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Easy Creamed Hamburger Gravy is an old fashioned classic dish made of ground beef, creamy milk, a few staple pantry items, and lots of love. This is a stick to your ribs kind of meal that is sure to fill you up and bring comfort to your soul.
Nikki’s Recipe Rundown
- Taste: Rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned to highlight the beef. The butter and milk bring that creamy comfort we love over potatoes or toast.
- Texture: Smooth and velvety, thick enough to cling but not too heavy.
- Ease: Quick and straightforward—all in one skillet and done in under 20 minutes.
- Pros: Simple ingredients, budget-friendly, and delicious comfort food.
- Considerations: Adjust the thickness as it cooks. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Recipe Repeatability: Absolutely! This is one you’ll come back to anytime you want cozy, homemade comfort in a pinch.
You’ll love this Simple Hamburger Gravy Recipe
This is the kind of meal I can imagine my granny making on one of those busy days when she needed to get something on the table to feed all her 7 kids on a budget. And hey we still have those days nowadays too. We also have days we just want this one because it tastes amazing and is ready in 20 minutes. I realized when I made this last night I had never put this recipe on the blog.
I was talking with my daughter who is in college last night. She called me for an easy, budget friendly recipe and it just so happened I was making one. So here it is Bri – up on the blog to share with you and all my friends!
It’s comfort food and tastes really great too. Although we wouldn’t eat this every day, because honestly it is a bit of an indulgence, but so worth it once in a while.
Hamburger Gravy Recipe Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef keeps this gravy flavorful without excess grease, letting the richness of the dish shine through without being too heavy.
- Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Salt, and Dried Minced Onion: These pantry staples build a base of flavor, giving the gravy a savory boost. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, especially if you’re serving over salty sides like buttered noodles or toast.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and a touch of salty, buttery flavor. If using unsalted butter, just adjust the salt to your preference.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening, the flour combines with the butter to create a roux, making the gravy smooth and velvety.
- Whole Milk: Whole milk gives the gravy a richness that can’t be beat. A splash of creaminess goes a long way in making this dish comforting and satisfying.
How to Make Hamburger Gravy
Step 1. Grab your cast iron or favorite skillet. Season the lean ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic salt, and dried minced onion, and cook until done, about 7 to 10 minutes.
TIP: If you are not using lean ground beef, only season with salt. Then drain the beef and add in the other seasoning. You don’t want to lose those flavors, but adding the salt while cooking makes all the difference in taste; in my book.
Step 2. Now melt in your butter. I slice mine into 4 slices from a stick of butter and reserve the rest for the mashed potatoes, rice or noodles. Sprinkle the flour over the top of the beef and melted butter. Mix with a whisk or spatula.
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Step 3. Slowly pour in the milk and mix until incorporated. Stir occasionally, while gravy thickens and flavors come together. Reduce to medium to medium-low, depending on your stove. I like to let mine cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 4. Serve over mashed potatoes.
How to Serve This Recipe for Hamburger Gravy
This hamburger gravy is perfect for pouring over all kinds of comforting sides. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic combo (if you are in a big hurry Baby Red Instant Potatoes), or ladle it onto warm buttered noodles for a simple but satisfying meal. It’s also delicious over rice, grits, biscuits, or a slice of toast for a quick, cozy bite.
Storing Leftover Hamburger Gravy
Refrigerate Leftovers: Allow the hamburger gravy to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it needs to loosen up. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Southern Comfort Recipes You will Love
- Southern Fried Pork Chops
- Collard Greens
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- The Best Pimento Cheese
- Coconut Cream Poke Cake
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Hamburger Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp salt, (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper, (or to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp dried minced onion
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups milk, (I use whole milk)
Instructions
- In a skillet, over medium high heat, season lean ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic salt and dried minced onion and cook until done, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Add butter into ground beef and melt. Sprinkle the flour over the top of the ground beef and stir. Cooking the flour in for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the milk and whisk or stir to incorporate into the flour and beef. Stir occasionally let cook until it thickens. About 5 or so minutes.
- Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, toast, buttered noodles or rice.
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Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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Wish there was a tad more flavor. I think I slacked on the salt though. Next time!!….. We’ll be making this again though. It’s quick and easy! I’m even thinking about adding a ranch packet for more flavor as well. Yum!
Thank you Brittney! Yes adding enough salt it key to flavor. A ranch packet would be a delish change up! So glad you enjoyed it!!
I made this and it’s very simple and it doesn’t take long to make and I seasoned it the way I wanted it was very good
Thank you Debbie!
Haven’t had this sense Vietnam I followed recipe as you stated, Very Good
Thank you Jack! It’s such a great home cooked dish!
