🍔 Hamburger in White Gravy Over Toast 🥖
Introduction
This comforting dish is a nostalgic delight that transports many back to simpler times, particularly those cherished moments in the kitchen with family. A straightforward and quick recipe, Hamburger in White Gravy over Toast is perfect for a hearty lunch or a satisfying snack. Its creamy, flavorful gravy made from ground beef and milk poured generously over crispy toast makes it an absolute favorite among both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that promises to become a staple in your home.
Cooking and Preparation Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (use lean or regular as per your preference)
- Milk: 3/4 to 1 cup (whole milk gives a richer taste, but you can use low-fat or non-dairy milk alternatives)
- Flour: 2 tablespoons (all-purpose flour works best for thickening)
- Salt: 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon (adjust according to taste)
- Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground black pepper enhances the flavor)
- Toasted Bread: Your favorite kind (white, whole wheat, sourdough, or any bread you love)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 287.5 kcal
- Fat Content: 18.7 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 7.7 g
- Cholesterol Content: 83.5 mg
- Sodium Content: 388.1 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 5.2 g
- Fiber Content: 0.1 g
- Sugar Content: 0 g
- Protein Content: 23 g
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Start by placing a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula or spoon as it cooks. 🍖 Sauté the beef until it’s browned all over and cooked through, ensuring there are no pink parts left. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy gravy.
2. Create the Gravy Base
After draining the fat, return the skillet with the browned beef to the stove. Reduce the heat to medium. Gradually pour in the milk, starting with 3/4 cup. Stir continuously to combine the beef with the milk. 🥛 Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Thicken the Gravy
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and milk mixture while stirring constantly. This will help to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, sprinkle a bit more flour and stir until thickened.
4. Season the Gravy
Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with the recommended amounts (1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper), and adjust according to your preference. 🧂 Freshly ground black pepper adds a lovely heat to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor.
5. Serve Over Toast
While your gravy is simmering and thickening, toast your bread slices. 🍞 You can use a toaster, toaster oven, or a skillet on the stove. Once toasted to your liking (crispy and golden brown is ideal), arrange the toast on serving plates.
6. Final Assembly
Ladle the thickened, seasoned gravy generously over the toasted bread slices. 🍽️ Make sure each slice is well-covered with the savory gravy and beef mixture.
7. Adjust Seasoning
Taste the final dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a little more salt or pepper is needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be paired with various sides to create a more substantial meal:
- Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans, peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the gravy.
- Eggs: For a hearty breakfast option, top the toast with a fried or poached egg before adding the gravy.
Tips and Variations
- Cheesy Gravy: For an extra indulgent twist, stir in a handful of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) into the gravy just before serving. 🧀
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a bit of heat. 🌶️
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant touch. 🌿
- Bread Options: Experiment with different types of bread for varied textures and flavors. Sourdough or rye bread can add an interesting dimension to the dish.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the gravy separately from the toast to prevent sogginess. Place the gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency. Toast the bread fresh before serving.
Conclusion
Hamburger in White Gravy over Toast is a delightful, comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. Its creamy, rich gravy combined with the savory ground beef makes it a go-to recipe for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you need a taste of nostalgia, this dish is bound to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire. So go ahead, whip up this delicious meal, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors with your loved ones. 🍽️✨
