Hamburger Gravy

This creamy beef and vegetable skillet is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any family dinner. Made with ground beef, onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a savory beef broth base, this dish is rich and flavorful. It’s thickened with flour, half-and-half, and beef bouillon for a creamy texture, and can be customized with optional ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, and fresh mushrooms. Serve it over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or biscuits for a filling meal. This easy one-pan recipe is quick to make, making it a great choice for busy nights. Perfect for a comforting dinner or meal prep!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon
• ½ cup half and half

Optional Additions (See Notes):

• 10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 8 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced, rinsed, and patted dry
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

Instructions

Brown the Beef

1. Heat a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Halfway through, add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Build the Gravy

2. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is fully incorporated and no longer smells raw.
3. Gradually add the beef broth in small splashes, stirring well to deglaze the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Slowly incorporate the half and half in the same manner. Add the beef bouillon and stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer. Allow the gravy to bubble gently, thickening as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure even consistency.

Optional Additions and Serving

5. If using optional ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, milk, mushrooms, or vegetables, add them during the simmering stage. Cook until heated through and well combined.
6. Serve the hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or fluffy biscuits. Enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, hearty, and satisfying, this dish is the ultimate comfort meal.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with vegetables or extra creamy options.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples for an affordable family dinner.

Tips

• Deglazing: Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet for maximum flavor.
• Avoid Lumps: Add liquids gradually while stirring to ensure a smooth gravy.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with parsley or thyme for added freshness.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
• Creamy Additions: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Mix in peas, carrots, or sautéed mushrooms for more texture.
• Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium broth and bouillon to control salt levels.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Can I freeze hamburger gravy?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How do I prevent the gravy from being too thick?
Add a little more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I skip the bouillon?
You can, but the bouillon adds depth of flavor. Substitute with additional beef broth if needed.

Serving and Suggestions

• Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or flaky biscuits.
• Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Use as a filling for shepherd’s pie or a topping for baked potatoes.
• Garnish with freshly cracked pepper and a sprinkle of parsley for a polished presentation.