Marry Thompson This Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy Recipe is a creamy and savory recipe, which is made with lean ground beef and milk. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 20 minutes.
Jump to RecipePioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy Recipe Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 tsp onion salt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How To Make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy Recipe
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat for 7–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Do not drain the fat.
- Make the roux: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef and stir continuously until the flour has completely absorbed the beef drippings and is no longer visible.
- Add the milk: Return the skillet to the heat. Slowly pour in 2 cups of the milk while stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue to stir for 3–5 minutes as the gravy begins to thicken.
- Thicken and season: Gradually whisk in the remaining 2 cups of milk until the gravy reaches your desired consistency, which should take about 5 more minutes of simmering. Season with onion salt, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Recipe Tips
- How do I get a smooth, lump-free gravy? The key is to whisk constantly, especially when adding the flour and the milk. Adding the milk gradually while stirring helps prevent lumps from forming.
- What’s the best ground beef to use? Lean ground beef (around 90/10) works well because it provides enough fat for flavor and to create the roux, but isn’t overly greasy.
- How can I adjust the gravy’s thickness? For a thicker gravy, let it simmer a few minutes longer. For a thinner gravy, simply whisk in a little more milk until it reaches the consistency you like.
- Can I add more flavor? Certainly. For extra flavor, you can sauté a diced onion with the ground beef or add a teaspoon of garlic powder along with the onion salt.
What To Serve With Hamburger Gravy
This classic comfort food is incredibly versatile. It’s traditionally served over:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes
- Warm, flaky biscuits
- Steamed white rice
- Thick slices of toast
- Egg noodles
How To Store Hamburger Gravy
Refrigerate: Allow the gravy to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gravy will thicken as it cools. Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk as needed to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Hamburger Gravy Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 203.3 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why isn’t my gravy thickening?
This usually happens if there isn’t enough flour to thicken the amount of liquid. Make sure you use the full ¼ cup of flour. Also, ensure you are letting it simmer long enough, as the heat is what activates the thickening power of the flour.
Can I make this with other ground meats?
Yes, this recipe is fantastic with ground sausage (to make sausage gravy) or ground turkey. Note that you may need to add a tablespoon of butter or oil if using very lean turkey to ensure there’s enough fat to mix with the flour.
Can I use a milk alternative?
While whole milk provides the creamiest result, you can use 2% milk. Non-dairy milks are not recommended as they can alter the flavor and texture significantly.
Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
8
servingsPrep time
5
minutesCooking time
15
minutesCalories
203.3
kcalA rich and savory hamburger gravy made in one skillet, perfect for a quick and hearty comfort food meal.
Ingredients
2 pounds lean ground beef
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 tsp onion salt
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 7–8 minutes. Do not drain.
- Remove from heat, stir in flour until fully absorbed.
- Return to heat, slowly add 2 cups of milk, and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring until it thickens.
- Whisk in the remaining 2 cups of milk and simmer for another 5 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Season with onion salt, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- Lean Beef: Using lean ground beef prevents the gravy from becoming too greasy.
- Constant Whisking: Stirring constantly when adding the flour and milk is the secret to a perfectly smooth gravy.
- Adjust Consistency: Easily make the gravy thicker or thinner by simmering longer or adding a splash more milk.
- Season to Taste: Always taste at the end and adjust salt and pepper as needed.