HAMBURGER GRAVY

Being a gloomy Saturday, Jesse & I were too lazy to go out to the grocery store, so had to come up with a dinner with what we had on hand.  This is a favorite and is made often in our household.  So easy to make, but very tasty.  I never make this recipe the same way twice because I use whatever I have on hand.  The basics are ground beef, browned with onions and minced garlic.  Add some kind of liquid: beef broth, milk, cream of mushroom (with milk added), etc. Get it simmering and add a thickening agent.  This time we had no beef broth or bouillon, so used a brown gravy packet mixed with water and added a little chicken broth to that.  Also added some milk.  When you use just broth, it is a lighter gravy.  If you add milk and/or cream of mushroom, it is a little creamier.  You can even add a little sour cream and make it a little more like stroganoff.  Serve over egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, toast or even saltines (never tried this one, but have read about others who do).  So many ways to make it AND serve it!

Ingredients:

1 lbs hamburger
1 onion, diced
2 tbsp minced garlic
3 cups liquid (beef broth, cream of mushroom (with milk), milk, etc.)
1 small can mushrooms
Seasonings (pepper, salt, Lawry's, onion & garlic powder, garlic salt, bacon salt, etc.)
Egg noodles and Rice (or whatever you like)
1/2 cup water
4 tbsp flour

Brown hamburger with onion, garlic and mushrooms.  Drain fat, if preferred.

Add 3 cups liquid to pan, let boil, then turn down to simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Mix flour and water together with whisk.  Add slowly to simmering liquid.  I add a little at a time, let it simmer a little and see how thick it got, then add more.  Use as much or as little of the flour & milk to get to your desired consistency.

Serve over your favorite starch.  We usually use egg noodles and rice.  Makes excellent leftovers!