Old Fashioned Hamburger Gravy (My Dad's Recipe)

Try this Old Fashioned Hamburger Gravy that's my dad's secret recipe and sure to satisfy your cravings! It's made with simple ingredients and a short prep time, serve it over biscuits for a comforting breakfast option.

Serve this gravy recipe over Cream of Tartar Biscuits, Cheddar Herb Biscuits, or Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes.  

​One of my all-time favorite recipes is my dad's Biscuit and Gravy!

It's hearty, filling, and so delicious. Now when it comes to biscuits, he'll use anything from homemade to canned or frozen. The biscuit really isn't the star of the recipe, that belongs to the thick and creamy gravy. 

He makes it will regular ground beef, thinly sliced onion, and lots and lots of ground black pepper. Now I have asked him plenty of times how to make it and from childhood until now, I've watched him make the recipe hundreds of times.

But when I make it, it's good, but it somehow never tastes exactly like his special recipe. He always referred to it as SOS, something he picked up during his military career, but to me, it's always gonna be biscuits and (hamburger) gravy. 

Let's get started!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe is made using a few basic ingredients and comes together in minutes. 
• Versatile: It can be enjoyed in many different ways, put it on top of biscuits, toast, or even mashed potatoes and noodles. 
• Comforting: So hearty, filling, and an old recipe the whole family is sure to love. 

Ingredients Needed to Make Hamburger Gravy 

1. Ground Beef - I like to use lean ground beef, but feel free to use any ground beef that you prefer. My dad has always made it using beef with a higher fat percentage. 
2. Onion - Use any yellow onion or white onion that you prefer. Slice it thinly and if you want to make it like my dad, use more onion than you think you should. 
3. All-Purpose Flour - Plain all-purpose flour is needed to create the base of the gravy and make it thick. 
4. Salt - Adds tasty flavor to the overall dish and prevents it from tasting bland. 
5. Ground Black Pepper - Adds spice and gives the gravy a nice peppery flavor. 
6. Milk - This ingredient is the key to making creamy gravy, make sure that it's whole milk. Half and half could be used as a substitute. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

How to Make Creamy Hamburger Gravy

In a large skillet over medium-high heat add the ground beef. Break the meat apart into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once it browns, drain off any excess fat/oil. Add the onion, stir to combine, and cook until the onion begins to soften about 2 to 3 minutes. 

Add in the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir the mixture continuously for 3 to 4 minutes, until it thickens and has a paste-like consistency. Adjust the stovetop to medium heat and slowly add the milk, stirring frequently.

Allow the gravy to cook for 5 to 10 minutes, until it's thick and creamy. Serve warm on top of your favorite biscuits and enjoy!

Serve Easy Hamburger Gravy Over

• Biscuits - This is how I love having this gravy recipe! Who doesn't love biscuits and gravy? You can pair it with Homemade Cream of Tartar Biscuits, Cheddar Herb Biscuits, Mayonnaise Biscuits, or any you prefer. 
• Rice - Any cooked white rice or brown rice. 
• Pasta or Noodles - Cooked pasta or Egg Noodles 
• Toast - Traditional SOS Gravy that inspired my dad's recipe is served over toasted bread. 
• Potatoes - Creamy Mashed Potatoes or for an additional layer of flavor Home Fried Potatoes and Onions. 

Best Recipe Tips & Tricks

• If you find the consistency is a bit too thick, add more milk, a little at a time, and stir it. 
• Drain off any excess fat from the pan after cooking the ground beef. 
• After adding the all-purpose flour, allow it to cook until the flour mixture begins to slightly brown. This will help to remove the raw flour taste from the gravy. 
• The gravy will continue to thicken as it cools. Add more milk if needed. 
• Feel free to adjust the original recipe by adding in more spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, onion salt, or Worcestershire sauce. 

Storage Tips

Storage. Allow the old-fashioned hamburger gravy to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. 

Reheating. When you are ready to serve your leftover hamburger gravy again, heat it in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat until warm. If you notice that it's too thick, just stir in a little additional milk or a splash of heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency. It can also be reheated in the microwave for a quicker option. 

Freezing. This recipe is best enjoyed shortly after it's made. Freezing it changes the texture and I do not recommend it. 

Want More Great Comfort Food Recipes? Try These: 

• Hamburger Steak and Gravy 
• Southern Meatloaf Recipe 
• Crunchy Ground Beef Tacos 
• Southern Fried Chicken 
• Easy Candied Yams 
• Shrimp and Grits Recipe 
• Easy Baked Spaghetti 
• Green Beans 

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy this Hamburger Gravy Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe