PrintThe Ultimate Homemade Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed)
I am Alex, and I am happy you are here. This recipe shows you how to make a rich, velvety homemade brown gravy from scratch using pantry staples. You do not need meat drippings for this classic, savory sauce, making it perfect for mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or roast beef.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 60 g salted butter
- 35 g all-purpose flour
- 480 ml beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for deep flavor)
Instructions
- Create the roux: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour completely. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns a light, nutty brown color. This step builds flavor.
- Whisk in seasonings: Remove the pan from the heat briefly. Whisk in the onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme until combined with the roux.
- Add liquid slowly: Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Start with about 1/4 cup, whisking until smooth, then add the remaining broth slowly.
- Thicken the gravy: Return the saucepan to medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often. Let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If you want a thicker gravy, simmer longer.
- Season and serve: Remove from heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve your rich homemade sauce immediately over your favorite comfort food.
Notes
- For a deeper brown color without drippings, cook the roux for an extra minute or two until it reaches a darker, peanut butter color before adding the liquid.
- If your gravy becomes too thick after simmering, whisk in a tablespoon of warm broth or water until you reach the right consistency.
- This recipe makes a classic savory gravy that pairs well as a roast accompaniment sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 0.2
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 10