If you’re craving something hearty, satisfying, and packed with bold, comforting flavors, then let me introduce you to Loco Moco. It’s a classic Hawaiian dish made with juicy beef patties, rich savory gravy, sunny-side-up eggs, and a bed of warm rice. It’s everything you want in a comfort meal, stacked in one perfect bowl.
While the name might sound a little wild, Loco Moco is a dish about as comforting and cozy as it gates—especially when you’re tired,
What Is Loco Moco?
Loco Moco is a beloved Hawaiian comfort food that dates back to the 1940s. It traditionally consists of four simple components:
- A bed of steamed rice
- A juicy ground beef patty
- A generous ladle of savory brown gravy
- A freshly cooked sunny-side-up egg on top
Think of it as Hawaii’s answer to Salisbury steak, but with a tropical twist and laid-back island vibes.
Why You’ll Love This Loco Moco Recipe
- Bold, satisfying flavors in every bite
- Easy to make with pantry staples
- Perfect for meal prep or weekend brunch
- A fun way to mix up your rice and beef routine
- Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is made with real, whole ingredients—no packets or shortcuts here. You likely already have most of these items on hand!
Main components:
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Cooked rice
- Eggs
- Mushrooms
- Garlic powder, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper
- Corn starch (to thicken that luscious gravy)
See the full printable recipe for step-by-step instructions and measurements.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Loco Moco at Home
1. Make the Beef Patties
Mix your beef patty ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix—you want a tender bite. Form into 4 even patties.
Sear them in a hot pan until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Set them aside while you work on the gravy.
2. Cook the Gravy
In the same pan, sauté sliced onions and mushrooms until golden and caramelized.
While that’s happening, whisk together your broth, sauces, and cornstarch in a small bowl.
Melt butter into the pan, pour in the sauce mixture, and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thick and glossy.
3. Simmer Patties in the Gravy
Place your cooked patties back into the pan, spoon gravy over the top, and simmer for 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
4. Fry Your Eggs
Fry your eggs sunny side up. Pro tip: a lid over the pan helps cook the whites while keeping the yolk runny.
5. Assemble Your Loco Moco Bowls
Scoop some fluffy rice onto your plate. Add a beef patty, drizzle generously with gravy, top with your egg, and garnish with green onions.
Storage and Food Safety Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your loco moco components:
Leftover Storage:
- Beef patties and gravy can be stored in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Rice should be cooled quickly and stored separately in the fridge or frozen
Freezing Tips:
- You can freeze the cooked patties (separate from the gravy) for up to 3 months.
- Freeze gravy in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Reheat patties and gravy in a covered skillet or microwave until internal temp reaches 165°F, per CDC food safety guidelines.
- Reheat rice with a splash of water to prevent drying.
Tips & FAQs
Can I make this with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, just adjust the seasonings and as leaner meat may need a bit more flavor for richness.
What rice works best for loco moco?
Short-grain rice or jasmine rice are my go-to, but brown rice also works great.
Can I use store-bought gravy?
Homemade gravy tastes way better and takes just a few minutes—worth it!
Can I add other toppings?
Totally! Sautéed spinach, kimchi, or even crispy onions make fun additions.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s savory without being spicy, and kids love the combo of rice, meat, and egg.
What to Serve with Loco Moco
This dish is filling on its own, but here are a few side ideas:
- Quick cucumber salad
- Steamed or roasted veggies
- Hawaiian-style macaroni salad
- Pineapple chunks or grilled pineapple for something sweet
- Simple raw vegetables like sliced avocados, tomato wedges, or sliced cucumbers
Try This Loco Moco Recipe Today!
Hawaiian Loco Moco is the ultimate comfort food bowl—warm, rich, satisfying, and easy to make with ingredients you probably already have. Try it once and you’ll be hooked! Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make it, or let me know your thoughts and comments below!
Hawaiian Loco Moco (Beef Patty with Gravy and Egg)
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Large frying pan
- knife
- Chopping board
- Spoon or ladle
- Spatula
- Small whisk or fork
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or any neutral oil
- 2 cups rice cooked
- 4 eggs cooked sunny side up for topping
- 1 green onion thinly sliced for garnish* (optional)
FOR THE BEEF PATTIES
- 1.5 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion finely diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
FOR THE GRAVY
- 1/2 onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 cup beef stock you can also use chicken stock
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
FORM AND COOK THE PATTIES
- Add beef, diced onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and breadcrumbs to a bowl. Use your hands to mix until well combined (don't overmix) then divide and form into 4 patties.
- Add oil to a hot pan and cook the patties on medium heat until fully cooked on both sides (about 5 minutes on each side). Remove the patties from the pan and set aside.
MAKE THE GRAVY
- To the same pan where you cooked the patties, add sliced onions and mushrooms to the pan and cook until the onions turn golden and caramelized.
- While the onions and mushroom are cooking, grab a small bowl and combine the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, corn starch, salt, and pepper. Whisk well and set aside.
- Add butter into the pan until melted into the onions and mushroom.
- Slowly pour in the stock and let simmer under low heat until the sauce thickens (about 3 to 5 minutes).
ADD PATTIES INTO THE GRAVY
- Transfer the cooked patties into the pan with the gravy and let simmer for about 2 minutes.
COOK THE EGGS
- Add oil to a hot pan and cook the eggs sunny side up.
ASSEMBLE THE LOCO MOCO
- Add rice to each individual plate and place the beef patty over it. Drizzle a generous scoop of the gravy over the patty then top with an egg. Garnish with sliced green onions* (optional). Serve immediately.
