Hearty Creamed Hamburger Gravy Recipe

Cozy Hearty Creamed Hamburger Gravy Recipe for Soul-Warming Meals

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy hamburger gravy that promises to satisfy the deepest hunger pangs.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you ladle this rich, velvety sauce over crisp toast or fluffy mashed potatoes.

Ground beef simmers with aromatic seasonings, creating a luxurious blend that melts in your mouth.

The classic diner-style dish brings warmth and nostalgia to your table with minimal effort.

Every spoonful delivers a perfect balance of meaty flavor and silky texture that feels like a warm embrace.

Quick to prepare and deeply satisfying, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a true home-cooked classic that celebrates the art of hearty, unpretentious cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Creamed Hamburger Gravy Pantry Staples

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty foundation that provides rich, savory flavor with tender meat crumbles; choose lean beef for healthier option.
  • Onions: Adds depth and sweetness, enhancing overall meat complexity; fresh yellow onions work best.
For Liquid Components:
  • Milk: Creates creamy, smooth texture and softens gravy's intensity; whole milk recommended for richest result.
  • Beef Broth: Boosts meaty flavor profile and helps create silky consistency; low-sodium version allows better seasoning control.
For Seasoning and Thickening:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating velvety roux and thickening gravy; sift to prevent lumps.
  • Garlic: Introduces aromatic punch and warmth; fresh minced garlic provides most vibrant taste.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy, umami undertone with subtle complexity; helps balance meat's richness.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides consistent background flavor when fresh garlic isn't available.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances savory notes with concentrated onion essence.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate and balance entire dish's flavor profile; freshly ground pepper recommended.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Introduces bright, fresh note and visual appeal; finely chopped for best presentation.

What You’ll Need to Make Creamed Hamburger Gravy

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking ground beef and creating gravy.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up meat.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure milk and beef broth.
  • Measuring spoons: Precise for adding seasonings and spices.
  • Colander or strainer: Useful for draining excess beef grease.
  • Cutting board: Helpful for chopping herbs or preparing ingredients.

Creamed Hamburger Gravy Cooking Instructions

  • Brown the Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into delicious crumbles. Let the meat dance and caramelize, releasing those rich, savory flavors.

  • Create the Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour over the cooked beef, stirring to coat each morsel. This magical dust will transform your dish into a creamy masterpiece.

  • Pour and Stir

Slowly stream milk and beef broth into the skillet, whisking continuously. Watch as the liquid transforms into a silky, luxurious sauce.

  • Season and Simmer

Splash in Worcestershire sauce and shake in garlic and onion powders. Let the mixture bubble and thicken, stirring until it reaches a perfect, velvety consistency.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the luscious gravy over warm biscuits, crispy toast, fluffy mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a final touch of freshness.

Make It Better: Tips for Creamed Hamburger Gravy

  • Meat Moisture Magic: Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve perfect browning and prevent steaming, ensuring rich caramelized flavor.
  • Low-Carb Friendly Swap: Replace traditional biscuits or toast with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains delicious taste.
  • Flavor Boost Technique: Use half beef broth and half heavy cream for extra richness, creating a more luxurious and velvety gravy texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Prepare larger batches and freeze in portion-sized containers for quick weeknight meals, storing up to 3 months when properly sealed.
  • Protein Power Alternative: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein variations that work equally well in this comforting recipe.

Great Ways to Serve Creamed Hamburger Gravy

  • Classic Comfort Plating: Ladle this rich, creamy gravy over warm buttermilk biscuits for a traditional Southern-style breakfast that feels like a comforting hug.
  • Hearty Potato Companion: Serve atop fluffy mashed potatoes as a satisfying main dish that transforms simple ingredients into a robust meal with maximum flavor.
  • Rustic Bread Topper: Spread generously over thick-cut, toasted sourdough or country bread for a quick and filling lunch that brings instant warmth and satisfaction.
  • Pasta Night Twist: Drizzle over egg noodles or wide pasta ribbons to create an unexpected comfort food variation that elevates a classic weeknight dinner.

Store and Reheat Creamed Hamburger Gravy Easily

  • Smart Meal Storage Tactics
  • Chilled Containment: Seal completely cooled gravy in airtight containers, refrigerating up to 3-4 days. Glass or hard plastic containers work best for maintaining flavor integrity.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Transfer gravy to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch space for expansion. Freeze flat for maximum storage efficiency, lasting up to 2 months without quality loss.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated gravy in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of milk to restore creamy consistency if sauce feels thick. Stir gently to prevent scorching.
  • Separation Solution: Natural separation might occur during storage – simply whisk vigorously when reheating to restore smooth texture. Discard if any unusual odor develops or signs of spoilage appear.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty Creamed Hamburger Gravy Recipe

Hearty Creamed Hamburger Gravy Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Classic creamed hamburger gravy combines hearty ground beef with a rich, creamy sauce perfect for weeknight dinners. Midwestern comfort cuisine delivers satisfying flavor for home cooks craving simple, delicious meals you’ll savor with enthusiasm.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (or 1 ½ cups milk + ½ cup beef broth for added flavor)
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter (optional for extra richness)
  • ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium heat, methodically crumbling and browning while preserving a subtle layer of rendered fat for depth of flavor.
  2. Seasoning Integration: Introduce minced garlic and gently toast flour into the beef, creating a fragrant foundation that eliminates any raw flour undertones and builds a robust flavor base.
  3. Liquid Transformation: Stream milk and beef broth into the skillet, whisking dynamically to forge a silky smooth gravy texture, simultaneously incorporating Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Gravy Refinement: Simmer the mixture, stirring consistently, allowing the sauce to thicken into a luxurious, velvety consistency that clings perfectly to your chosen accompaniment – whether golden biscuits, crisp toast, pillowy mashed potatoes, or tender pasta.
  5. Finishing Touch: Remove from heat and transfer to serving dish, optionally adorning with freshly chopped parsley to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous note that elevates the entire culinary experience.

Notes

  • Drain Fat Carefully: Remove excess grease without losing all flavor, keeping a thin layer for richness and preventing dry meat.
  • Flour Coating Technique: Dust ground beef evenly with flour, toasting gently to eliminate raw taste and create a smooth base for gravy thickening.
  • Whisk Continuously: Stir milk and broth slowly and consistently to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky, velvety gravy texture without clumping.
  • Seasoning Balance: Add Worcestershire sauce and spices gradually, tasting and adjusting to create a harmonious flavor profile that complements the meat’s natural savoriness.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 525 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star