Hamburger Gravy

Hamburger Gravy is a comforting and creamy dish that can elevate any meal. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture. Whether served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or buttermilk biscuits, Hamburger Gravy is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
• Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and beef broth creates a luscious gravy that coats your favorite sides beautifully.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over a variety of dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a hearty meal any day of the week.
• Freezable Leftovers: Make extra and freeze half for an effortless meal next month.
• Kid-Friendly Flavor: The savory taste of Hamburger Gravy is loved by both kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone at the table is happy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your kitchen tools to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for browning the meat and combining ingredients without spilling.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your skillet’s surface while ensuring even cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

A quick and easy creamy Hamburger Gravy that is delicious over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, pasta, rice, and buttermilk biscuits. Double the recipe and freeze half for a meal next month.

For the Gravy

• 1½ lbs. ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 pinches nutmeg
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves or chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish

How to Make Hamburger Gravy

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When it is about halfway through the browning process, add the onions. Continue cooking until the ground beef is fully cooked and browned while the onions become soft.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously to ensure even cooking without burning.

Step 3: Create a Roux

Melt the butter in the skillet with the browned beef. Sprinkle in the flour while stirring constantly; continue cooking for about 2 minutes until well combined.

Step 4: Stir in Liquids

Slowly incorporate the beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet until smooth. Stir continuously to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Season

Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried parsley, and nutmeg to enhance flavor. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.

Step 6: Garnish

Serve hot garnished with fresh thyme leaves or chopped fresh Italian parsley for an added touch of freshness. Enjoy your delicious Hamburger Gravy!

How to Serve Hamburger Gravy

Hamburger gravy is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. Whether you’re enjoying it over a comforting base or as part of a hearty meal, there are plenty of delicious ways to serve this creamy delight.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• This classic pairing delivers a rich and savory experience. The creamy gravy seeps into the fluffy mashed potatoes for a perfect bite.

On Egg Noodles

• Serve hamburger gravy over egg noodles for an easy weeknight dinner. The noodles soak up the flavors, making each mouthful satisfying.

With Pasta

• Use your favorite pasta shape to create a comforting meal. The hearty gravy enhances the pasta, making it both filling and delicious.

Over Rice

• A simple yet effective option, rice absorbs the savory gravy well. This combination is great for those looking for something quick and easy.

With Buttermilk Biscuits

• Ladle hamburger gravy over warm buttermilk biscuits for a delightful breakfast or brunch dish. The flaky biscuits complement the rich gravy wonderfully.

In a Bread Bowl

• Hollow out a bread roll and fill it with hamburger gravy for a fun and interactive way to enjoy this dish. It’s great for gatherings!

How to Perfect Hamburger Gravy

To make your hamburger gravy even better, keep these tips in mind:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions and garlic enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried versions.
• Adjust thickness: If your gravy is too thick, add more beef broth slowly until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season wisely: Taste your gravy before serving; adjusting salt and pepper can elevate the overall flavor.
• Add vegetables: Incorporating mushrooms or bell peppers can add variety and extra nutrition to your dish.
• Stir constantly: When adding flour, stirring continuously helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth texture.
• Garnish well: Sprinkling fresh herbs just before serving adds color and freshness to your plate.

Best Side Dishes for Hamburger Gravy

Pairing side dishes with hamburger gravy can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty dish well.

1. Steamed Vegetables
   Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition without overshadowing the main dish.
2. Roasted Potatoes
   Crispy roasted potatoes provide a delightful contrast in texture while soaking up any leftover gravy.
3. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with savory hamburger gravy, adding a hint of sweetness to balance flavors.
4. Coleslaw
   A refreshing coleslaw brings crunch and brightness, making it a great contrast to the creamy richness of the gravy.
5. Garlic Bread
   Toasted garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of delicious hamburger gravy on your plate.
6. Garden Salad
   A simple garden salad offers freshness and lightness that contrasts nicely with the heavier elements of the meal.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes
   Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness that complements the savory notes of hamburger gravy, making them an excellent choice.
8. Fried Green Tomatoes
   Crispy fried green tomatoes add Southern flair and texture, enhancing your dining experience with their tangy flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hamburger Gravy can be a breeze, but a few common mistakes can derail your dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Overcooking the Beef: Cooking the ground beef too long can make it tough. Aim for a nice brown color, then add onions promptly.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Forgetting to season your gravy can lead to blandness. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold broth or cream can cause clumps. Warm them slightly before mixing into the skillet for a smooth texture.
• Not Stirring Enough: Failing to stir continuously when adding flour may result in lumps. Keep stirring for even consistency while cooking.
• Ignoring Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, simmer longer. Adjust until you reach your desired thickness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Hamburger Gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Use an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent odors from other foods.

Freezing Hamburger Gravy

• You can freeze Hamburger Gravy for up to 3 months.
• Ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.

Reheating Hamburger Gravy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamburger Gravy?

Hamburger Gravy is a creamy sauce made with ground beef, perfect over mashed potatoes or noodles.

How do you make Hamburger Gravy thicker?

To thicken Hamburger Gravy, allow it to simmer longer or add a slurry of flour mixed with water while cooking.

Can I customize my Hamburger Gravy?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

What dishes pair well with Hamburger Gravy?

Hamburger Gravy pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or biscuits for versatile meal options.

Conclusion

This creamy Hamburger Gravy recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for different meals. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or serve it over various bases like noodles or rice. Give this comforting dish a try today!