HAMBURGER GRAVY
Hamburger Gravy is a comforting and hearty dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal. This classic recipe features lean ground beef cooked in a rich and creamy gravy, flavored with onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices. Perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice, Hamburger Gravy is sure to become a family favorite.
Why Make Hamburger Gravy
Hamburger Gravy is a budget-friendly dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its savory flavors and creamy texture, it’s a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream or half and half
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dried thyme
- Dried parsley
- Nutmeg
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme leaves or chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the chopped onions halfway through the browning process and continue cooking until the beef is cooked through and browned, and the onions are soft.
- Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
- Make the Roux: Melt the butter in the skillet with the browned beef. Sprinkle in the flour and continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Liquids: Slowly stir in the beef broth and heavy cream until smooth.
- Season and Flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce, ground thyme, dried parsley, and nutmeg, stirring to combine. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped fresh Italian parsley before serving over mashed potatoes or rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hamburger Gravy hot over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed rice. Pair it with your favorite steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage Info
Any leftover Hamburger Gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through before serving.
Techniques or Tips
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less beef broth and heavy cream according to your preference.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional herbs or spices, such as rosemary or paprika, for extra flavor.
Variation
Experiment with different toppings or mix-ins to customize your Hamburger Gravy. You can add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or crumbled bacon for extra texture and flavor. Additionally, you can top it with shredded cheese or crispy fried onions for a delicious twist.
FAQs about Hamburger Gravy
Q: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream? A: Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half and half or whole milk for a lighter version of the gravy.
Q: Can I freeze Hamburger Gravy? A: Yes, you can freeze Hamburger Gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? A: Yes, you can use fresh thyme and parsley instead of dried. Just adjust the quantities to taste, as fresh herbs have a milder flavor than dried.
Hamburger Gravy
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. lean 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
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When it is about halfway through the browning process, add the onions and continue cooking until the ground beef is cooked through and browned, and the onions are soft.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the garlic. Cook the garlic for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
- Melt the butter in the skillet with the browned beef. Sprinkle in the flour and continue cooking for 2 minutes while stirring constantly. Slowly stir in the beef broth and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried parsley, and nutmeg, stirring to combine. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped fresh Italian parsley.
