Here’s a classic, old-fashioned Ground Beef and Gravy recipe — simple, hearty, and perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits 🥩🍽️
🥩 Old-School Ground Beef & Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but traditional)
- 2 tablespoons butter or beef drippings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Optional add-ins: splash of milk, Worcestershire sauce, or mushrooms
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned
- Drain excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan
2️⃣ Make the roux
- Add butter if needed
- Sprinkle flour over beef
- Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste
3️⃣ Add liquid
- Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring
- Scrape up browned bits from the pan
4️⃣ Simmer
- Bring to a gentle simmer
- Cook 5–10 minutes until thickened
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
5️⃣ Finish
- Optional: add a splash of milk for creaminess or Worcestershire for depth
🍽️ How to Serve (Old-School Favorites)
- Over mashed potatoes
- On white rice
- Over buttermilk biscuits
- On toast (classic “SOS” style)
🧂 Grandma Tips
- Thicker gravy? Simmer longer
- Too thick? Add a splash of broth
- Extra rich? Use half broth, half milk
If you want, I can also give you:
- Creamed ground beef
- Ground beef & mushroom gravy
- Southern hamburger gravy
- Crockpot version
Just tell me 🍳
