A Classic, Hearty, and Budget-Friendly Meal with Comfort in Every Bite
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a cozy meal on a cold day, Ground Beef and Gravy hits the spot every time. This is comfort food at its finest — a rich, savory beef gravy full of flavor, tender crumbles of seasoned beef, and a velvety texture that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, pasta, or bread.
The best part? It uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s affordable, hearty, and can be easily doubled or stretched with vegetables or sides.
🍽 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
✅ Made in one skillet
-
✅ Quick — ready in about 25 minutes
-
✅ Uses affordable pantry ingredients
-
✅ Family- and kid-friendly
-
✅ Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Beef:
-
1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 for flavor or leaner if you prefer)
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
Optional: ¼ teaspoon paprika or thyme
For the Gravy:
-
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
-
½ teaspoon onion powder
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
Optional: ¼ cup heavy cream or milk for creamier gravy
🥄 Optional Add-Ins
-
½ cup frozen peas or corn
-
1 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)
-
Dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for a kick
-
Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
🍳 Equipment Needed
-
Large skillet or sauté pan
-
Wooden spoon or spatula
-
Whisk
-
Measuring cups and spoons
⏱ Time Breakdown
-
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
-
Total Time: ~25–30 minutes
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
-
Place a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
-
Once it begins to brown, add chopped onion and continue cooking until beef is fully browned and onions are soft (about 7–8 minutes).
-
Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or thyme.
-
Drain any excess grease if using a high-fat ground beef.
🍳 Browning the beef properly is key to developing flavor. Don’t rush it!
🧈 Step 2: Make a Roux for the Gravy
-
Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add butter to the empty side.
-
Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux.
-
Cook the roux for about 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color — this removes the raw flour taste and adds depth.
🧡 A good roux is the foundation of a silky, flavorful gravy.
🍲 Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
-
Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
-
Mix the roux fully into the beef and broth until combined.
-
Add onion powder, garlic powder, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
-
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often, and cook for 5–8 minutes until the gravy thickens and becomes glossy.
🥣 For creamier gravy, stir in heavy cream or milk in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
🌽 Step 4: Optional Add-Ins
-
If using peas, corn, or mushrooms, stir them into the gravy now and cook until heated through.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning — a dash of hot sauce, more black pepper, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the final flavor.
🧊 Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the savory beef and gravy mixture generously over your favorite base, and enjoy every comforting bite.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Best served over:
-
Creamy mashed potatoes
-
Fluffy white rice or brown rice
-
Buttered egg noodles
-
Toasted bread or biscuits
-
Cauliflower mash (for low-carb option)
Pair with sides like:
-
Steamed green beans
-
Roasted carrots
-
Garden salad
-
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Top with:
-
Chopped parsley
-
Shredded cheddar cheese
-
Crumbled crispy bacon
-
A dollop of sour cream
🧊 Storage and Reheating
To Store:
-
Let cool completely.
-
Transfer to an airtight container.
-
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
-
Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
-
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
Freezing:
-
This dish freezes well! Freeze cooled portions in zip-top bags or containers for up to 3 months.
-
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🔁 Variations to Try
🍄 Ground Beef & Mushroom Gravy
-
Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms during the browning step. Their earthy flavor pairs beautifully with beef and Swiss or Gruyère cheese (optional garnish).
🧀 Cheesy Beef and Gravy
-
Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end for a creamy, cheesy twist.
🌶 Spicy Beef and Gravy
-
Add ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne, or stir in some hot sauce for a zesty kick.
🧅 French Onion-Inspired
-
Sauté extra onions until deeply caramelized before adding to the gravy — then top with Swiss or provolone for a French Onion Burger vibe.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per serving – approx. 1 cup beef and gravy)
-
Calories: ~280
-
Protein: ~20g
-
Fat: ~19g
-
Carbs: ~6g
-
Fiber: 0.5g
-
Sodium: ~500–600mg
(Varies based on broth, beef fat content, and add-ins)
✅ Tips for Success
-
Use beef broth over bouillon for cleaner flavor, or make your own for richness.
-
For a leaner option, use 93% lean ground beef and add a bit of olive oil when browning.
-
If gravy thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.
-
Want to stretch the dish? Add a can of drained lentils or chickpeas to bulk up the beef mixture.
-
Make it even heartier by serving over stuffed baked potatoes.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Gravy recipe is a nostalgic, no-fuss dinner that always satisfies. It’s hearty, packed with umami flavor, and incredibly flexible depending on what you have in the fridge or pantry. You can whip it up on a busy weeknight with minimal effort and ingredients, yet it tastes like something you’ve been simmering for hours.
Serve it over mashed potatoes with a spoonful of green peas, or ladle it onto a slice of toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich. However you dish it up, you’re bound to hear “Can I have seconds?” before you even sit down.
