Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This delightful recipe features ground beef simmered with onions in a rich, creamy gravy, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its versatility allows it to shine at breakfast, brunch, or dinner, ensuring it becomes a cherished part of your comfort food repertoire. The standout quality of this dish lies in its simplicity and flavor, making it easy to whip up on busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for those busy nights.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of savory beef and creamy gravy will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a meal that fits any preference.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef makes this recipe economical without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for cooking the beef and gravy thoroughly.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth incorporation of flour into the drippings, preventing lumps in your gravy.
• Colander: Makes draining the pasta quick and hassle-free.

Ingredients

For the Gravy

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 white onion (peeled & thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth

For the Noodles

• 1 pkg medium egg noodles
• 4 tbsp butter

How to Make Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef Mixture

While cooking the pasta:
* Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the canola oil.
* Once hot, add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir everything together while breaking up the meat as it cooks.

Step 3: Prepare the Milk and Broth Mixture

In a large mixing bowl:
* Combine the whole milk and chicken broth.
* Whisk together until well blended. Set aside.

Step 4: Add Onions to Meat Mixture

Once the beef is halfway cooked:
* Add in the sliced onion.
* Stir to incorporate and continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked through.

Step 5: Create a Roux

Scootch the meat mixture to one side of the pot:
* Add the flour directly into the empty space in the pot.
* Whisk it together with any drippings until evenly combined. Let cook for 30–60 seconds.

Step 6: Thicken Your Gravy

Slowly pour in the milk and broth mixture:
* Whisk continuously to ensure even incorporation.
* Allow the gravy to simmer until thickened. Remove from heat once done.

Step 7: Butter Your Noodles

Return your drained pasta back into its pot:
* Add in the butter.
* Stir until melted and evenly mixed throughout.

Step 8: Serve It Up!

To serve:
* Place buttered noodles on a plate or in a bowl.
* Ladle generous portions of gravy over top. Enjoy!

How to Serve Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a versatile choice for both casual meals and special occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Over Buttered Noodles

• Serve the gravy generously over a bed of buttered egg noodles for a classic and comforting meal.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Spoon the gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes, creating a deliciously creamy combination that’s hard to resist.

In a Bread Bowl

• For something fun, serve the gravy in a hollowed-out bread bowl. This adds an extra element of flavor and presentation.

As a Dip

• Use the gravy as a dip for crusty bread or soft rolls. It’s perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your dish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color and flavor that complements the rich gravy.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pair the gravy with steamed green beans or broccoli for a balanced meal that adds nutritional value to your plate.

How to Perfect Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

To ensure you achieve the best version of Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy, consider these tips for improvement.

• Choose Quality Meat: Using fresh ground beef will enhance the flavor and texture of your gravy.
• Sauté Onions Thoroughly: Cooking the onions until they are translucent adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Whisk Constantly: When adding liquids, whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming in your gravy.
• Adjust Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add a little more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after cooking to achieve perfect flavor balance.
• Let it Simmer: Allowing the gravy to simmer longer helps deepen its flavor, making it more robust.

Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

Pairing side dishes with Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy can elevate your meal even further. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of gravy.
2. Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef gravy.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These offer a crunchy texture that balances well with creamy dishes.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements savory flavors beautifully, making it an ideal side choice.
5. Green Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette can cleanse the palate after enjoying this hearty dish.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs nicely with savory gravies.
7. Fried Green Tomatoes: Their crispy exterior adds an exciting twist when served alongside rich gravies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can lead to bland gravy. Always taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• Overcooking the meat: Cooking the ground beef too long can make it tough. Stir frequently and remove from heat once it’s fully cooked but still tender.
• Not whisking properly: Failing to whisk the flour into the drippings can create lumps in your gravy. Make sure to whisk continuously for a smooth consistency.
• Using low-fat milk: Using low-fat milk instead of whole milk can result in a less creamy texture. Stick with whole milk for that rich flavor.
• Rushing the simmering process: Skipping the simmering step can lead to thin gravy. Allow it to simmer until thickened for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover gravy in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

• To freeze, place cooled gravy in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy?

Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy is a rich, creamy gravy made with ground beef and served over buttered noodles. It’s a comforting Southern dish perfect for any meal.

How can I customize Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy?

You can add mushrooms or garlic for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to suit your taste.

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Yes! Ground chicken or turkey can also work well if you prefer a lighter option while still enjoying delicious gravy.

What should I serve with Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy?

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice if you want something different than noodles!

Conclusion

Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy is a versatile comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors!