The Ultimate Hamburger and Gravy Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
Are you ready to experience the ultimate comfort food? Look no further than this amazing hamburger and gravy recipe. This dish is a delightful blend of savory ground beef, rich gravy, and fluffy mashed potatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. It's perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even a special occasion. Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is surprisingly simple, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
For the Hamburgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Your favorite mashed potatoes (recipe below or use store-bought)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Hamburger Heaven
Let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect hamburger and gravy.
Preparing the Juicy Hamburgers:
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Crafting the Rich and Savory Gravy:
- Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the hamburger mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken the gravy.
- Gradually Add Broth: Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally.
- Enrich the Gravy: Stir in the milk or cream, butter, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mashed Potato Perfection (Optional):
If you're making your own mashed potatoes, here's a quick and easy method:
- Boil potatoes until tender.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
Assembling Your Masterpiece:
- Serve it Up: Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates. Generously ladle the hamburger and gravy mixture over the potatoes.
Tips and Variations for an Even Better Dish:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Magic: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy flavor boost.
- Cheese Please: Top your mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese before adding the hamburger and gravy.
Keywords: hamburger gravy recipe, hamburger and gravy, comfort food, easy recipe, family recipe, delicious recipe, ground beef recipe, gravy recipe, mashed potatoes, homemade gravy
This recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
