Old fashioned hamburger gravy is a classic recipe that’s tasty, versatile and so satisfying! Crumbled ground beef in a thick and creamy gravy made from milk and broth.
This is the perfect topping for turning any starch side dish into a mouth-watering entrée.
Ingredients and Variations
There are so many easy changes that can be to this recipe with equally delicious results!
- Meat: I use lean ground beef (of course) but you can sub any kind of ground meat. Turkey/chicken don’t have as much flavor so you might want to add some extra bouillon cubes. Sausage works to turn this into a sausage gravy recipe.
- Broth: Hamburger gravy can be made without milk by substituting broth for the same quantity; the gravy will be brown instead of white. Beef bouillon cubes dissolved in water can substitute for broth. Just be sure to adjust added salt accordingly. Low sodium broth is not as flavorful, I don’t recommend it.
- Diary: I use milk however a little bit of cream or even sour cream can be substituted to add even more richness and body to the sauce.
- Veggies: Make it with mushrooms, and you’ll have a delicious downscale version of beef stroganoff! Or add in some onions for a creamy deconstructed hamburger steak, especially when using broth!
Short on Time? Ground beef is super forgiving and can go straight from the freezer into the frying pan for making hamburger gravy in minutes. To do so, add a little water or beef broth to the pan and cover, turning the block of ground beef often and cutting into smaller pieces as it thaws.
How to Make Hamburger Gravy
Here’s all it takes to prepare this easy homemade dish.
- Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in a pan, and do not drain.
- Stir in remaining ingredients (per recipe below), and cook until the sauce thickens.
When thickened, serve hot over a favorite starch. That’s all there is to it! Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice or even toast all work.
What to Serve with Hamburger Gravy
This yummy, chunky sauce is a quick and easy way to make dinner into a stick-to-your-ribs meal. These are some starch sides perfect for pairing with hamburger gravy.
Savory Sides: garlic mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, baked rice
Biscuits & Bread: garlic cheese biscuits, toast points, or toasted english muffins
To round this recipe out don’t forget to add a side of your favorite vegetables like roasted asparagus, green beans, or classic mixed veggies!
Can You Freeze Hamburger Gravy?
Hamburger gravy is great as a leftover. Whether refrigerated or frozen make sure to store in an airtight container or zippered bag and write the date on the top!
- Refrigerated it will last up to four days.
- Frozen: Dairy doesn’t freeze well so I don’t reccomend freezing this with milk added.
Easy Hamburger Recipes
- Ground Beef Stroganoff – packed with flavor!
- Hamburger Casserole – quick & easy weeknight meal
- Easy Hamburger Soup – loaded with veggies!
- Quick Hot Dog Chili – a zesty beanless chili
- Easy Ground Beef Tacos – ready in 30 mins!
Hamburger Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 bouillon cube
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, onion and garlic until no pink remains. Do not drain.
- You should have some fat in the bottom of the skillet, if not, add 1 tablespoon butter or oil. Stir in Worcestershire.
- Stir in flour and allow to cook 2 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir. Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
- Serve over biscuits or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Beef, Main Course
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Love your recipes Holly they are Delish.
Easy and exactly what i wanted/needed. Always tempted to make things more complicated & add in this or that but i didn’t this time – followed this to the ‘T’ & turned out amazing! Thank you for keeping it simple but still so flavorful!
My Mother would put Green Beans or Peas in it .
I did not use the Bouillon or Worcestershire sauce.
We like the Oyster Sauce we use MAPKRUA from Thailand.
O-SO-GOOD !
I didn’t realize anyone else made hamburger gravy. Your recipe is like what I have made for over 50 years.
Delicious! Just what I was looking for. We put this gravy on top of tator tots and topped with shredded cheese. Served with green beans but corn would be good too. My husband and kids loved it. Quick, easy & inexpensive meal.
Great recipe easy to follow. I added additional seasoning to meat. But I always over or undercook the flour on my own and this turned out perfectly!
This was delicious! I added mushrooms, and instead of just beef broth I added a can of condensed french onion soup! YUM! Even my picky teenage son thought it was good, but I did serve it over homemade mashed potatoes for him.
this recipe was awesome. putting in my favorites. thanks for sharing
Hamburger Gravy is an ole stand by for a quick meal … I like on Rice … no broth … like cream of mushroom soup and extra mushrooms… garlic salt and pepper…brown with flour
Then add milk so good …
I’m wondering if it would still turn out if I didn’t use the bouillon cube? I don’t have any right now and I am unable to make it to the store but would really like to make this for my very picky 7yr old daughter tonight for dinner. Thank you for your response
Hi Jen, we have only made this recipe as listed and the bouillon cube does add additional flavor to the recipe. It should taste fine without it, but we would love to hear how it turns out when omitted!
I have been eating hamburger gravy for 65 years. It was one of my Grandfather’s favorite meals. My family drains the grease and we add about 1/4 cup tomato sauce to the gravy. We also do not add beef broth but I’ll try that next time I make it. We eat it at least once a month as my husband also loves it.
Loved it. Easy and tasty. Love this website, too. Been following it for years.
I am so glad you have been enjoying following along Sam!
Great basic recipe for an old classic. I thought I invented it 40 years ago when my husband was in college, we had a toddler and I needed an economical, tasty dinner. Hubby still asks me to make it for him at least once a month. We love it on mashed potatoes!
Easy and good but needs a lot of seasoning. I added mushrooms, extra garlic and various seasonings. Nice basic recipe that can easily be made to site your individual tastes
Can’t wait to try this. Sounds good. Bet it’s good with tomatoes added as well.
This is an easy recipe that tastes great! Will definitely make it often! Thank you!
Recipes are amazing I must try some of them. Lasagna one looks delicious
I sure hope you enjoy the recipes Mary!