Nikki – I’m new here but thank you for posting this! My mother was a war bride and this is a meal her WWII cookbook recommended for a weeknight. 🙂
I had forgot all about it, but I just made a panfull and my husband loved it. I served it like my mom did poured over fresh bread cut into squares with peas and canned peaches for side dishes.
I am so glad you are here Kris! This is def an oldie and brings many memories with it. I am so glad that you have those as well! Your addition of peas and peaches sound like the perfect weeknight meal!
Made this tonight. Came out great. Served over a fluffy bed of homemade mashed potatoes (used gold potatoes). I seasoned exactly as shown in recipe but also added a few healthy shakes of lemon pepper which brightens the flavor. Will make again. Good comfort dish.
This was a huge hit with my 11 year old son who is very picky. Myself and husband loved it also.
Thank you Kelly! It’s wonderful when we can find things our picky eaters enjoy too! <3
My Mom made this with a little Kitchen Bouquet to darken it up, like brown gravy
Mmm! Mom always had kitchen bouquet too!
I have been looking for this recipe forever! My grandma used to make it all the time and somehow we never got the recipe for this … made it as a surprise for my sister who popped over for dinner tonight! It was DELICIOus! Thanks!
Thank you so much! This makes my day! It’s def a oldy but goody!
My mother made thi.s so it really reminds me of her
I used to make a variation of this for my friends on Sunday afternoons when I was in college. I always served it over rice and with Le Seur peas.
Yes, it is a family recipe passed down from my grandmother and we always add LeSeur peas to it. I was thinking about making it for dinner and now I must.
Yum! Peas would be a wonderful addition! Family tradition I am sure make them taste better too! <3
My mother made this often when we were young. Thanks for the memories.
You are so welcome! Memories around meals are some of the best!
Nikki I actually found you on THE COUNTRY COOK site.
Just want to say I am a good Cook myself (my Mother and Grandmother taught me)
but I enjoy learning new things and new techniques, Soulfully Made and Country Cook offers just that.
AND I can print your Recipes with ease UNLIKE other sites which I have deleted.
Thank you for what you do I will spend a lot of time with y’all.
Karen in NC retiring to FL in May !!!!!!
Karen, I am so glad you found me! The Country Cook is a one of my favorites too, and she is just a joy! I am glad we can cook together and that you find the site easy to use. I do try and love getting feedback so I can always improve. What area will you be moving to in FL? I am a native! – Much love and many blessings, Nikki
This reminds me of a meal my grandma would make when aunts and uncles and cousins got together at the ranch. Have to try it.
I hope you enjoy! I miss the days of big family gatherings. We don’t do it nearly enough anymore! <3 Nikki
My grandmother made it, my mom made it, and I make it. I was told i t was one of those World War meals that would stretch meat rations to make it feed more. You can make the gravy thinner or thicker. We would always have it over bread with a slice of cheese put over the top to melt a bit.
Yes, those practical or necessary meals are some of the best. Yes add a little more milk to thin out or water if you really need to stretch that dollar! I love it on toast too. How have I never put cheese on it? I will be trying that.
This recipe was popular during World War ‘ll and possibly earlier than that. The men in the military called it SOS and it was served over toast. In case you’re wondering what the abbreviation stands for, it’s S__t on a Shingle. I’m 74 and I guess my dad gave the recipe to my mom and she used to make it. Good stuff!
Sylvia, my grandfather was a WWII vet and he always made me Chipped Beef Gravy over toast. My mom made this as well. Now my daughter makes it too! It is still a family favorite. I am so thankful for wonderful recipes passed down. They are just precious and yes – GOOD STUFF! Blessings, Nikki
My mother made this with rice and one other thing worchestire sauce. I haven’t thought about it in years (or maybe decades). Can’t wait to make it again.
Yes, Worcestershire is a great addition and some use beef bouillon too, they are both delicious. I need to put that in the notes. I always kept it simple. I hope you enjoy and are surrounded by wonderful memories as you eat it!
YUMOYUM!! So simple, soo delish! Congrats on being featured at Weekend Potluck!!
Thank you so much Marsha! I am so excited to be featured on one of my most favorite link ups!
Pure comfort food! Looks so delicious.
Thank you sweet friend! This one is a comfort classic for sure!
Looks so good! Can not wait to try this one. Comfort food deliciousness for sure:)
OH MY GOSH…. I can’t tell you how much of this I’ve made in the last 54 years !! My family just loves it & I’ve served it every way you can imagine. Now that my kids are grown & gone as well as my husband, I don’t make it very often…. Thanks so much for the memories this brought back.
The memories made over a meal are priceless! Thank you so much for sharing yours with me. I hope you take time to make it for yourself and enjoy! Much love, Nikki