This Creamed Hamburger Gravy is a rich, savory, and comforting dish made with ground beef, creamy gravy, and simple seasonings. Served over buttery biscuits, toast, mashed potatoes, or pasta, it’s a classic, budget-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend breakfast. With minimal prep and pantry-staple ingredients, this hearty dish is ready in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in 30 minutes
- Comfort food classic with simple ingredients
- Versatile—serve over biscuits, toast, potatoes, or pasta
- Budget-friendly and great for meal prep
- Kid-friendly and customizable with added veggies
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for creaminess, but any kind works)
- ½ cup beef broth (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (and onions, if using) until browned and fully cooked. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over the cooked beef and stir well to coat the meat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids: Gradually pour in the milk and beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Season and thicken: Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the creamed hamburger gravy over biscuits, toast, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Hamburger Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cheesy Version: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a richer, cheesier gravy.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
- Lighter Option: Use ground turkey and low-fat milk for a healthier version.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the gravy has thickened too much.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works just as well in this recipe.
How do I thicken hamburger gravy?
If the gravy is too thin, continue simmering it until thickened, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.
What’s the best way to serve hamburger gravy?
It’s traditionally served over biscuits but is also delicious on toast, mashed potatoes, pasta, or even rice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
What spices can I add for more flavor?
Paprika, thyme, rosemary, or a splash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor of the gravy.
Can I use cream instead of milk?
Yes, heavy cream will make the gravy richer—use half cream and half milk for a balanced texture.
Is hamburger gravy the same as sausage gravy?
No, sausage gravy uses breakfast sausage and has a different flavor profile, but both have a similar creamy base.
How do I keep the gravy from becoming lumpy?
Whisk constantly while adding milk and cook over low heat to prevent lumps from forming.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and cook in a larger pan, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
This Creamed Hamburger Gravy is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend breakfasts. Quick, easy, and versatile, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Serve it over biscuits, toast, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying, down-home classic that never goes out of style!
Print
Creamed Hamburger Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamed Hamburger Gravy is a comforting, hearty dish made with ground beef simmered in a creamy, savory gravy. It’s perfect served over mashed potatoes, toast, biscuits, or even pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. A budget-friendly, old-school recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (or 1 1/2 cups milk + 1/2 cup beef broth for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the ground beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes).
- Drain excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan for flavor.
2. Make the roux:
- Stir in the butter (if using) and sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour absorbs the fat and turns slightly golden.
3. Add milk and seasonings:
- Gradually pour in the milk while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Adjust and serve:
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.
5. Serve:
- Spoon over mashed potatoes, biscuits, toast, pasta, or rice for a hearty meal.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days—reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.