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Homemade Brown Gravy Without Drippings: A Classic Comfort Sauce

A spoonful of rich, thick homemade brown gravy is being poured over a mound of mashed potatoes in a white bowl.

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Create a rich, savory, velvety brown gravy from scratch using simple pantry staples. This recipe skips the need for meat pan drippings, making it perfect for weeknight meals or holiday sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk the flour into the melted butter. Cook this roux, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns a light golden brown color. Do not let it burn.
  3. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, still whisking occasionally. The gravy will begin to thicken as it heats.
  5. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired thickness.
  7. Taste the gravy and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
  8. Serve this savory sauce immediately over mashed potatoes, roast beef, or meatloaf.

Notes

  • For a darker color, cook the roux for an extra minute or two until it reaches a deeper brown shade.
  • If the gravy becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in a tablespoon of warm broth or water until the consistency is smooth.
  • This recipe makes a fantastic base for a quick KFC gravy copycat; add a pinch of ground sage for that specific flavor profile.

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