This Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe is the definition of cozy, old-fashioned comfort food—think rich, savory beef gravy dotted with tender ground beef and sweet onions, all ready in under 30 minutes. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty, satisfying, and delicious with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Weeknight Wonder: It comes together in just 25 minutes, making homemade comfort food possible even on your busiest evenings.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: No fancy ingredients needed—just pantry staples that deliver bold, nostalgic flavors.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will want seconds (or thirds!), and it’s perfect over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
- Customizable Comfort: This recipe easily adapts to what you have on hand—swap proteins, tweak seasonings, or sneak in extra veggies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe truly shine. Each one has a special job—whether it’s building savory depth, lending mellow sweetness, or thickening that luscious, stick-to-your-ribs gravy we all crave.
- Ground Beef: The hero of the dish! Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 for plenty of flavor, but leaner works too—just don’t skip draining excess grease.
- Sweet Onion: Chopped onion turns meltingly soft, adding gentle sweetness and lots of homemade flavor.
- Butter: Enriches both the gravy and the beef, giving that creamy mouthfeel you want in a luscious sauce.
- All Purpose Flour: This is your thickener—cooking it with the butter and meat makes the gravy silky and smooth (never lumpy!).
- Beef Broth: Go for low-sodium so you can control the salt, and let it coax out deep, meaty flavor in every bite.
- Garlic Powder: A pinch of this brings warmth and savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: Just enough to give the gravy subtle herby notes. Feel free to use your favorite blend!
- Worcestershire Sauce: The secret to boosting umami—it gives a rich, beefy boost and makes everything taste “finished.”
- Salt & Pepper: Always to taste! Season at the end to get it just right for your palate.
- Chopped Parsley: A fresh pop of green on top brightens the whole dish and adds color to your serving.
Variations
This Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe is endlessly versatile, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you need to adjust for what’s in your fridge, skip the gluten, or sneak in extra nutrition, there’s a tasty variation for everyone.
- Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or meatless option—just cook as you would the beef!
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamier, richer gravy (great over biscuits!)
- Veggie Packed: Add chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn with the onions to sneak in extra veggies and color.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry for thickening, and ensure your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free as well.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large fry pan over medium-high heat and add your ground beef and chopped sweet onion. Let the beef brown and the onions soften, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once the meat is fully cooked and the onions are translucent, drain off any excess oil and return everything to the pan for the next step.
Step 2: Add Butter and Flour
Stir in the butter until it melts, mingling with the savory beef and aromatic onions. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and give it all a good stir so everything is coated. Let this cook for about 3 minutes—this cooks out any raw flour taste and ensures your gravy will be smooth and velvety in the end.
Step 3: Build the Gravy
Now, pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps, then add the garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a little salt and pepper. Turn up the heat until you see gentle bubbles begin to form, then lower to medium. Let the mixture simmer and thicken—about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally. The gravy should become glossy and rich, hugging every bit of beef.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once your Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe is thick and bubbling, taste and adjust the seasonings. Sprinkle over a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, then ladle the savory mixture over fluffy mashed potatoes, hot pasta, or tender rice for the ultimate comfort meal.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe
- Rich, Glossy Gravy Every Time: Stir the flour well into the beef and let it cook thoroughly before adding broth—this step prevents lumps and allows the gravy to thicken perfectly.
- Boost the Beefy Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, try browning the beef until it’s caramelized on the edges—those little bits at the bottom of the pan (fond) are golden!
- Adjust Consistency to Taste: If you prefer your gravy a bit thinner, add a splash more broth at the end. If you like it very thick, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer.
- Keep It Hot for Serving: Serve immediately after thickening, or keep covered over very low heat to ensure your Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe stays luxuriously saucy.
How to Serve Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is absolutely classic and provides both an herbaceous freshness and a burst of color against the rich brown gravy. If you want to take things up a notch, try a shower of finely sliced green onions, or even a dusting of cracked black pepper for a tiny kick right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe is a superstar over buttery mashed potatoes, but don’t stop there! It’s equally dreamy atop hot buttered egg noodles, freshly cooked white or brown rice, or even creamy polenta. Try pairing with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a pop of vibrant color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style twist, serve the gravy “sloppy joe” style over toasted buns (total crowd-pleaser). Or, make individual bowls layered with mashed potatoes, a ladle of gravy, and a sprinkle of cheese for an instant gratin effect. It’s also adorable spooned into hollowed baked potatoes for a portable meal everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days without losing its wonderful flavor or texture.
Freezing
The gravy freezes surprisingly well! Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to keep that creamy texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened a bit too much. Stir frequently until piping hot. In a pinch, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir between each session for even warming.
FAQs
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Can I make this Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the gravy as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore its silky texture.
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How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use a cornstarch slurry (mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the gravy. Also be sure your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free!
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What’s the best way to keep the gravy from getting lumpy?
Be sure to stir the flour in evenly and let it cook in the butter and beef before slowly adding broth, stirring as you go. This process ensures a silky gravy with no lumps!
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Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, peas, or diced carrots are all delicious additions. Sauté them with the onions for even more flavor and a little extra nutrition.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for comfort in a bowl, a meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy day, this Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe will absolutely deliver. It’s quick, easy, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone around your table. I really hope you give it a try—there’s just nothing like sharing a truly satisfying, homemade meal with the people you love!
Print
Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
This Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a cozy family dinner. Savory ground beef cooked in a rich gravy with aromatic spices, served over your favorite starch for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 Sweet Onion – chopped
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 4 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- Salt/Pepper – to taste*
- Chopped Parsley
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and onions: In a large fry pan over medium/high heat, cook ground beef and chopped onions. Drain excess oil and return to the pan.
- Prepare the gravy: Add butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Stir in flour to coat the meat evenly. Cook for 3 minutes while stirring.
- Add seasonings and broth: Stir in beef broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium.
- Thicken the gravy: Cook and stir occasionally until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve the hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
