Quick and Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe

Table of Contents

• What is Hamburger Gravy?
• Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Recipe
• Simple Pantry Ingredients You Likely Have
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights
• Serving Suggestions & Delicious Variations
• Storing & Reheating Tips
• The Complete Hamburger Gravy Recipe
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

This hamburger gravy is the ultimate comfort food hack for busy cooks. It transforms simple ground beef and pantry staples into a rich, savory sauce in under 30 minutes. The beauty of this quick and easy ground beef recipe lies in its versatility—pour it over mashed potatoes for a classic feel, spoon it onto rice, or serve it with egg noodles. It’s a budget-friendly, family-pleasing weeknight dinner solution that’s both hearty and incredibly simple to make.

What is Hamburger Gravy?

If you’re looking for the definition of hearty, no-fuss comfort food, look no further. This hamburger gravy is a beloved American classic, often known as “S.O.S.” or simply a rich meat sauce. At its core, it’s a flavorful combination of browned ground beef simmered in a creamy, peppery gravy made from a simple roux and broth. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it simmered for hours but comes together in minutes, making it a perfect solution for those hectic evenings. Here at Betty Cooks, we believe the best quick and easy recipes with ground beef are those that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, and this dish is a prime example.

Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Recipe

Hi, I’m Betty, and I created this recipe to solve the universal “what’s for dinner?” dilemma. This isn’t just another ground beef recipe; it’s a reliable staple for your recipe rotation. You’ll love it because it checks all the boxes: it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, uses affordable ingredients you probably already have, and is endlessly adaptable to your family’s tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this straightforward method guarantees delicious results every single time.

Simple Pantry Ingredients You Likely Have

One of the best parts about this easy dinner is the short ingredient list. We’re talking pantry heroes: ground beef, an onion, garlic, flour, broth, and milk. The magic happens with a few key seasonings—Worcestershire sauce for depth, thyme for earthiness, and paprika for a hint of warmth. There’s no need for a special trip to the store. This approach is central to the philosophy here at Betty Cooks—making family meals simple, accessible, and stress-free.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Let’s be honest, some nights you just need dinner on the table, fast. This recipe is your secret weapon. From stovetop to table in about 30 minutes, it’s the epitome of a quick and easy dinner. The process is simple: brown the beef, make a roux, and simmer. It’s practically foolproof. This efficiency makes it an ideal weeknight dinner for families, students, or anyone short on time but not willing to sacrifice a home-cooked, satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions & Delicious Variations

The classic way to serve this savory hamburger gravy is over a pile of fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes—it’s pure comfort in a bowl. But don’t stop there! This gravy is incredibly versatile. Try it over steamed rice, wide egg noodles, or even split open biscuits for a Southern-inspired twist. Feeling creative? Stir in a cup of frozen peas and carrots with the broth, add sliced mushrooms when browning the beef, or swap the Worcestershire for a splash of soy sauce for a different flavor profile. It’s a fantastic ground beef recipe that welcomes your personal touch.

Storing & Reheating Tips

This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store any cooled gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often meld and become even richer overnight. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the gravy has thickened too much. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until hot. This makes it a great option for meal prep—make a batch on Sunday and enjoy easy quick dinners throughout the week.

The Complete Hamburger Gravy Recipe

Ready to make this family favorite? The full, detailed recipe with precise measurements and step-by-step instructions is right here on Betty Cooks. You’ll find everything you need to create this comforting, delicious, and incredibly quick and easy ground beef recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your home.

Notes & Tips

For a richer, creamier gravy, feel free to use half-and-half or even heavy cream in place of the milk. If you’re out of beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth works in a pinch. Don’t rush the roux—cooking the flour and butter for a full minute or two until it’s golden brown is key to eliminating any raw flour taste and building a deep, nutty flavor base for your gravy. And remember, seasoning is personal! Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end to suit your preference.

Quick and Easy Hamburger Gravy Recipe

This comforting Hamburger Gravy is a quick, easy ground beef recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying family dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keywords: comfort food, easy recipes, family meals, ground beef recipes, hamburger gravy, quick dinner, weeknight dinner

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Betty

Ingredients

For the Gravy

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Push the beef mixture to the sides of the pan and add the butter to the center. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
4. Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more broth or milk to thin it out.
7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or biscuits.

Notes

For a creamier gravy, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. This recipe is very versatile – try adding mushrooms, green peppers, or a dash of hot sauce for variation. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.