This Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy is creamy, savory, and made with just four simple ingredients in under 20 minutes. It’s a no-fuss comfort food classic—perfect poured over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a quick and satisfying family dinner on any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Gravy Recipe
- Fast & easy: Ready in just 20 minutes using pantry staples.
- Rich, beefy flavor: Ground beef simmers into a creamy, comforting gravy.
- Totally versatile: Serve it with potatoes, pasta, or bread—whatever you’ve got!
- Budget-friendly meal: Stretch a pound of ground beef into a full, hearty dinner.
Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 7–8 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
- Add flour: Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle flour over the beef. Stir constantly to fully coat and absorb the fat.
- Start the gravy: Return skillet to medium heat. Stir in 2 cups of milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to thicken (about 3–5 minutes).
- Finish the gravy: Pour in the remaining 2 cups of milk. Whisk continuously until the gravy reaches your preferred thickness (around 5 minutes).
- Season: Stir in onion salt, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Expert Recipe Tips
- Use lean ground beef to avoid a greasy gravy—aim for 90% lean or higher.
- Whisk while you work: Constant stirring prevents lumps and keeps the gravy silky.
- Thicken to taste: For thinner gravy, use more milk. For thicker, simmer a bit longer.
- Taste before serving: Adjust salt and pepper to your liking just before plating.
Recipe Variations
- Mushroom Beef Gravy: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for a rustic upgrade.
- Sausage Gravy Twist: Use ground breakfast sausage instead of beef for a Southern-style breakfast version.
- Cheesy Gravy: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar just before serving for added richness.
- Garlic & Onion: Add fresh minced garlic and onion while browning the meat for deeper flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Shortcut: Use one can of cream of mushroom soup in place of 1 cup of milk for a semi-homemade twist.
What to Serve with Hamburger Gravy
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Cooked white rice
- Egg noodles
- Steamed vegetables
- Buttered toast or cornbread
- Side of green salad or coleslaw
Storage Instructions
- In the Fridge: Store cooled hamburger gravy in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Hamburger Gravy
- Stovetop: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until warmed through (about 5 minutes).
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until evenly hot.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Why is my hamburger gravy curdled?
Curdling can happen if the flour-fat mixture (roux) breaks or separates. Stirring constantly and gradually adding milk helps prevent this. - Why does it taste bland?
Be sure to season well with onion salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. A little Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder can also enhance the flavor. - Why is it grainy?
Graininess can result if flour isn’t fully incorporated before adding milk. Whisking well and cooking gently helps smooth things out. - What if it’s too thin?
Make a quick slurry with 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch mixed with a little cold water. Whisk it into the hot gravy and simmer until thickened. - Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, but expect a milder flavor. Add extra seasoning or a splash of beef broth to amp it up.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 203
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Protein: 23.7g
- Carbs: 0.3g
- Sugar: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 335.7mg

Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy
Description
This Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy is creamy, savory, and made with just four simple ingredients in under 20 minutes. It’s a no-fuss comfort food classic—perfect poured over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a quick and satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, 7–8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour until fully absorbed.
- Return to heat, add 2 cups milk, stir and simmer until thickened (3–5 minutes).
- Add remaining milk and whisk until desired consistency (about 5 minutes).
Season with onion salt, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use lean beef for better texture.
Whisk constantly for smooth gravy.
Adjust milk for desired thickness.
Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy