Brown Gravy Recipe

This brown gravy recipe is smooth, rich, and incredibly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful gravy that turns everyday meals into something special — without stress or complicated steps.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect when you need a quick sauce that works with almost anything. It comes together in minutes, uses pantry staples, and delivers that classic homemade flavor everyone loves.

How To Make Brown Gravy

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter (or beef drippings)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1–2 cups beef broth
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Directions:

1. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk constantly for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden and nutty smelling.
2. Add Liquid: Slowly whisk in beef broth, starting with ½ cup to avoid lumps. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
3. Simmer & Finish: Let the gravy simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring until thick and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This gravy takes about 2 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to cook, making a total of 10 minutes. It yields about 1½ cups of gravy, and each ¼ cup serving has roughly 60 calories.

How To Serve Brown Gravy

Serve this gravy warm over mashed potatoes, roast beef, turkey, chicken, meatloaf, or vegetables. It’s also great with biscuits or fries.

How To Store Brown Gravy

Let the gravy cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Tips To Make Brown Gravy

• Whisk constantly to prevent lumps
• Add broth slowly for the smoothest texture
• Cook the roux until lightly brown for deeper flavor
• If gravy gets too thick, thin it with a little broth

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Homemade brown gravy is lower in preservatives and additives than store-bought versions. Using broth instead of heavy cream keeps it lighter while still full of flavor.

Variation (If Any)

• Gluten-free: use cornstarch instead of flour
• Dairy-free: use olive oil instead of butter
• Vegetarian: use vegetable broth instead of beef broth

FAQs

1. Can I make brown gravy without drippings? Yes, butter works perfectly if you don’t have drippings.
2. How do I fix lumpy gravy? Whisk vigorously or blend briefly with an immersion blender.
3. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
4. How do I make gravy darker? Cook the roux a little longer or add a dash of soy sauce.
5. Why is my gravy too thin? Let it simmer longer or add a small cornstarch slurry.
6. Why is my gravy too thick? Add broth a tablespoon at a time until smooth.
7. Can I freeze brown gravy? Yes, freeze up to 3 months and reheat slowly.

Brown Gravy

This smooth and rich brown gravy is incredibly easy to make at home using just a few simple ingredients, perfect for enhancing everyday meals.

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Sauce, Side

Cuisine: American

Calories: 60

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter (or beef drippings) Use butter for a lighter option.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Can substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free.
• 1–2 cups beef broth Add slowly to prevent lumps.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder For added flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder Optional for extra seasoning.
• to taste pinch Salt and black pepper Adjust according to preference.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) For more depth of flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
2. Add flour and whisk constantly for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden and nutty smelling.

Cooking

1. Slowly whisk in beef broth, starting with ½ cup to avoid lumps.
2. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce if using.

Finishing

1. Let the gravy simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring until thick and smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve warm over mashed potatoes, roast beef, turkey, chicken, meatloaf, or vegetables. Reheat gently, adding broth if needed. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps. Variations include gluten-free (using cornstarch), dairy-free (using olive oil), and vegetarian (using vegetable broth). Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.