5 Delicious Ground Meat and Gravy Recipes

Embarking on a culinary journey with ground meat and gravy is an exciting adventure, especially when aiming to create dishes that are not only flavorful but also comforting. Ground meat, often seen as a pantry staple, can be transformed into a variety of succulent recipes that deliver a burst of taste and texture. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into five delicious recipes where ground meat and gravy play the starring roles. From classic dishes to modern twists, prepare to explore some irresistible combinations that will elevate your home cooking to new heights.

Classic Meatloaf with Gravy

The meatloaf is a dish that embodies comfort food, and when served with a homemade gravy, it transforms into a true meal masterpiece. Here’s how you can prepare a Classic Meatloaf with Gravy:

Ingredients

• 1 kg ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• ¹⁄₄ cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Mix the ground beef with breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, and all seasonings. Form into a loaf shape and place in a baking dish.
2. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).
3. While the meatloaf cooks, make the gravy:

Gravy Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt, pepper, and herbs to taste

Gravy Preparation

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly to create a roux. Cook for 2 minutes.
2. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens, then season to taste.

💡 Note: To enhance the flavor of your meatloaf, consider wrapping it in bacon before baking. The bacon fat will infuse additional richness into the dish.

Shepherd’s Pie with a Ground Meat Gravy

The Shepherd’s Pie, a classic British comfort food, gets an upgrade with a delicious ground meat gravy. Here’s how you can make this dish:

Ingredients

• 1 kg ground lamb or beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups beef stock
• Mashed potatoes for topping
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

Preparation

1. Sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic until softened. Add the ground meat, cooking until browned.
2. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock, simmering until the mixture reduces and thickens.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Then, transfer to an ovenproof dish.
4. Top with a thick layer of mashed potatoes and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are golden.

💡 Note: For a smoother texture, blend the gravy before adding it to the meat mixture. This step helps in creating a seamless and cohesive filling.

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Salisbury steak, with its tender patties and rich mushroom gravy, is an all-time favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this hearty dish:

Ingredients

• 500g ground beef
• ¹⁄₄ cup breadcrumbs
• ¹⁄₄ cup beef broth
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Gravy Ingredients

• 300g mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper

Preparation

1. Combine all steak ingredients and shape into oval patties. Fry them in a skillet until browned on both sides.
2. For the gravy, in the same skillet, sauté mushrooms in butter until golden. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms, then slowly add beef broth, stirring until thick.
3. Return patties to the skillet, cover with gravy, and cook until fully done.

💡 Note: Browning the patties before adding them back into the gravy ensures they remain juicy and flavorful.

Meat and Potatoes Hash with Onion Gravy

Imagine diced potatoes and ground meat topped with a luscious onion gravy. Here’s how to craft this rustic dish:

Ingredients

• 500g ground pork or beef
• 3 large potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Gravy Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper

Preparation

1. Fry the potatoes until crispy. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, cook the ground meat with onions and garlic until browned. Combine with potatoes.
3. For the gravy, caramelize onions in butter. Add flour, stir to make a roux, then slowly add beef broth. Cook until thickened.

💡 Note: Consider adding a splash of red wine to the gravy for an extra depth of flavor.

Asian Inspired Meatball Skewers with Ginger Soy Gravy

Here, we take the traditional meatball and skewer it, then drench it in an aromatic ginger soy gravy:

Ingredients

• 500g ground chicken or pork
• ¹⁄₄ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 egg
• Green onions for garnish
• Skewers

Gravy Ingredients

• 1 cup chicken or beef broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water to thicken

Preparation

1. Combine all meatball ingredients, form into balls, and skewer. Grill or pan-fry until cooked through.
2. For the gravy, in a saucepan, combine broth, soy sauce, vinegar, and sweetener. Heat until simmering, then thicken with cornstarch mixture.

In crafting these ground meat and gravy recipes, we've covered dishes from across the spectrum, ensuring there's something for every palate. Each recipe balances the richness of the meat with the depth of the gravy, creating harmonious flavors that resonate with comfort and satisfaction. Whether you're cooking for a family meal or hosting a dinner party, these dishes promise to leave an indelible mark on the dining experience, showcasing the versatility and simplicity of ground meat paired with a well-crafted gravy.