Description
A rich, creamy country sausage gravy elevated with smoked Gouda cheese and cracked black pepper, perfect for a hearty weekend brunch or family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (if needed)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup packed smoked Gouda cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Seasoned Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 8-10 minutes until browned. During the last 2 minutes, add the dried sage, crushed fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, stirring to incorporate the seasonings.
- Create the Roux Base: Drain all but 2 tablespoons of rendered fat from the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and fat. Cook, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture smells nutty.
- Whisk in Milk and Thicken the Gravy: Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Increase heat to medium and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, whisking frequently until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency.
- Finish with Smoked Gouda Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the grated smoked Gouda cheese to the hot gravy. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot over warm biscuits. Dust lightly with smoked paprika and sprinkle with fresh chopped chives for garnish.
Notes
To avoid lumps when adding milk, whisk vigorously until smooth before simmering. For a lighter gravy, use 2% milk, but avoid skim milk for best results. Melting the cheese off-heat prevents separation or graininess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 580 calories
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Country sausage gravy, smoked Gouda, cracked black pepper, comfort food, high-protein, brunch, easy, savory, American