Hamburger gravy is a classic comfort food staple, known for its rich, savory flavor and hearty texture. However, many traditional recipes call for milk or cream to achieve that creamy consistency, which isn’t always ideal for those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or simply if you’re out of milk.
Fortunately, you can whip up a delicious, smooth hamburger gravy without milk, using simple pantry ingredients that enhance the beefy goodness without compromising on taste. This recipe is easy, quick, and perfect for cozy dinners served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dairy-free hamburger gravy will become your go-to. It’s packed with savory flavors, thickened just right, and entirely customizable to your liking.
Plus, it’s a great introduction to making versatile gravies that don’t rely on dairy products.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hamburger gravy recipe without milk is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a creamy, comforting dish without dairy. It’s:
- Lactose-free and allergy-friendly – ideal if you’re avoiding milk.
- Quick and simple to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Highly versatile – pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or even bread.
- Budget-friendly using everyday ingredients you probably already have.
- Rich and flavorful thanks to the browned beef and well-seasoned broth base.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter substitute
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Serving dish or bowls
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked beef and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the gravy. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine all the flavors.
- Bring the gravy to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth or water to loosen it up.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Tips & Variations
For a richer gravy without milk, try adding a splash of coconut cream or a dollop of dairy-free sour cream at the end of cooking.
- Vegetable variation: Add diced mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blends.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy.
- Slow cooker option: Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer to a slow cooker with broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and thicken later with flour or cornstarch slurry.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This savory hamburger gravy is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Pour over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal.
- Serve alongside steamed rice or buttered egg noodles for a hearty dinner.
- Use as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a filling lunch.
- Make open-faced sandwiches by ladling gravy on toasted bread or biscuits.
- Try it with roasted vegetables or steamed greens for a balanced plate.
For more delicious gravy ideas, check out our Vegetarian Brown Gravy Recipe That’s Easy and Delicious.
Conclusion
This hamburger gravy recipe without milk is a fantastic alternative for anyone seeking a dairy-free comfort food option. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and customizable to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
The rich beefy base combined with simple seasoning creates a thick, luscious gravy perfect for cozy dinners or casual family meals. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, avoiding dairy, or just out of milk, this recipe ensures you don’t have to miss out on the comforting taste of classic hamburger gravy.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll quickly find it becoming a staple in your kitchen repertoire. Don’t forget to explore other easy and delicious recipes like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping for more culinary inspiration.
📖 Recipe Card: Hamburger Gravy Recipe Without Milk
Description: A creamy and savory hamburger gravy made without milk, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice. This easy recipe uses beef broth and simple ingredients for a rich flavor.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Sprinkle flour over beef and stir to coat evenly.
- Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until gravy thickens.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 8 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Hamburger Gravy Recipe Without Milk”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and savory hamburger gravy made without milk, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice. This easy recipe uses beef broth and simple ingredients for a rich flavor.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb ground beef”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “3 tablespoons all-purpose flour”, “2 cups beef broth”, “1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce”, “1 teaspoon soy sauce”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “2 tablespoons vegetable oil”, “1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle flour over beef and stir to coat evenly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer for 10 minutes until gravy thickens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “22 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8 g”}}