You’re about to discover a classic comfort meal: Ground Beef and Gravy. This dish is easy to make, ready in just 30 minutes, and uses only seven staple pantry ingredients. It’s a reliable go‑to for busy nights when you need a hearty main dish. Whether you’ve had a long day or just want something warm and satisfying, this recipe steps in with rich flavor, creamy gravy, and tender beef. You feel good cooking it—and anyone at the table feels just as good eating it.
Why we love this Ground Beef and Gravy recipe
You’ll love this meal because it’s simple and flexible. You don’t need fancy ingredients or special tools. The savory gravy clings to each little crumble of beef and goes beautifully over potatoes, rice, or noodles. It’s a familiar flavor that brings people together—kids and grown‑ups enjoy it alike. You can customize seasoning to fit your taste. It’s a dish that feels like home in every bite.
ingredients about Ground Beef and Gravy
You’ll need these pantry staples to make the recipe come together. They’re easy to find and require no special shopping list if you keep basic spices and canned broth on hand. Everything works together to build that comforting sauce you’re craving.
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt (or salt and black pepper)
- 3 tablespoons all‑purpose flour
- 14.5 ounce can beef broth (regular or low‑sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
how to make Ground Beef and Gravy directions
You start by heating a large skillet on medium‑high heat. Once it’s hot, you add the ground beef and crumble it as it cooks. You let it brown fully until there’s no pink left, then drain off any extra fat—either using a paper towel or by pouring through a colander. Now put the beef back in the skillet.
Next, you stir in garlic powder, dried onion, and seasoning salt (or salt and pepper). Let it cook for about one minute so the spices blend into the beef.
Lower the heat to medium, then add butter (or olive oil). After it melts, sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef. Stir well so the flour coats the meat. Let that cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Now slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring. Add Worcestershire sauce too. Keep stirring to prevent lumps and aim for a smooth sauce. After adding broth, bring it to a soft simmer. Stir occasionally as the gravy thickens over about five to ten minutes. If it seems too thick, add a little water or extra broth—about 1/4 to 1/2 cup—to reach the texture you like.
Finally, taste your mixture. Add more salt or pepper if it needs it. Once seasoned to your liking, it’s ready to serve over mashed potatoes, cooked rice, or egg noodles.
How to serve Ground Beef and Gravy
You can serve this dish piping hot. Scoop it over a base of mashed potatoes for a classic pairing. The creamy potatoes soak up every drop of gravy. Serve it over rice for a budget‑friendly option that still tastes rich. Or choose egg noodles—their wide shape holds the sauce beautifully.
You can also garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if you like some color and brightness. A simple side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad helps balance the richness. You’re creating a full dinner plate that’s warm, easy, and satisfying.
Expert tips Ground Beef and Gravy
- Always drain excess grease after browning the beef. This prevents your gravy from being too oily and gives you a clean, smooth sauce.
- If your gravy is too thin, mix one tablespoon softened butter with one tablespoon flour to form a paste. Add half at first, whisk well, and add more as needed until it thickens to your liking.
- Want more flavor? Add gentle spices like paprika, parsley, or dried thyme. Just a pinch can deepen the savory taste without overwhelming the dish.
- Stir frequently while gravy simmers to prevent sticking or lumps. That steady heat and motion yields the best texture.
- Use low‑sodium broth if you’re watching salt. Season at the end so you don’t over‑salt early on.
How to store Ground Beef and Gravy
After your meal, let any leftovers cool slightly. Put them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat again, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave until fully warmed through.
If you want longer storage, freeze your leftovers in freezer‑safe containers. You can freeze them for up to two months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove, stirring to restore a smooth consistency.
variation of Ground Beef and Gravy
- Add chopped bell pepper or diced carrots when browning the beef. That adds color and a hint of sweetness.
- Swap part of the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’d prefer. The cooking method stays the same; you may need to adjust seasoning.
- Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or plain yogurt at the end (off the heat) to make the gravy creamy and tangy.
- For a twist, stir in cooked mushrooms before adding the broth. That gives deeper earthy flavor and more texture.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the hot dish just before serving. Cheddar or mozzarella melt nicely into the gravy and bring extra richness.
FAQ
What is the main keyword in this recipe?
The main keyword is “ground beef and gravy.” You use it naturally in the title, intro, and throughout the article to help search engines find your content.
How long does it take to cook ground beef and gravy?
It takes about thirty minutes total—five minutes prep, twenty to twenty-five minutes cooking—so you can have dinner ready fast.
Can I make ground beef and gravy ahead?
Yes. You can cook it ahead, store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. Reheat slowly when ready to serve.
Is ground beef and gravy freezer‑friendly?
Absolutely. This meal freezes well—just thaw it overnight and reheat until warm and smooth.
Can I use low‑fat ground beef for ground beef and gravy?
Yes. Using leaner ground beef lowers fat content. You may want to drain less and adjust seasoning at the end.
What to serve with ground beef and gravy?
You can serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. A side of vegetables or salad makes the plate balanced and colorful.
Ground Beef and Gravy
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt (or salt and black pepper)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 14.5 ounces beef broth (regular or low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and crumble as it cooks until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic powder, dried onion, and seasoning salt (or salt and pepper). Cook for about one minute.
- Lower heat to medium and add butter (or olive oil). Once melted, sprinkle flour evenly over the beef and stir well.
- Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and bring to a soft simmer.
- Stir occasionally as the gravy thickens for about five to ten minutes. Adjust thickness with water or extra broth if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
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