Print

Brown Gravy

Brown Gravy

This easy-to-make brown gravy recipe delivers a rich, smooth, and velvety sauce that enhances any meal. Perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or savory casseroles, it uses simple pantry staples and can be made in under 15 minutes. Customizable with herbs and spices, this gravy is a versatile and comforting addition to your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch as substitute)
  • 2 cups beef broth or stock (vegetable broth for vegetarian/vegan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (for color and umami enhancement)

Instructions

  1. Melt the Butter: Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. This creates a rich base that will mingle beautifully with the flour to form your roux, which is the key to a smooth texture.
  2. Whisk in the Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to cook out the raw flour taste and to toast it slightly, which deepens the color and flavor of your brown gravy.
  3. Gradually Add Broth: Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. As you keep stirring, the mixture will thicken and start to gain that signature velvety look you want in your brown gravy.
  4. Season and Simmer: Stir in the onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. If you’re using garlic powder or soy sauce, add them now. Let the gravy simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld perfectly and the gravy thickens up to the right consistency.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Give your brown gravy a taste test and tweak the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a little extra Worcestershire or salt can make all the difference. If the gravy becomes too thick, simply stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to ensure it melts evenly and prevents clumping.
  • Whisk constantly while adding liquid to avoid lumps and achieve a silky finish.
  • Simmer gently instead of boiling to thicken the gravy without breaking smoothness.
  • Taste as you go to adjust seasonings gradually for perfect balance.
  • You can prepare the butter and flour roux in advance to save time on busy days.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown gravy, easy brown gravy, quick gravy recipe, gravy sauce, beef gravy, vegetarian gravy option, gluten-free gravy