Hamburger and Gravy Recipe: Who doesn’t love a hearty, soul-warming meal after a long day? That’s exactly what Hamburger and Gravy delivers.
This dish is the definition of comfort food: juicy ground beef patties smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for the family on a weeknight or need a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe hits the spot. The best part? It’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Comfort Dish
There are so many reasons to fall in love with hamburger and gravy. It’s:
- Budget-friendly: Ground beef is one of the most affordable proteins.
- Quick to prepare: You can have dinner on the table in under 45 minutes.
- Customizable: You can tweak the flavors, seasonings, and sides.
- Kid-approved: Even picky eaters will go back for seconds.
- Perfect for meal prep: It stores and reheats like a dream.
Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’ve been wrapped in a warm blanket. And once you make it, it’ll probably become a part of your regular dinner rotation.
What Is Hamburger and Gravy?
At its core, Hamburger and Gravy is a dish featuring ground beef patties pan-seared to perfection, then smothered in a homemade brown gravy. Think of it as a simpler cousin to Salisbury steak, but less fancy and way more comforting.
Unlike fast food hamburgers, these patties are typically served without a bun and instead come alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles. The gravy—rich, brown, and full of umami flavor—seeps into the side dish and ties everything together in a mouthwatering bite.
This dish is incredibly versatile, too. You can keep it rustic and simple, or elevate it with mushrooms, onions, or garlic for added depth. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, it’s hard to mess this one up.
The History Behind Hamburger and Gravy
The roots of Hamburger and Gravy trace back to the early 20th century, likely emerging as an affordable, home-cooked alternative to steak. During tough economic times, ground beef offered a cheaper protein source, and resourceful cooks came up with ways to stretch it further by pairing it with gravy and sides.
Over the years, it became a staple in American diners and kitchens alike. It sits somewhere between Salisbury steak and meatloaf, blending the best elements of both. Today, it’s a go-to comfort meal across many regions of the U.S., especially in the South and Midwest.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Hamburger and Gravy
You don’t need a special reason to make hamburger and gravy, but it does shine in a few situations:
- Weeknight dinners: Quick, easy, and satisfying after a long day.
- Sunday family meals: Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Potlucks or gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to scale.
- Cold weather comfort food: Rich and hearty, it’s perfect for cozy nights in.
This dish is also fantastic for meal prepping, making it a smart choice if you’re planning lunches or dinners in advance.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break it down into parts so you know exactly what to pick up at the store.
For the Hamburger Patties:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ small onion, sautéed
- Splash of heavy cream for richer gravy
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Everything here is easy to find, and you probably already have many of these in your pantry. Now let’s get to the fun part—cooking it all up.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—no fancy gadgets required for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Plate lined with paper towels (for resting patties)
The goal here is to keep things simple. One pan, one bowl, minimal cleanup!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hamburger and Gravy
Time to put it all together. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather ground beef, onions, garlic, flour, beef broth, butter or drippings, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like Worcestershire sauce or thyme. Dice the onions and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Form and Season the Patties
Shape the ground beef into evenly sized patties. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and any preferred spices. Keeping the patties uniform ensures even cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Hamburger Patties
Sear the patties in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until browned on both sides and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.
Step 4: Make the Roux for the Gravy
Lower the heat and add butter if needed. Stir in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Slowly whisk in beef broth until smooth. Add onions, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until the gravy thickens.
Step 6: Combine the Patties with the Gravy
Return the patties to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon sauce over the top to coat evenly.
Step 7: Simmer for Full Flavor
Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the patties to become tender. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Hamburger and Gravy
Want to make your dish absolutely irresistible? Here are some pro tips to take it to the next level:
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. Leaner meat can turn out dry.
- Don’t overwork the beef mixture—gently mix it just enough to combine ingredients.
- Let your patties rest before cooking. This helps hold their shape and improves texture.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth or wine before making the roux for extra flavor.
- Add a little soy sauce or Worcestershire to the gravy for umami depth.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to add a layer of freshness.
These small touches can make a big difference in elevating a humble dish into something spectacular.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is pretty straightforward, there are a few common missteps you’ll want to avoid:
- Overcooking the beef: Dry, overdone patties can ruin the whole dish. Don’t walk away from the stove!
