Get ready to fall in love with the coziest, most satisfying comfort food: Ground Beef and Gravy! This dish is absolutely dreamy, with tender crumbles of beef bathed in a silky, savory brown gravy. Each bite is delightfully rich, hearty, and perfect for soaking into creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles.

What truly makes this the very best ground beef recipe is how outrageously easy-and fast-it comes together. All you need is one skillet and a handful of pantry staples. It's a weeknight lifesaver for hungry families or anyone craving nostalgia in a bowl.

Inspired by classic diner favorites and homemade goodness, this Ground Beef and Gravy is a must-try for anyone who adores simple, soul-warming meals. Great for busy evenings, meal prep, or anytime you want to feed a crowd without a fuss!

A heaping scoop of savory Ground Beef and Gravy over mashed potatoes

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes or less for lightning-fast comfort food
Budget-friendly, satisfying, and feeds a hungry family
Rich, savory flavor from a homemade gravy (no cream soup cans!)
Versatile-serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles

Key Ingredients for Ground Beef and Gravy

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Beef

The star of the show! Use lean or regular ground beef depending on your preference for richness. I recommend 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and texture, but you can use leaner beef if you want to cut down on fat. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.

Onion

Diced onion adds sweet depth and aromatic flavor, making the gravy taste like it's been simmering all day. Yellow or white onions work best. Dice them small for even cooking, or swap in shallots for a more delicate flavor.

Beef Broth

A good-quality beef broth creates the foundation for a deep, savory gravy. Choose low-sodium so you can control the saltiness. Chicken broth works in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly lighter.

Worcestershire Sauce

This secret ingredient adds a hit of umami and rounds out the gravy with subtle tang. If you don't have Worcestershire, try a little soy sauce or even a dash of balsamic vinegar as an alternative.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour thickens the gravy and gives it that luscious, stick-to-your-ribs consistency. Gluten-free flour blends work well if you need to make this recipe gluten-free-just use a 1:1 replacement and stir well to avoid lumps.

Instructions for Ground Beef and Gravy

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for extra flavor.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Make the Roux

Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and onions. Stir well, letting the flour cook for 1-2 minutes. This gets rid of any raw flour taste and helps to build a rich gravy.

Build the Gravy

Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, dried thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Simmer and Thicken

Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, add a splash more broth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve

Turn off the heat and swirl in the butter for a silky finish. Serve the ground beef and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Variations

Make It Mushroomy

Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions for a delicious earthy boost. Mushrooms soak up the gravy and add irresistible texture.

Gluten-Free Option

Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use only 2 tablespoons cornstarch whisked into cold broth rather than flour). The gravy will be just as thick and smooth.

Lighten It Up

Prefer less fat? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and cut the butter in half. The flavor will be lighter but still totally comforting!

Add Some Veggies

Mix in peas, diced carrots, or frozen mixed vegetables in the last few minutes of simmering for color, texture, and a nutritional boost.

Kick Up the Flavor

Love bold tastes? Add a dash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef and Gravy is an absolute dream spooned generously over creamy mashed potatoes. It's also fantastic over buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice. For a classic, complete meal, serve with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli on the side. Top with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for a burst of color and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen up the gravy as needed. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months-just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above for a quick, cozy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Gravy (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this Ground Beef and Gravy ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This recipe reheats beautifully. Store it in the fridge and simply reheat when ready to serve.

Q: What can I use instead of beef broth?

A: Chicken broth or vegetable broth work in a pinch, though the gravy will have a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

A: Yes! Just use a larger skillet or pot, and double all the ingredients. Keep an eye on the seasoning and adjust as needed.

If you're looking for soul-soothing comfort food that's fast, easy, and intensely flavorful, Ground Beef and Gravy is your guaranteed winner! Try it this week and let me know what you think-leave a comment or rating below!