This SOS Meal Has Saved Me 100 Times

My mom was the master of simple meals. With three kids running around and a full-time job, I don’t think we ever ate anything that took longer than thirty minutes to cook. One of the meals I dreaded the most growing up was hamburger gravy over toast. Whenever she said we were having this, it took everything I had not to cry. See, my family was one that didn’t allow you to have something different if you didn’t like what was being served.

You ate what was there, or you didn’t eat. It took me many years to warm up to this dish, and now that I am a busy mom myself, I look forward to making it for my family. I have one daughter that wasn’t too keen on it, so I suggested trying it over potatoes or rice instead. What a game changer!

Now that I make it like this, there are never any complaints from the table. I have even changed the way that I eat it now. It’s good any way really. It’s also super simple and affordable. You can’t really go wrong.

Recipe courtesy of Nutmeg Nanny. Photo credits to Kelli’s Goodies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This SOS Meal is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. Whether served over toast, potatoes, or rice, this dish satisfies everyone at the table. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 12-inch skillet
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 5 tablespoons Land O’ Lakes unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons Gold Medal flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• Bread, toasted

Instructions

• Set a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion to the skillet. Season lightly with kosher salt and black pepper. Break up the meat as it cooks and cook until it’s brown in color and no pink remains. Drain the meat and set aside.
• In the same pan as you used to brown the meat, set it over medium heat and add the butter. Melt the butter and sprinkle in the flour and whisk together until it forms a paste. Let it bubble slightly and cook for about a minute.
• Slowly stream in milk and whisk until thick. This might take a few minutes to get the gravy as thick as you like.
• Add cooked beef and onion to the white gravy mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add more flavor by sprinkling in crushed red pepper, garlic powder or fresh herbs.

Tips for Success

For the best results, make sure to whisk the milk in slowly to avoid lumps in your gravy. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving for the perfect balance of flavors.

Additional Tips or Variations

Try adding mushrooms or peas for extra texture and flavor. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 350-400, depending on serving size and choice of base (toast, potatoes, or rice).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works perfectly in this recipe.

Can this be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the beef and gravy mixture ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This SOS Meal has truly saved me countless times, and I hope it becomes a staple in your home too. Give it a try, mix it up with your favorite sides, and let me know how it goes! I would love to hear your thoughts and see your variations. Happy cooking!