This stick-to-your-ribs breakfast is a comforting, filling start to your day. A Navy cook’s recipe that brings warmth, richness, and flavor to the table, it’s a savory beef gravy served over toasted bread or hot biscuits. Perfect for those mornings when you need something hearty to fuel you through the day. Let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1 pound 80/20 ground chuck
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 stick butter (1/4 cup)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for creaminess)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor)
- Toast or hot biscuits (for serving)
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
- In a heavy skillet, add the diced onion and ground chuck.
- Cook over medium heat, breaking up the beef as it browns. Stir occasionally to make sure the beef gets evenly browned, and the onions soften and become translucent.
- Once the beef is browned, make sure to drain any excess grease, leaving just a small amount in the pan for flavor.
2. Make the Roux
- Sprinkle the flour over the browned beef mixture. Stir the flour into the beef until it’s fully absorbed, creating a roux (thickening agent).
- Continue stirring for about 1-2 minutes to cook the flour slightly and eliminate any raw taste.
3. Add Butter and Milk
- Add 1/2 stick of butter to the skillet and stir it into the beef and flour mixture. Let the butter melt completely to create a creamy base.
- Gradually add milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, while constantly stirring to prevent lumps. Allow the milk to absorb into the roux before adding more, until all 2 cups of milk are incorporated and the gravy begins to thicken.
4. Season the Gravy
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper, tasting as you go, to make sure it’s just right.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, which will add a lovely warmth and richness to the gravy. The nutmeg is subtle but works beautifully with the savory flavors of the beef.
5. Simmer and Thicken
- Let the gravy simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, you can add a little more milk to loosen it up.
6. Serve
- Serve the gravy over toasted bread or hot biscuits for a comforting breakfast. The rich, creamy gravy soaks into the bread or biscuits, creating a hearty, flavorful dish that will keep you full all morning.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Hearty and Filling: The ground beef provides protein, and the milk and butter create a rich, creamy gravy that sticks to the bread or biscuits.
- Warm and Flavorful: Nutmeg gives this breakfast a touch of warmth, making it comforting and satisfying.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings to your taste, adding more pepper, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne for extra heat if you like a little kick.
- Quick and Easy: Despite its comforting richness, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect breakfast option for busy mornings.
Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Gravy:
- Milk Choice: Whole milk will give you the creamiest texture, but you can use any milk you have on hand. For a lighter version, you could use 2% or even skim milk.
- Thickening Tip: If your gravy isn’t thickening as you like, you can make a slurry by mixing a little bit of flour with cold milk before adding it to the pan to help thicken the sauce faster.
- Meat Variations: While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.
Serving Ideas:
- Toast: Lightly buttered toast will soak up the gravy perfectly. You could also use sourdough for a more robust flavor.
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits provide a pillowy base that complements the rich, meaty gravy, perfect for a more traditional country-style breakfast.
- Eggs: Pair with scrambled or fried eggs to make it even more of a complete breakfast.
- Veggies: For some extra nutrition, you could serve with a side of sautéed spinach, roasted potatoes, or grilled tomatoes.
This Ground Beef Gravy is a classic breakfast that’s simple, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s perfect for any day you want a hearty start to your morning—whether it’s a weekend brunch or a weekday pick-me-up! Enjoy this Navy cook’s recipe and feel the comfort with every bite.