Hamburger gravy is a comforting and versatile dish that can be whipped up quickly for a satisfying meal. This Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Its rich, savory flavor pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a family favorite.

What is Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy?

Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy is a hearty, savory sauce made from ground beef, onions, and a creamy gravy base. It’s often served over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or rice, providing a warm and comforting meal that’s both easy to make and delicious.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Pairs well with many sides.
Comfort Food: Warm, hearty, and satisfying.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy

1 pound of ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour

2 cups of beef broth
1 cup of milk
Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy Substitutions

Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or beef for a different flavor and nutritional profile. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein.
Beef Broth: Replace with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or mushroom broth to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
All-Purpose Flour: Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a gluten-free thickening agent. Mix with water to create a slurry before adding to the gravy.

Milk: Substitute with heavy cream, half-and-half, or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or soy milk for a different texture and flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute. Add a splash of vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.
Onion: Use shallots, leeks, or green onions as an alternative to add a slightly different flavor profile.

Garlic: Garlic powder or garlic salt can be used in place of fresh garlic. Adjust the amount to taste.
Olive Oil: Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or butter for sautéing the onions and garlic.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy

Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
Add the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Pour in the broth: Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Stir in the milk: Add the milk and continue to stir until the gravy thickens.
Season and simmer: Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve over your favorite side dish.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy

Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing for creamy gravy.
Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.

Rice: A great option to absorb the rich flavors.
Egg Noodles: Adds a hearty base to the dish.
Green Beans: A fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy gravy.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy

Use Lean Ground Beef: Helps reduce excess grease.
Thoroughly Cook the Flour: Ensures a smooth, lump-free gravy.
Adjust Consistency: Add more broth or milk if the gravy is too thick.

Season to Taste: Adjust salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce as needed.
Simmer Slowly: Allows flavors to meld together.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with parsley for a fresh touch.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy

Add Vegetables: Mix in peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Herb-Infused: Stir in dried thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.

Creamy Twist: Use half-and-half or cream instead of milk for a richer gravy.
Turkey Option: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Cheesy Addition: Stir in shredded cheese for a cheesy gravy.

Storing Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy: Best Practices

Cool Completely: Allow the gravy to cool to room temperature.
Use Airtight Containers: Store in airtight containers to keep fresh.
Refrigerate: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze for Longer Storage: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Label Containers: Include the date of storage for easy tracking.
Avoid Overcrowding: Store in single layers to prevent squashing.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy: Best Practices

Stovetop Method: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Microwave Option: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Add Moisture: If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating.

Stir Frequently: Ensures even heating and prevents sticking.
Check Temperature: Make sure the gravy is hot before serving.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy the reheated gravy fresh from the skillet.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 300
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g

Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g

Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 20g

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in hamburger gravy?

Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of ground beef in hamburger gravy. Ground turkey is a leaner option and will still provide a delicious, hearty flavor. Just follow the same cooking instructions, ensuring the turkey is fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.

How do you thicken hamburger gravy?

To thicken hamburger gravy, sprinkle all-purpose flour over the cooked ground beef and onions, then stir well to combine. Cook the flour for about 2 minutes to remove the raw taste. Gradually add beef broth and milk, stirring constantly until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. If it’s still too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the gravy.

Can I make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy ahead of time. Prepare the gravy as directed, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the gravy has thickened too much. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep and busy days.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in hamburger gravy?

Final Words

Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its simple preparation and versatile nature, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or rice, this hearty gravy is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy creating and savoring this wonderful dish!

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