- Skipping the roux: If you just throw flour into broth, you’ll get lumpy, raw-tasting gravy. Take the time to whisk and toast it.
- Using cold broth: Adding cold broth to a hot roux can cause clumps. Warm it slightly if you can.
- Not seasoning enough: Always taste and adjust your gravy before serving. Bland gravy is a tragedy.
Follow the guide closely and you’ll avoid these pitfalls like a pro.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Hamburger and Gravy
Hamburger and gravy is rich and flavorful, so pairing it with the right sides is key. Here are a few can’t-miss options:
1. Mashed Potatoes
The #1 classic pairing. The gravy soaks into the fluffy potatoes, creating the perfect bite.
2. Steamed Rice
White or brown rice both work wonderfully for soaking up that rich, meaty gravy.
3. Egg Noodles
A comforting and hearty side that complements the beefy gravy.
4. Roasted Vegetables
Carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and colorful contrast.
5. Buttery Cornbread
Perfect for sopping up extra gravy at the end.
Mix and match depending on your mood or what you’ve got on hand—this dish plays well with almost anything!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Made too much? Great! Hamburger and gravy stores beautifully.
- Storage: Let the patties and gravy cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the patties and gravy for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to thin out the gravy if needed. You can also microwave it in a covered container in 1-minute increments.
The flavors deepen even more after a day or two, making leftovers arguably better than the first time around!
Make-Ahead Tips
Need to prep dinner ahead of time? No problem.
- Make the patties a day before and store them uncooked in the fridge.
- Prep the gravy and refrigerate separately, then reheat and combine right before serving.
- Fully cook the dish and store it—just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
Great for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without scrambling in the kitchen.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Variations
Want to make this dish more diet-friendly? Here’s how:
Gluten-Free:
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers in the patties.
- Substitute cornstarch for flour in the gravy. Mix it with cold broth before adding to avoid clumps.
Dairy-Free:
- Use olive oil or dairy-free margarine instead of butter in the gravy.
- Skip the heavy cream or use unsweetened coconut milk or oat milk if you want it creamy.
You’ll still get all the flavor, just with fewer allergens.
Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Modifications
Trying to stay low-carb? This recipe is super adaptable.
- Skip the breadcrumbs in the patties—use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead.
- Serve with cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or steamed greens instead of mashed potatoes or rice.
- The gravy is naturally low-carb if made with flour alternatives like xanthan gum or coconut flour.
Easy swaps can make this meal keto-compliant without sacrificing taste.
Hamburger and Gravy for Meal Prepping
This recipe is a dream for meal preppers. Here’s how to make it work for your week:
- Cook in bulk: Double the recipe and divide into portions.
- Store with sides: Pair with mashed cauliflower or rice in meal prep containers.
- Label and date each container so you know when to use them.
You’ll thank yourself later when you have a comforting, homemade meal ready to go.
Nutritional Information
This can vary based on the ingredients used, but here’s a rough estimate for 1 serving (without sides):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
If you’re counting macros or calories, you can tweak this easily by using leaner beef or reducing butter in the gravy.
FAQs about Hamburger and Gravy Recipe
1. Can I make hamburger and gravy with turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well. Just keep in mind it’s leaner, so consider adding a splash of oil or an egg for moisture.
2. How do I thicken my gravy if it’s too runny?
Let it simmer uncovered, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) for a quick fix.
3. What’s the difference between Salisbury steak and hamburger and gravy?
Salisbury steak often includes additional fillers like oats and is served with a more complex mushroom gravy. Hamburger and gravy is simpler and more rustic.
4. Can I use a gravy packet instead of making it from scratch?
Sure, but homemade gravy tastes way better and lets you control the ingredients. Totally worth the extra 10 minutes!
5. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for best results.
Conclusion
There’s just something special about Hamburger and Gravy—it’s hearty, nostalgic, and hits the spot every single time. Whether you’re making it for a quiet night in or feeding a hungry family, it’s a meal that always satisfies. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, affordable, and endlessly customizable to fit your dietary needs or personal taste.
So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make the best hamburger and gravy you’ve ever tasted. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
