possible to make this recipe in minutes? What I love about this is that I can throw it together on even the busiest weeknights. On those nights when I’m just trying to get dinner on the table fast, this is my go-to meal.Budget-Friendly BGround beef is one of the most affordable proteins out there, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. What is the best way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank? I mean you can feed a family of 4 for under $10 bucks! Now that is something to write home about.Versatility Queen: Serve it over mashed potatoes (duh!), biscuits, rice, or even noodles. This hamburger gravy is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can even add veggies like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to sneak in some extra nutrients. Personally, I like to add a little bit of sauteed onion when I have it.

It’s similar to creamed chipped beef (SOS), but honestly, the flavor profile is completely different. And honestly, the simplicity of this makes it my absolute favorite. It’s just so good!

How do I make Hamburger Gravy?

Quick Overview

Making hamburger gravy is a breeze. First, brown your Ground Beef in a skillet and drain off any excess grease. Then, stir in flour and cook for a minute or two to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s where all the flavor is!). Simmer until thickened, then season to taste. It’s so easy, you could practically do it with your eyes closed. The whole process, from start to finish, takes less than 30 minutes. And the result? A creamy, comforting gravy that’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Gravy: What is it all
• 1 pound Ground Beef (I usually use 80/20 for flavor, but lean works too)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 2 cups milk (whole milk works best, but 2% is fine) or beef broth (for a richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, but highly recommended)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Ground Beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan! If you do, the beef will steam instead of brown. Nobody wants that!

Step 2: Drain Excess Grease

Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. I usually tilt the pan and use a spoon to scoop out the grease, but you can also transfer the beef to a colander if you prefer. Leaving too much grease in the pan will make the gravy greasy, so don’t skip this step.

Step 3: Make a Roux

Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then, sprinkle the flour over the browned beef and stir well to coat. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly golden. This step is crucial for thickening the gravy. Don’t skip it! I have tried using olive oil to do this but the butter really helps in this recipe to add a richer flavor.

Step 4: Add Liquid

Slowly whisk in the milk or beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those browned bits are packed with flavor, so you definitely want to incorporate them into the gravy. This is where a good whisk comes in handy to prevent clumps. Gradually incorporate it and keep scraping those browned bits off of the pan! Keep stirring.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. The longer you simmer it, the thicker it will get. This is where you’ll need patience. It’ll come but you need to keep stirring.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, biscuits, rice, or noodles. Enjoy! Oh, I always add a little bit of paprika as well!

What should I serve it with?

Let’s talk about pairings! This hamburger gravy is amazing over classic mashed potatoes, it’s practically required. If you’re feeling adventurous, try sweet potato mash, or even cauliflower mashed for a low-carb recipe. Fluffy buttermilk biscuits are another great choice.For Breakfast:Serve a biscuit with bacon and then top it with the hamburger gravy! What is a comfort classic?For Brunch:
Pile high on waffles with a side of fruit! The sweet with savory is an unexpected treat that is just pure perfection!

As Dessert:
Serve it over a fried banana with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream! I know, sounds crazy, right? My grandma swore by it.

For Cozy Snacks:Serve with french fries and a side of bread bowl! Is it like having a little bit of everything? My family loves it with a side of green beans or salad. What’s a perfect comfort meal for any time of day?

How do I make a perfect Hamburger Gravy?

Alright, listen up, because I’m about to share some secrets to take your hamburger gravy from good to absolutely amazing. These are little tricks I’ve picked up over the years, and they make a HUGE difference:

Browning is Key: Don’t rush the browning process! A deep, rich sear on the Ground Beef is essential for a flavorful gravy. Let it get nice and brown before you drain off the grease. I learned this the hard way after making it so many times!

The Roux Matters: Cook the flour and butter mixture (the roux) for a full 1-2 minutes before adding the liquid. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps the gravy thicken properly.

Whisk Like a Pro: When adding the milk or broth, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If you do end up with lumps, don’t panic! Just keep whisking, and they should eventually dissolve. A metal whisk is always going to be your best bet. You can get an inexpensive one on amazon.

Low and Slow: Simmer the gravy over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. Don’t rush this step! The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become. I always turn the burner as low as I can!

Seasoning is Everything: Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings! Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a dash of hot sauce can all add a little something extra to your gravy. Always taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Oh, and always put in a dash of pepper. A little kick never hurt anybody!

Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour. You can also use almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free option, but just be aware that the flavor and consistency may be slightly different. I actually tested this with almond milk and it made it even creamier!

Thickening Hack: If your gravy isn’t thickening up as much as you’d like, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the gravy. Simmer for a few minutes, and it should thicken right up.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This hamburger gravy stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. I usually make a double batch so that I can have some for lunch the next day.

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave it sitting out for more than two hours, just to be safe.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before you put it in the fridge.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the gravy in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Make sure you get as much air out of the bag as you can!

Reheating: Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out if it has become too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to prevent it from splattering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as it will help to bind the gravy and prevent it from becoming grainy. The ratios should be the same and you will love it either way!

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly fine. Ground turkey is also leaner so you won’t have to drain any grease! However, it might not have as much flavor as ground beef, so you may want to add a little bit of extra seasoning to compensate.

Can I add vegetables to this gravy?

Of course! I add veggies all the time! Sautéed onions, mushrooms, peas, carrots, and corn would all be great additions. Just add them to the skillet after you brown the ground beef. Adding some cream of mushroom can take this recipe to a whole new level as well!

My gravy is too thick! What do I do?

No problem! Just whisk in a little bit of milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Start with a tablespoon at a time, and add more as needed. This is something you’ll encounter every now and then. Just keep adding a bit more until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

I haven’t tried it myself, but I think it would work! Brown the ground beef in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the gravy has thickened. It could take a little bit of trial and error, but I’m sure you will get it perfect!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my ultimate hamburger gravy recipe, complete with all my best tips and tricks. This recipe is a classic for a reason. The creamy texture, the savory flavor, and the ease of preparation make it a winner every time. I promise you, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought gravy again!

If you’re a fan of comfort food, be sure to check out some of my other classic recipes, like my creamy mac and cheese or my Chicken Pot Pie. I’m constantly updating my blog with new and exciting dishes, so be sure to check back often.

Now, it’s your turn! I can’t wait to hear how your hamburger gravy turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any of my tips or variations, be sure to share your results. Happy cooking!