Looking for a dinnertime secret weapon you can whip up in one pan? This Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe is cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Made with pantry staples and ready in just about 25 minutes, it’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights—and everyone in the family will ask for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Comfort Food: You get all the stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction of a homemade meal in just 25 minutes.
- Simple Pantry Staples: The ingredients are easy to find, affordable, and you probably already have them on hand.
- Versatile & Family Friendly: Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice—this gravy is a total mealtime chameleon everyone loves.
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of browned beef, sweet onions, and savory gravy makes this dish irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe is how a handful of simple kitchen staples create such deep flavor. Every ingredient is there for a delicious reason, from the juicy beef to the little hint of herbs—they work together for a gravy that feels like a classic diner hug.
- Ground Beef: The star! Choose 80/20 beef for the perfect balance of juicy flavor and richness; drain excess fat for a silky gravy.
- Sweet Onion: Chopped onion brings a subtle sweetness and soft texture, rounding out every bite.
- Butter: Melted into the pan, butter equals extra flavor and helps create the classic roux for thickening the gravy.
- All Purpose Flour: Sprinkled over the meat, it works with butter to thicken your sauce to that dreamy, velvety consistency.
- Beef Broth: The liquid gold that ties it all together! Using broth adds depth and a rich, warming color to the gravy.
- Garlic Powder: For a gentle garlic warmth without overpowering—perfect for even picky eaters.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: Herbs add just the right background notes of savory flavor and a little green fleck of color.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash! It adds that magical, savory umami boost and rounds everything out beautifully.
- Salt/Pepper: Season to taste—don’t forget to check at the end for just the right balance.
- Chopped Parsley: Scatter across the top for a sprinkle of freshness and a pop of color!
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak it to match your pantry or mood, adapting for special diets or personal twists without breaking a sweat. Make it your own!
- Mushroom Lover’s Gravy: Add a cup of sliced fresh mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, hearty twist that’s great with mashed potatoes.
- Lighter Version: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken—keep an eye on seasonings, and add a touch more butter if using leaner meat.
- Creamy Upgrade: Stir in a splash of milk or heavy cream right before serving for extra richness and a slightly lighter color.
- Spicy Kick: Like a little heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to amp things up!
How to Make Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef & Soften Onions
Start by cooking your ground beef and chopped sweet onions together in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Stir and break apart the beef as it browns, and let those onions get soft and fragrant—the goal is lots of flavor and a bit of browning on the pan for savory depth! Once the beef is cooked through, drain away the excess fat but keep everything in the pan for the next steps.
Step 2: Make the Roux
With beef and onions still in the pan, add your butter and let it melt down. Sprinkle the flour evenly over everything—don’t just dump it in the center! Stir continuously so the flour coats the meat and soaks up the butter. Let this mixture cook for about three minutes, stirring so it doesn’t burn. This step thickens your gravy and deepens the flavor beautifully.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Now’s the fun part—pour in the beef broth slowly, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen up those golden, flavorful bits. Stir in the garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. This is when your kitchen will start to smell incredible!
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately turn the heat down to medium. Let it simmer, stirring often, until the gravy thickens to your liking—about five minutes is perfect for a rich, pourable sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You’re almost there!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or whatever your heart desires! This seriously cozy Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe is ready to make dinnertime magic.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe
- Roux Mastery: Give that flour a few extra minutes in the pan with butter and beef—no shortcuts! This prevents a floury taste and ensures a savory, smooth gravy.
- Layer the Seasonings: Don’t skip seasoning at different stages. A little salt while browning, then again after simmering, builds serious flavor depth.
- Go Low and Slow to Thicken: Avoid cranking up the heat—gentle simmering encourages the gravy to thicken perfectly without clumping.
- Broth Boost: Use high-quality beef broth (not bouillon cubes if possible) for the richest, most deliciously old-fashioned gravy flavor.
How to Serve Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
This dish looks especially inviting with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top. For a little color and zing, try a pinch of smoked paprika or some finely sliced scallions—simple touches that brighten the whole plate!
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes are practically made to be topped with this savory hamburger gravy, but don’t hesitate to spoon it over buttery egg noodles or fluffy white rice. Add some crisp green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple green salad alongside for a truly satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For weeknight comfort, I love serving this Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe family-style in a big bowl with a ladle. For fun, try layering it in small ramekins over mashed potatoes and topping with a little cheese for individual portions—or tuck into a fresh-from-the-oven bread bowl for a playful twist on classic comfort food!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe keeps beautifully for up to three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container—this makes lunch for the next day incredibly easy (and just as delicious as dinner!).
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, let it cool completely and spoon into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. Freeze for up to three months! Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy a homemade meal in a snap.
Reheating
Reheat your gravy gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in a splash of extra broth or water if it seems too thick. Freshen up with a new sprinkle of parsley before serving for best results.
FAQs
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Can I make this Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and double check that your beef broth is certified gluten-free. Everything else stays the same, and you’ll get a thick, comforting gravy that everyone can enjoy.
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What’s the best way to serve hamburger gravy?
This gravy is wonderful over mashed potatoes, but it’s also fantastic on buttered egg noodles, rice, biscuits, or even toast for a breakfast twist. It truly shines as a quick comfort main course or a hearty side.
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Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe—just note that you may want to add an extra tablespoon of butter for richness, since poultry tends to be leaner than beef.
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How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?
To thicken, simmer longer uncovered or add a slurry of 1 tablespoon flour mixed with a little cold water. For a thinner gravy, simply whisk in a bit more broth until it’s perfect for you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s both deeply comforting and wonderfully simple, this Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe will be your new go-to. I hope it brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it does to mine. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed by how easy and satisfying homemade comfort food can be!
Print
Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting and simple recipe for Hamburger Gravy that is quick to make and perfect for a cozy meal. This savory gravy with ground beef and aromatic seasonings is delicious served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 lb,
Sweet Onion – chopped:
1,
Butter:
4 tablespoons,
All-Purpose Flour:
4 tablespoons,
Beef Broth:
2 cups,
Garlic Powder:
1 teaspoon,
Dried Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon,
Worcestershire Sauce:
1 teaspoon,
Salt/Pepper:
to taste,
Chopped Parsley:
for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions, then drain the excess oil and return to the pan.
- Prepare Gravy: Add butter to the pan, allow it to melt, then sprinkle flour over the meat, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth, add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until the gravy thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve the savory hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
