Ground Beef and Gravy — The Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Dinner
Looking for a hearty, budget-friendly meal that’s quick, cozy, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table? This Ground Beef and Gravy is the answer. Tender ground beef simmered in a rich, savory brown gravy—it’s classic comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Whether it’s a chilly evening, a busy weekday, or you’re simply craving something homemade and satisfying, this recipe will become your go-to. It’s simple, flexible, and irresistibly delicious.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples.
- One-pan wonder: Easy prep and minimal cleanup.
- Quick: Ready in half an hour from start to finish.
- Versatile: Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even biscuits.
- Classic comfort food: Rich, hearty, and full of flavor.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 for best flavor-to-fat balance)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour (to thicken the gravy)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- (Optional) Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
👩🍳 How to Make It
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Stir in chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes until thickened to your liking.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir in butter for a smooth, velvety finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
🍛 Serving Suggestions
- Spoon generously over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Serve with buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, or crispy toast for variety.
- Pair with a side of green beans, roasted carrots, or peas for balance.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Keeps well up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water.
🥄 Pro Tip
Want to stretch your meal further? Add sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or diced carrots right into the gravy for extra flavor and texture.
This Ground Beef and Gravy recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s a hug in a bowl — rich, comforting, and endlessly adaptable.
Serve it once, and it’ll quickly become a family favorite you’ll turn to again and again.
