If you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and effortless to whip up on a busy night, you’re in for a treat. This Ground Beef and Gravy: A Quick and Hearty Weeknight Classic Recipe hits that comforting spot with rich, savory flavors and a luscious texture that hugs every bite. The best part? It takes just 20 minutes and pantry staples to put together, proving that simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that feels like a big, cozy hug at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but mighty in flavor, each playing its own role in building that classic, hearty gravy with perfectly cooked ground beef. The butter and garlic form the aromatic base, while the flour thickens the sauce to just the right consistency. Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle tang and depth, making this dish wonderfully flavorful without fuss.
- 1 pound ground beef (I used 80/20): This ratio balances fat and lean meat for juicy, flavorful crumbles that won’t dry out.
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps meld the flavors beautifully in the gravy.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that wakes up the dish immediately.
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion: Easy to keep on hand and adds a subtle sweetness and texture.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings just enough spice to enhance all the savory notes.
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour: The magic thickening agent that turns broth into velvety gravy.
- 2 cups beef broth (can use low or no sodium): Forms the base of the gravy with deep, meaty flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a robust umami boost that elevates the entire dish.
How to Make Ground Beef and Gravy: A Quick and Hearty Weeknight Classic Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Break it into crumbles and cook until there’s no pink left, about 8 to 10 minutes. Getting a little char on the beef adds layers of savory flavor, so don’t rush this step. Once browned, drain any excess grease and set the meat aside in the skillet.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Turn the heat to medium and melt the salted butter right in the same skillet. This not only enriches the sauce, but it also picks up all those browned bits left from the beef for extra flavor. Then add the minced garlic, dried onion, and black pepper. Cook these together for about 30 seconds until fragrant — this step fills your kitchen with the kind of aroma that signals great things are coming!
Step 3: Create the Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the butter and aromatics, stirring constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw taste. This makes a roux, the foundation for your gravy. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring vigorously to avoid lumps. Once all the broth is in, stir in Worcestershire sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until thickened to a velvety consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once the gravy has thickened beautifully, your hearty and comforting dish is ready. This is the moment to taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your ground beef and gravy piping hot over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Gravy: A Quick and Hearty Weeknight Classic Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. For a little extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese can make your serving feel even more special.
Side Dishes
While mashed potatoes are the classic, creamy companion to soak up that luscious gravy, don’t shy away from trying buttered egg noodles or simple steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. They balance the dish with a bit of texture and freshness, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this ground beef and gravy inside puff pastry shells or over baked potatoes for a bit of contrast in texture. You can even spoon it over a bed of rice for an easy weeknight option. No matter how you present it, this dish promises hearty satisfaction in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Ground Beef and Gravy: A Quick and Hearty Weeknight Classic Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled properly ensures you can enjoy the deliciousness later without losing any of that savory comfort.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this recipe freezes really well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it will keep for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps loosen the gravy if it thickens too much in the fridge. This way, it tastes just as comforting as the first day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well, though you might want to add a bit more butter or oil to keep the gravy rich and flavorful since turkey is leaner than beef.
Is it okay to use fresh onions instead of dried minced onion?
Yes, fresh onions work perfectly. Just sauté them with the garlic until softened before adding the flour. About ¼ cup finely chopped onion will do the trick.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half as much cornstarch, mixed with a little cold water before adding) to thicken the gravy without any gluten worries.
What can I do to make the gravy thicker?
If your gravy isn’t as thick as you like, mix a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering gravy. Continue cooking for a couple of minutes until you get that perfect consistency.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
You can chop the garlic and onion in advance and store them in the fridge for a day. Even pre-cooking the beef and refrigerating it separately works well, making the final assembly really quick on a busy night.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Gravy: A Quick and Hearty Weeknight Classic Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a bit of love in the kitchen can create something truly comforting and satisfying. Give it a go on your next busy evening; I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals to warm up with and share with the people you care about.
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Ground Beef and Gravy: A Quick and Hearty Weeknight Classic Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Ground Beef and Gravy is a quick and comforting American dinner recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes using simple pantry staples. This hearty dish features browned ground beef simmered in a flavorful homemade gravy made with garlic, minced onion, and beef broth, thickened to perfection with flour. Perfect served over mashed potatoes for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Fat
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Thickening and Liquid
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low or no sodium options work well)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound ground beef, breaking it apart into small crumbles. Continue cooking until there is no pink remaining and some bits develop a slight char, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain Excess Grease: Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet and return the cooked beef back into the pan.
- Melt Butter and Add Aromatics: Lower heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons salted butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon dried minced onion, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour evenly over the mixture and stir well, cooking for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and begin thickening.
- Add Broth Gradually: Slowly pour in 2 cups beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps, combining everything into a smooth sauce.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat slightly and let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Serve: Serve the ground beef and gravy immediately over mashed potatoes or your choice of side for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, try using homemade beef broth if available.
- Adjust black pepper to taste or add other seasonings like thyme or smoked paprika for variety.
- Be sure to stir continuously when adding broth to avoid lumps in the gravy.
- This gravy pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
- Use leaner ground beef for a lower-fat option, but drainage and butter addition may need adjusting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
