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Ultimate Homemade Brown Gravy: Rich & Velvety, No Drippings Required

A spoonful of thick, rich homemade brown gravy dripping back into a white bowl.
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Make rich, savory brown gravy from scratch using only pantry staples. This easy stovetop gravy recipe delivers a velvety texture perfect for mashed potatoes, roast beef, or meatloaf without needing meat drippings.

Ingredients

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  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for deeper color/flavor)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk the flour into the melted butter. Cook this roux, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until it reaches a light brown color. This step cooks out the raw flour taste.
  3. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, one cup at a time, ensuring no lumps form before adding the next addition.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently. The gravy will begin to thicken as it heats.
  5. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce if you are using it.
  6. Continue to simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. If it becomes too thick, whisk in a small amount of extra broth or water.
  7. Taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving hot over your favorite comfort food.

Notes

  • For a darker color, cook the roux for an extra 2 minutes until it is a medium brown, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • If you need a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl, then whisk this slurry into the simmering gravy until thickened.
  • This recipe makes a great base for a homemade gravy mix alternative; simply combine the dry ingredients (flour, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, pepper) and store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/homemade-brown-gravy-recipe-no-drippings/