Description
Brown Gravy is a rich, savory comfort sauce made with a simple roux and beef broth, perfect for enhancing mashed potatoes, roasted meats, and casseroles. This quick and easy recipe uses pantry staples, comes together in under 15 minutes, and can be customized with various herbs, spices, and ingredient substitutions to suit dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- 2 cups beef broth or stock (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian version)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms (for Mushroom Brown Gravy)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (for herb-infused gravy)
Instructions
- Prepare the Roux: Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Once fully melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a smooth paste called a roux. Continue cooking and stirring constantly until the roux turns a golden brown color, developing a nutty flavor essential for great Brown Gravy.
- Slowly Add Broth: Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. This ensures a silky texture and even thickening. Stir constantly as the mixture begins to simmer.
- Season and Simmer: Add onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the gravy simmer gently for several minutes, stirring often until it thickens to your preferred consistency and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Adjust and Serve: If the gravy is too thick, whisk in additional broth or water until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Optionally strain the gravy for a perfectly smooth texture. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Whisk continuously when adding broth to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth finish.
- Simmer gently on low heat to develop deep flavors without scorching.
- Use fresh, high-quality broth or stock for the best flavor intensity.
- Don’t skip browning the roux; it provides richness and beautiful color.
- Add seasonings gradually, tasting as you go to balance flavors perfectly.
- Brown Gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently and adding broth or water if needed to loosen consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: brown gravy, comfort sauce, beef gravy, gravy recipe, easy gravy, homemade gravy, gluten-free gravy
