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This old fashioned Hamburger Gravy recipe is a classic. We like to serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or bread, and the best part is it's on the table in just 20 minutes.
Want more 30 minute meals? Try Breakfast Fried Rice, Patty Melt, Honey Mustard Chicken, or Pastalaya!
Hamburger Gravy from Grandma's 1950's kitchen.
Hamburger Gravy from Grandma's 1950's kitchen.I love teaching my kids about old-fashioned American recipes like this hamburger gravy recipe. Not only is it a total comfort food classic, but it was beloved back then because it's inexpensive, simple and kids love it. We love it served over creamy mashed potatoes, but my grandma served it over a thick slice of bread. I love that this meal is on the table in less than 30 minutes, perfect for anyone with a busy schedule.
Hamburger Gravy Ingredients:
How to make Hamburger Gravy:
Brown Meat: Cook and crumble ground beef with a meat chopper or wooden spoon in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until soft.
Finish Gravy: Stir in flour and butter, then add milk and seasonings. Stir gravy as it cooks until thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings to taste. Serve homemade hamburger gravy with green beans or roasted vegetables.
Serve Hamburger Gravy Over:
Recipe Variations:
- Dairy-Free: Omit butter and substitute beef broth instead of milk. Add 1 Tablespoon additional flour to thicken the sauce, if needed.
- Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, frozen peas, or corn to the gravy.
- Sour Cream: Add a scoop of sour cream at the end to make the gravy creamier.
Storage and Freezing Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Rewarm in the microwave or stovetop, adding a little milk or broth if you need to thin it.
To Freeze: Follow the recipe to cook the meat and add spices. Let it cool completely then transfer to a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat in a skillet with butter, flour, and half and half. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Hamburger Gravy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef*
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, , minced, or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon paste , , or 2 beef bullion cubes
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1/8 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and pepper, , to taste
- crushed red pepper flakes, , to taste, optional
Serving ideas:
- Over Mashed potatoes, Pasta, Rice, Biscuits. Bread or toast, Breakfast potatoes
- Green beans or roasted vegetables.
Instructions
- Cook meat: Add ground beef to a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, crumbling into small pieces, until browned. Remove most (but not all) of the grease. Add onions to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Gravy: Add flour and butter and stir to coat the meat. Add milk and seasonings. Cook, stirring frequently, until gravy is thickened, 5-10 minutes. Taste and add additional seasonings, as needed.
- Serve warm over mashed potatoes, biscuits, bread, noodles, rice, or breakfast potatoes.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I originally shared this recipe December 2020. Updated September 2024.
Loved this for man pleasing weeknight supper. I did notice the garlic wasn’t included in the directions. I added it with the onions.
Better than childhood memories of this ubiquitous dish. And still great for people with braces.
Yup I tried it, certainly took me back to what my mom used to make. I think hers was a little more bland. I sliced potatoes very thinly and cooked them on top of the gravy. then skimmed them off when tender and plated them smothered with the gravy. Great meal froze a little for use later this month
Dairy free butter and full fat oat milk made this sooooo good. So comforting. Mmmm
This was so easy to make and it was delicious! I used half and half in place of the milk and added mushrooms and peas and served on mashed potatoes. Next time, I think I’ll serve it on egg noodles so it isn’t quite so heavy. This is a great comfort food recipe!
I made this according to the recipe and it was delicious. Thank you!
Yes, I tried it using the powder substitute for the Onion and Garlic and it seemed perfect. I think it tasted like the Hamburger Gravy my mom used to make back in the 70’s. It seems like it was the first homemade tasting meal I’ve had since then. Thank You!
My mother used to make a variation of this recipe when I was growing up. Swap in Ground turkey to make it more lean. Milk can be substituted with water. Goes well over rice and pairs well with steamed veggies. Super quick, easy and cheap to make.
Easy and good.
I was in a serious dinner rut and saw this and was encouraged by the 20 minute total time (plus I had all of the ingredients). This is a total winner! My whole family loved it (even my picky toddler). Thanks for a great recipe!