Beef Sausage Gravy

Serve a classic for brunch. Start with a batch of Country Beef Breakfast Sausage, then mix up a rich gravy and serve over warm biscuits, English muffins, or even asparagus.

Ingredients

• 1 recipe Basic Country Beef Breakfast Sausage (recipe follows)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 cups skim milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• Warmed buttermilk biscuits, toasted English muffins or steamed asparagus (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Basic Country Beef Breakfast Sausage. Remove from skillet; keep warm.
   
   Basic Country Beef Breakfast Sausage: Combine 1 pound Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner), 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage or 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add sausage mixture; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 1/2-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally.

   Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

2. Heat oil in same skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour; cook and stir 4 minutes. Stir in milk; bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat; simmer 2 to 3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Stir in sausage, salt and pepper. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until beef is heated through, stirring occasionally.

3. Serve over biscuits, muffins or asparagus, as desired.

• Test Kitchen Tips Use a potato masher to break up Ground Beef into small crumbles while browning.