Creamed Hamburger Gravy Recipe

Creamiest Hamburger Gravy Recipe for Comfort Meals

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this hearty creamed hamburger gravy that reminds me of grandma’s kitchen.

Memories of home-cooked meals dance across my mind when I smell this rich sauce simmering.

Rustic and satisfying, the recipe brings warmth to simple dinners with its creamy texture.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary when you drizzle this velvety gravy over hot biscuits or crispy toast.

Humble ingredients come together in a magical way that feels both nostalgic and delicious.

Ground beef transforms into a luxurious sauce that hugs every bite with pure comfort.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this classic dish has been a family favorite for generations.

Dive into a recipe that promises to become your new go-to meal solution.

What Makes Creamed Hamburger Gravy So Comforting

  • Enjoy this hearty gravy over biscuits, toast, mashed potatoes, or pasta- giving you multiple delicious ways to savor the meal.
  • Use affordable ground beef and pantry staples to create a filling, satisfying dish that won't break the bank and feeds multiple people easily.
  • Cook everything in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making this recipe incredibly convenient for home cooks who want minimal kitchen mess.

Ingredients for Making Creamed Hamburger Gravy

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty meat base that provides rich flavor and protein. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • Onions: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat base. Fresh onions bring better texture and flavor.
  • Garlic: Enhances savory notes and provides aromatic complexity. Fresh minced garlic is more potent.
Liquid and Thickening Agents:
  • Milk: Creates creamy texture and smooths out the gravy. Whole milk gives richer consistency.
  • Beef Broth: Adds deep meaty flavor and helps create gravy consistency. Low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
  • Flour: Crucial for thickening the gravy and creating smooth texture. All-purpose flour works best.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides tangy, umami depth to the gravy. Adds complex background flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances savory undertones and adds consistent onion flavor.
  • Salt: Balances and elevates overall taste profile.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and sharp flavor complexity.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that brings fresh herbal brightness.

Step-by-Step Hamburger Gravy Cooking Guide

Step 1: Brown the Beef

  • Ground beef
  • Onions (optional)

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Toss in ground beef and onions. Break meat into tiny crumbles while cooking. Drain most grease, keeping a splash for rich flavor.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

  • Garlic (optional)

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.

Step 3: Create the Base

Dust flour over cooked beef. Mix thoroughly, ensuring every morsel gets coated. Sizzle for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 4: Pour and Blend Liquids

  • Milk
  • Beef broth

Slowly stream milk and broth into skillet. Whisk continuously to prevent clumping.

Step 5: Season and Thicken

  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Incorporate seasonings. Stir consistently until gravy reaches desired thickness, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle steaming gravy over biscuits, toast, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Sprinkle fresh parsley for extra flair if desired.

Tips for Rich and Savory Hamburger Gravy

  • Drain Grease Wisely: Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the skillet for extra flavor, but remove excess to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
  • Prevent Lumpy Gravy: Whisk milk and broth slowly into the flour-coated beef, stirring constantly to create a smooth, silky texture without clumps.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Experiment with adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the meat's rich, savory profile.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free flour to make the recipe more inclusive.
  • Stretch Your Meal: Serve over various bases like mashed cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or rice to create different meal experiences and accommodate various preferences.

Save and Reheat Creamed Hamburger Gravy Like a Pro

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the gravy fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pour cooled gravy into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
  • Warm the gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
  • Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent separation and ensure even warming.

What to Pair with Hamburger Gravy for Dinner

  • Serve creamy hamburger gravy over golden buttermilk biscuits for a quintessential Southern-style comfort meal that delivers hearty warmth.
  • Add a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy gravy and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dense protein.
  • Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to complement the savory beef flavors and cut through the gravy's creamy texture.
  • Choose a hoppy amber ale or light lager that can stand up to the gravy's robust taste while cleansing the palate between bites.

Hamburger Gravy Variations to Keep It Fresh

  • Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version that maintains the same creamy texture and flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy and choose gluten-free beef broth to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cow's milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk and use dairy-free butter or olive oil to create a creamy gravy for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap ground meat with crumbled plant-based meat alternatives or finely chopped mushrooms to provide a similar texture and umami flavor for vegetarian diets.

Most Common Questions About Hamburger Gravy

  • Why use flour in this recipe?

Flour helps thicken the gravy and creates a smooth, rich texture by absorbing the liquid and forming a roux base.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative while maintaining similar flavor and texture in the gravy.

  • How do I prevent lumpy gravy?

Gradually add milk and broth while continuously stirring, and cook the flour mixture for 1-2 minutes before adding liquids to ensure a smooth consistency.

  • What if my gravy is too thick or thin?

For thicker gravy, cook longer or add a little more flour. For thinner gravy, add more broth or milk gradually while stirring.

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Creamed Hamburger Gravy Recipe

Creamed Hamburger Gravy Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort classics reach new heights with this hearty Creamed Hamburger Gravy, blending rich ground beef and silky sauce into a nostalgic culinary embrace. Hearty home cooking meets quick satisfaction, delivering warmth and flavor in just minutes for hungry families seeking satisfying meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)

Dairy and Flour:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional for extra richness)
  • ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (or 1 ½ cups milk + ½ cup beef broth for added flavor)

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature and brown the ground beef thoroughly, crumbling the meat while cooking. Allow any excess fat to drain, retaining a small amount for enhanced flavor profile.
  2. Incorporate minced garlic into the meat mixture, stirring until aromatic and releasing its rich essence.
  3. Dust the cooked beef with flour, ensuring each meat particle receives an even coating. Gently toast the flour for a minute to eliminate raw undertones.
  4. Slowly introduce milk and beef broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent potential lumping and create a smooth liquid base.
  5. Enhance the mixture with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Maintain constant stirring while allowing the gravy to gradually thicken and develop deeper flavor complexity.
  6. Once the gravy reaches a rich, velvety consistency, remove from heat and transfer to your preferred serving vessel. Drape generously over warm biscuits, crisp toast, creamy mashed potatoes, or tender pasta. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish and added freshness.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by using a blend of ground meats like beef and pork for a richer taste profile.
  • Prevent lumpy gravy by whisking milk and broth slowly into the roux, ensuring smooth consistency.
  • Reduce fat content by using lean ground beef (90/10) and replacing whole milk with lower-fat alternatives like 2% or almond milk.
  • Transform this classic dish into a gluten-free option by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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