My grandfather ate this every morning before work. Just 4 ingredients for a hearty meal on a budget.

This slow cooker 4-ingredient hamburger gravy is the kind of stick-to-your-ribs breakfast my grandfather swore by before heading out to the factory every morning. It’s plain, humble Midwestern cooking: browned ground beef simmered in a creamy, peppery white gravy, ladled over crisp toast points. With just four simple pantry ingredients and a slow cooker doing most of the work, it’s a hearty meal on a tight budget that still feels like a hug from the past.

Serve the hot hamburger gravy spooned generously over golden toast points on a warm plate, with plenty of black pepper on top. It also goes nicely over biscuits, fried potatoes, or leftover rice if you have them on hand. A side of scrambled eggs or a sliced fresh orange balances the richness for breakfast, while a simple green salad or steamed frozen peas makes it feel like a complete supper. A cup of hot coffee or tea is just right alongside, especially on cold mornings.

Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Hamburger Gravy

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80–85% lean)

4 cups whole milk

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (for cooking and serving)

8 slices white sandwich bread, toasted and cut into triangles, for serving 

Directions

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