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Ground Beef and Gravy

Ground Beef and Gravy

Ground Beef and Gravy is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender ground beef with rich, savory gravy. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this classic meal is perfect for busy weeknights and loved by the whole family. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s versatile and budget-friendly, delivering warmth and flavor with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean or medium ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Herbs & Add-ins

  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup chopped mushrooms (for mushroom gravy variation)
  • Pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper (for spicy twist)
  • ½ cup diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas (for vegetable mix-ins)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro (for Mexican-inspired variation)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil or butter. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your gravy.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, which brings out its sweetness and blends perfectly with the beef’s savory notes.
  3. Make the Gravy Base: Sprinkle flour or cornstarch over the beef and onions, stirring constantly to coat everything evenly. This creates a roux that will thicken the gravy beautifully when you add the beef broth.
  4. Add Broth and Simmer: Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken and develop that classic savory gravy texture.
  5. Season and Finish: Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any optional herbs you like. Let it cook for a few more minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and get ready to serve!

Notes

  • Use quality, fresh ground beef for the best taste.
  • Don’t skip browning the beef as it adds depth and richness to your gravy.
  • Add broth gradually to ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy.
  • Adjust gravy consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin. A slurry of flour and water can also be used.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve vibrant flavor and aroma.
  • For dairy-free version, omit butter and use oil instead.
  • Make the dish more nutritious by adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach while cooking.
  • Reheat gently and add a splash of broth or water if gravy thickens after storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, gravy, comfort food, quick dinner, family-friendly, easy recipe, weeknight meal, hearty