If you’re in the military or from a military family, you should know about SOS or Hamburger gravy. This quick and easy dish is filling and delicious, using toast and white country gravy with a hamburger. This was my Air Force Dad’s specialty, and my Army husband’s. Any branch of the military, if asked, will know exactly what you’re talking about when you mention SOS.

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I have mentioned this in a couple of blog posts. Now I want to share with you how my family made it. “S.O.S” or “Sh** on a Shingle” is the old meaning of the acronym. The shingle part is the toast. My dad served it over toast. My husband likes it over toast or biscuits. I like it either way. It is a simple, quick and tasty meal. That’s a lot of adjectives…LOL.

Here’s a little history lesson about SOS. Yes, SOS was served in the military to feed the troops. It was also a meal served during the Depression. So, people like my father grew up during the Depression. Families had to find ways to feed their families on a budget. This was a meal served with rice could stretch further.

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SOS: Hamburger Gravy on Toast

SOS: Hamburger Gravy is a classic comfort dish. I grew up in a house where simple, hearty meals were a staple and chances were you were going to have a plate of good old-fashioned SOS. In this dish, I use the same recipe as my White Country Gravy (without the pepper–or maybe a little).

What do you need to make this recipe

Hamburger meat (Ground Beef)
Flour – I use all-purpose flour, whatever brand I have on hand. There is no
difference between using all-purpose flour and self-rising flour.
Skillet – Use a medium-hot skillet. I like to use a cast iron skillet, but any skillet will do.
Whisk – Use a whisk to mix the ingredients.
Wooden Spoon
Milk, or Half & Half

Course Reefer’s Kitchen

Keyword gravy, HAMBURGER GRAVY, SOS

Author Laura Reefer

Equipment

Pioneer Biscuit Gravy Mix

Ingredients

1 lb of Ground Beef Hamburger meat
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 small diced onions
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
2 cups of milk half and half makes this gravy silky smooth. You can also use water but milk gives it a much better consistency and taste.

Instructions

Brown hamburger meat (ground beef) in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
Add seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder) to ground beef as it's cooking
Cook the diced onion with the ground beef.
Once ground beef is cooked, drained, and set aside.
Leaving about a tablespoon of ground beef dripping, add flour. Using a whisk, whisk the flour into the dripping.
Slowly add the milk, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to blend.
Stir constantly until thick and bubbly.
Add the meat to the gravy and stir until well combined.
Serve hot over toasted bread.

Notes

I'm not going to lie, finding products to save time is nothing to be a shame of. We have busy lives today. You can actually get the same results with Pioneer Biscuit Gravy or Pioneer Country Gravy as you do by following my recipe. Making gravy isn't eveyone's forte, so why not use a little help. 🙂

Any nutritional information provided by Reefer's Blend is a courtesy and should be construed. as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

What to serve with it

Creamy hamburger gravy is a versatile dish. It pairs well with a variety of sides. It can be served at any meal time.

It can be served by itself as a meal.
With a side of eggs.
Served over toast -The traditional “shingle” for SOS, perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.
Served over biscuits – Adds a soft texture that compliments the hearty gravy.
Served over Mashed Potatoes – Creamy base, comforting and filling the meal.
Served over Egg Noodles – This is an excellent option if you want a dish similar to Beef Stroganoff.
Served over rice – This budget-friendly choice stretches the meal further.

Vegetable Sides

Green Beans or Roasted vegetables – A simple, lightly seasoned side to balance the richness.
Steamed Broccoli – Adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast.
Corn – Sweet corn pairs well with the savory gravy.
Side salad – a crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the meat.

Storing Left-overs

Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To Freeze: Follow the recipe to cook the meat and add spices. Let it cool completely then transfer to a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat in a skillet with butter, flour, and half and half. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Reheat

Rewarm in the microwave or stove top, adding a little milk or broth if you need to thin it.

Easy Budget-Friendly Creamy Hamburger Gravy: SOS

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