No Thanksgiving table is complete without a rich, homemade delicious Brown Gravy to pour over turkey and mashed potatoes. This recipe is smooth, flavorful and comes together with just a few simple ingredients. It's a must-have recipe for holiday meals!
Once you see how easy it is to make from scratch, you'll never go back to store-bought packets or jars. This gravy is the perfect finishing touch that ties together all the classic dishes on your holiday table.
I always make this recipe for Thanksgiving, but it's so easy and good that I find myself whipping it up for Sunday dinners too!
If you are looking for more Thanksgiving recipes, check out our: Brioche Stuffing, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Perfect for the holidays: This gravy is the ultimate companion for Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and all your favorite sides. It's the recipe that brings everything on the holiday table together.
- Rich and flavorful: Made with beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and simple seasonings, this gravy has a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with classic Thanksgiving dishes.
- Quick and reliable: Ready in about 15 minutes, this homemade beef gravy recipe is simple enough to whip up while you're managing a busy holiday kitchen. It's a foolproof way to make sure your turkey and potatoes have the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy recipe:
- Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you better control of the seasoning.
- Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the gravy into a smooth consistency.
- Beef stock: Use a good quality stock or broth for the richest flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt & black pepper
See recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Let's make this easy brown gravy recipe together!
- Step 1: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Step 2: Whisk in the flour and cook until smooth and golden.
- Step 3: Slowly pour in the beef stock while whisking constantly.
- Step 4: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth and thickened. Serve immediately.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this creamy gravy.
- Beef broth: Use chicken or vegetable stock instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Flour: Swap the flour for a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water) to make a gluten-free version of this gravy.
- Drippings option: For even more flavor, replace some or all of the beef stock with pan drippings from roasted meat. Just skim off any excess fat before using.
- Additions: Add a splash of red wine, fresh herbs or a pinch of paprika.
Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this savory brown gravy. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Large saucepan: For cooking and whisking the beef broth gravy.
- Gravy boat: Perfect for serving at the table and keeping your gravy warm and easy to pour.
Storage
Here are storage instructions for this easy homemade brown gravy recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Freezer Storage: Freeze for up to 3 months; whisk well when reheating.
- Reheating Instructions: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of stock if needed to thin.
Top Tips
Here are some expert tips to make this homemade gravy without drippings:
- Whisk Constantly: When adding the stock, whisk the whole time to prevent lumpy gravy.
- Cook the Roux: Let the flour and butter turn golden before adding liquid for the best flavor.
- Thin if Needed: If the gravy gets too thick, whisk in a little more stock.
- Simmer to Thicken: If the gravy is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce.
- Season to Taste: Always give it a taste before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
FAQ
Yes, brown gravy can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking in a splash of stock if it's too thick.
Yes, let it cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Whisk well when reheating, as the texture may change slightly.
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and cook in a larger saucepan, whisking carefully to keep it smooth.
Gravy usually turns lumpy if the flour isn't whisked smoothly into the butter or if the stock is added too quickly. To fix it, keep whisking vigorously to break up the lumps, or strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth finish. For next time, make sure to whisk constantly while slowly pouring in the liquid.
Pairing
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this gravy recipe:
The Best Brown Gravy Recipe - No Drippings Required
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt the butter. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt completely.
- Make a roux. Whisk in the flour and cook until smooth and golden.
- Add liquids and seasonings. Slowly pour in the beef stock while constantly whisking. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Thicken the gravy. Continue whisking until smooth and thickened. Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage
Here are storage instructions for this easy homemade brown gravy recipe.- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Freezer Storage: Freeze for up to 3 months; whisk well when reheating.
- Reheating Instructions: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of stock if needed to thin.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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