Homemade Brown Gravy Recipe

Introduction

Homemade brown gravy is a simple, flavorful sauce that enhances any meal, from mashed potatoes to roasted meats. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a rich, savory gravy that tastes far better than store-bought versions.

A white plate holds a serving of mashed potatoes with a creamy, soft texture, formed into a mound with uneven peaks. Partially visible behind the mashed potatoes are two slices of grilled meat with a browned, slightly crusty surface and specks of seasoning. A stream of light brown gravy with black pepper flecks is being poured from a white jug onto the center of the mashed potatoes, spreading over the top and flowing slightly down the sides. The plate sits on a wooden board with a white marbled textured surface and a blue patterned cloth blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup butter (salted)
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 2 cups beef broth (or chicken, turkey, or veggie broth)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme (just use a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the butter and flour together in a sauté pan.
  2. Step 2: Melt the butter over medium-low heat and continue cooking until the mixture becomes very brown, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  3. Step 3: Slowly add a bit of the broth, stirring constantly with a whisk to combine. Gradually add the remaining broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
  4. Step 4: Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and dried thyme. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Once simmering, the gravy will begin to thicken. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until it reaches your preferred thickness.
  6. Step 6: Taste the gravy and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Step 7: If the gravy is too thick, thin it out with a little more broth.
  8. Step 8: Serve the gravy hot, drizzled over your favorite dishes.

Tips & Variations

  • For a deeper flavor, use homemade beef broth or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
  • If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
  • Try substituting the dried thyme with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for a different aroma.

Storage

Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring frequently, and add a little broth or water if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A white ceramic gravy boat filled with a smooth, light brown gravy that has small visible bits of herbs and spices throughout. The gravy surface looks thick and glossy, resting inside the boat with a narrow spout for pouring. The boat sits on a wooden board with some fresh green sprigs of thyme beside it, all placed on a white marbled textured surface with a soft, out-of-focus blue and white cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this gravy gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with cold broth before adding to prevent lumps.

What can I use if I don’t have beef broth?

You can use chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth as alternatives. Each will give a slightly different flavor but still create a tasty gravy.

Print

Homemade Brown Gravy Recipe

This homemade brown gravy recipe is a simple and delicious way to enhance any meal, made from butter, flour, and broth with a blend of classic seasonings. Perfect for serving over meats, mashed potatoes, or vegetables, this gravy is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with your choice of broth.

  • Author: Ruby
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Gravy Ingredients

  • ¼ cup butter (salted)
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 2 cups beef broth (or chicken, turkey, or veggie broth)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme (a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Combine Butter and Flour: Place the butter and flour together in a sauté pan to prepare the roux which is the base of the gravy.
  2. Melt and Brown Roux: Melt the butter over medium-low heat while stirring. Continue cooking until the mixture turns a deep brown, developing rich flavor and color.
  3. Add Broth Gradually: Slowly pour in a small amount of broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Gradually add the remaining broth, stirring constantly to combine smoothly.
  4. Add Seasonings: Stir in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and dried thyme to flavor the gravy.
  5. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer. As it simmers, it will thicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the desired thickness is reached.
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and add more salt or pepper if desired to enhance the flavor.
  7. Adjust Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a bit more broth while stirring until you reach the perfect consistency.
  8. Serve Hot: Serve the gravy hot over your favorite dishes such as meats or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Using salted butter adds flavor, but adjust added salt accordingly.
  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Constant whisking when adding broth prevents lumps for a smooth texture.
  • Cooking the roux until brown deepens the flavor but be careful not to burn it.
  • Gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: brown gravy, homemade gravy, roux gravy, beef gravy, easy gravy recipe, stovetop gravy

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