Step back in time and revisit the comforting flavors of your school days with this delicious Schoolhouse Hamburger Gravy recipe! Made with simple ingredients that you likely have on hand, this hearty dish is reminiscent of the comforting meals served in school cafeterias. Whether you’re looking to reminisce about the past or introduce your family to a timeless favorite, this recipe is sure to become a hit at your dinner table. Join us as we journey down memory lane and rediscover the joy of classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon beef flavor bouillon
- 2 tablespoons steak sauce
- 2 cups milk
Instructions:
1. Cooking the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Add the chopped white onion to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
2. Making the Gravy:
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked ground beef and onion mixture, stirring constantly to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the beef flavor bouillon and steak sauce to the skillet, stirring to incorporate the ingredients.
- Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue to cook and stir the mixture until the gravy thickens and reaches your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Serving:
- Once the gravy has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the Schoolhouse Hamburger Gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Flavor: Enhance the flavor of the gravy by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, or dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or vegetarian ground beef substitute for a meatless version of this dish.
- Creamy Variation: For a creamier gravy, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make this recipe keto-friendly, replace the all-purpose flour with a low-carb alternative such as almond flour or coconut flour. Use a beef bouillon cube or homemade beef broth instead of beef flavor bouillon, and opt for a sugar-free steak sauce. Additionally, you can use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk to reduce the carb content.
- Low-Carb Version: Follow the same instructions as the keto version, but you can also reduce the amount of onion used or omit it altogether to further lower the carb content. Additionally, you can serve the Schoolhouse Hamburger Gravy over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables instead of traditional starches for a lower-carb option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the Schoolhouse Hamburger Gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving, adding a splash of milk or broth to thin out the gravy if necessary.
Q: Can I freeze leftover gravy? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Schoolhouse Hamburger Gravy for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I customize this recipe with additional ingredients? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the Schoolhouse Hamburger Gravy with your favorite ingredients such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for added flavor and texture.
Schoolhouse Hamburger Gravy is a timeless classic that brings back memories of simpler times and comforting meals shared with friends and family. With its rich and savory flavor, this dish is sure to warm your heart and soul with every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner at home or sharing it at a potluck gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
So why not take a trip down memory lane and recreate the nostalgia of school cafeteria lunches with this delicious Schoolhouse Hamburger Gravy? Your taste buds will thank you for the trip down memory lane!
