Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy is a heartwarming dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. With its rich, creamy texture and savory flavors, this gravy pairs perfectly with buttered noodles or mashed potatoes. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner, a cozy brunch, or just a special occasion, this Southern classic will surely delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Its simplicity and depth make it a dish you’ll want to return to time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Savory Flavor: The combination of ground beef and sautéed onions creates a rich flavor profile that will satisfy any palate.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a delicious meal that fits any preference.
• Comforting Experience: Enjoying a bowl of this gravy brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy perfectly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Dutch oven: This versatile pot is perfect for browning meat and simmering gravies without spilling.
• Whisk: A good whisk helps to blend ingredients smoothly, ensuring no lumps in your gravy.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial in achieving the right consistency and flavor balance in your dish.

Ingredients

Grandma’s country beef gravy features ground beef and sautéed onions in a thick creamy white gravy, served over buttered noodles. This classic Southern country gravy will soon be a mainstay on your family’s comfort food menu too!

For the Gravy

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 white onion (peeled & thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth

For the Noodles

• 1 pkg medium egg noodles
• 4 tbsp butter

How to Make Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

While cooking the pasta:
1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the canola oil.
3. Once hot, add the ground beef along with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
4. Stir everything together while breaking up the meat as it cooks.

Step 3: Prepare Milk & Broth Mixture

In a large bowl:
1. Add the whole milk and chicken broth.
2. Whisk together until smooth. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook Onions with Meat

Once the meat is half cooked:
1. Add the sliced onion to the pot.
2. Stir to incorporate and continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Gravy Base

Scootch the meat to one side of the pot:
1. Add flour directly into the pot with drippings.
2. Whisk together until evenly combined.
3. Allow this mixture to cook for 30-60 seconds.

Step 6: Incorporate Milk/Broth Mixture

Slowly pour in the milk/broth mixture:
1. Whisk continuously to incorporate evenly.
2. Allow the gravy to simmer until thickened before removing from heat.

Step 7: Butter Noodles

Return drained pasta to its pot:
1. Add butter.
2. Stir until melted and thoroughly mixed in.

Step 8: Serve It Up

To serve:
1. Place buttered noodles onto plates or bowls.
2. Ladle generous amounts of gravy over top for an irresistible meal!

How to Serve Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, there are multiple ways to enjoy this delicious gravy.

Over Buttered Noodles

• This is the classic way to serve it. Simply ladle the thick beef gravy over a generous helping of buttered noodles for a comforting dish.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Serve the gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty twist. The smooth texture of the potatoes complements the rich flavor of the gravy perfectly.

On Biscuits

• Pouring Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy over freshly baked biscuits creates a delightful Southern-style breakfast. It’s warm and satisfying!

As a Filling for Sandwiches

• Use the beef gravy as a filling for hearty sandwiches. A toasted bun filled with gravy and some sautéed onions makes for an excellent lunch option.

With Rice

• Serving the gravy over steamed rice is another delicious option. The rice absorbs all the flavors, making each bite flavorful and fulfilling.

With Vegetables

• Pairing this gravy with steamed or roasted vegetables adds an extra layer of nutrition to your meal. It’s a great way to balance comfort food with healthy options.

How to Perfect Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

Perfecting Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these simple tips for guaranteed success.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh ground beef and whole milk for the best flavor and texture in your gravy.
• Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allowing time for the meat to brown properly enhances the overall taste of your gravy.
• Whisk Constantly: When adding liquid to the flour mixture, whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming in your gravy.
• Simmer Until Thickened: Letting your gravy simmer will deepen its flavor and create that desired thickness. Patience pays off!
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your gravy before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors.
• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve this dish right after making it while it’s hot and fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

Pairing side dishes with Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy enhances your dining experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread
2. This crunchy treat is perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy on your plate.
3. Green Beans Almondine
4. Lightly sautéed green beans topped with almonds add a nice crunch and freshness alongside rich gravy.
5. Coleslaw
6. A refreshing coleslaw provides a cool contrast to the warm, savory gravy, balancing flavors beautifully.
7. Cornbread
8. Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with savory dishes like this one, offering a delightful textural contrast.
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
10. These caramelized sprouts add earthiness that complements the creamy beef gravy well.
11. Crispy Fried Okra
12. This Southern staple offers crunchiness that contrasts nicely with smooth gravies, making it an ideal side dish choice.
13. Baked Sweet Potatoes
14. The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes harmonizes wonderfully with savory beef gravy.
15. Cauliflower Mash
16. A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that maintains creaminess while providing added nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy perfectly every time, avoiding common mistakes is essential. Here are some pitfalls to keep in mind:

• Not cooking the meat thoroughly: Ensure that the ground beef is cooked completely before adding other ingredients. This avoids any food safety issues.
• Ignoring the consistency of gravy: If you find your gravy too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken up. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk or broth.
• Skipping the whisking step: When adding flour, whisk it thoroughly with the drippings to prevent lumps. This will give you a smooth gravy.
• Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook your noodles until al dente. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and won’t hold up well under the gravy.
• Using low-quality broth: Opt for a good quality chicken broth for better flavor. A rich broth enhances the taste of your gravy significantly.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the gravy to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I serve with Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy?

This hearty gravy pairs wonderfully with buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Can I make Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for later use.

How can I customize Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy?

Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers during cooking for added flavor and nutrition.

Is there a vegetarian version of Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy?

You can substitute ground beef with plant-based options and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian twist.

How long does Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy last in the fridge?

When stored properly, it lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Country Beef Gravy is not only comforting but also versatile enough to adapt to various tastes. Whether served over noodles or mashed potatoes, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your table. Don’t hesitate to try different ingredients or pairings to make this recipe your own!

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