Ground Beef and Gravy is a classic comfort dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. The savory beef, combined with a rich, creamy gravy, creates a delicious and filling meal that pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes. This recipe is not only flavorful but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. What makes this dish even better is its versatility. You can add your favorite seasonings or vegetables to customize it to your family’s taste. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty meal for the whole family or enjoying it solo, Ground Beef and Gravy is a simple yet comforting dish that never disappoints.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Cooked mashed potatoes, for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the beef broth and milk to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens into a gravy-like consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the butter until melted and well incorporated.
- Serve the ground beef and gravy over mashed potatoes, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Historical and Cultural Background
The origins of Ground Beef and Gravy can be traced back to various European cuisines, particularly in regions where stews and gravies were a common way to stretch meat and provide hearty, filling meals. In particular, the use of gravy in dishes like this stems from a time when nothing went to waste in the kitchen. Drippings from roasted meats or browned beef were often turned into gravy, and this resourceful cooking method became a hallmark of rural and working-class families in the UK, Germany, and other parts of Europe. Over time, it migrated to America, where it became a cherished comfort food in many households, especially in the Southern United States.
In the modern-day kitchen, Ground Beef and Gravy has remained a favorite because of its ease of preparation, affordability, and versatility. It’s a dish that can be dressed up for special occasions or kept simple for an everyday meal. Whether it’s served with mashed potatoes, rice, or over buttered noodles, it’s a dish that offers plenty of room for personalization while maintaining its comforting essence.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
1. Easy and Quick to Make
This recipe for Ground Beef and Gravy is particularly great because it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. With only a handful of basic ingredients that most people already have in their pantry—ground beef, flour, broth, milk, and seasonings—this dish comes together quickly without requiring any fancy cooking techniques.
The simplicity of this dish doesn’t compromise flavor. Browning the ground beef adds depth and richness, while the flour thickens the broth and milk into a smooth, velvety gravy. The result is a savory, comforting meal that feels like it took much longer to prepare than it actually did.
2. Affordability
Another major benefit of this recipe is that it’s budget-friendly. Ground beef is an affordable protein that’s readily available, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. For families or individuals who are looking to make hearty meals without breaking the bank, this recipe is perfect. Plus, it’s easy to stretch the dish by adding extra vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms, which not only adds flavor but also increases the nutritional value of the meal.
3. Versatility
This Ground Beef and Gravy recipe is highly adaptable, making it one of the best dishes to keep in your cooking rotation. While it’s traditionally served over mashed potatoes, you can also serve it over rice, egg noodles, or even biscuits for a more Southern-inspired take. The gravy base can be customized with additional herbs and spices to suit your preferences—try adding a bit of thyme or rosemary for an herbal note, or even a splash of soy sauce for a more umami-rich flavor.
You can also switch up the ground beef for other proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you’re looking to make the dish a bit leaner or change the flavor profile. For those seeking a vegetarian option, this recipe can be adapted with plant-based ground meat substitutes, which have become widely available in recent years.
4. Comforting and Nutritious
Beyond its versatility and ease, Ground Beef and Gravy provides a comforting, satisfying meal that’s packed with nutrients. Ground beef is a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, all of which are important for maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health. The gravy, made with beef broth and milk, adds calcium and essential minerals to the meal, while the mashed potatoes provide a hearty dose of carbohydrates, making this dish filling and nutritious.
While comfort food is often viewed as indulgent, this recipe offers a balanced meal that can be part of a healthy diet, especially if you make a few tweaks, like using lean ground beef or incorporating more vegetables.
Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef and Gravy
1. Brown the Beef for Extra Flavor
One of the keys to making the best Ground Beef and Gravy is properly browning the ground beef. When you cook the beef over medium heat and allow it to caramelize slightly, it develops deeper, more complex flavors that enhance the overall dish. Be sure to break the beef into smaller chunks as it cooks, so it browns evenly. Also, remember to drain any excess fat after browning to prevent the gravy from becoming too greasy.
2. Perfecting the Gravy
The gravy is what truly sets this dish apart, so it’s important to get it just right. After browning the beef, sprinkling the flour over the mixture and cooking it for a minute or two helps cook off the raw flour taste. When you add the broth and milk, make sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If you like your gravy thicker, you can let it simmer for a few extra minutes, or if you prefer a thinner gravy, add a little more broth or milk to adjust the consistency.
3. Customize Your Side Dishes
While mashed potatoes are the classic side for Ground Beef and Gravy, feel free to get creative with your sides. Roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a crisp green salad would all pair wonderfully with this dish. You can also serve it with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the extra gravy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try serving the gravy over cauliflower mash or roasted sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic pairing.
Why Ground Beef and Gravy is the Perfect Comfort Food
There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish like Ground Beef and Gravy. The savory flavors, creamy gravy, and warm mashed potatoes evoke memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, providing a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction with every bite.
This recipe is perfect for those times when you need something quick, easy, and comforting, but it’s also special enough to serve for a Sunday dinner with family or friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, Ground Beef and Gravy is a foolproof recipe that delivers delicious results every time.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Gravy is more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of simpler times and the power of comfort food to bring people together. It’s the kind of dish that’s been passed down through generations, and for good reason. With its savory flavors, rich gravy, and endless adaptability, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
