If you’ve ever needed a quick, reliable gravy that actually tastes homemade, this is the one to keep on repeat. This easy brown gravy comes together in minutes using simple pantry ingredients and no drippings required.
I’ve made this gravy dozens of times using simple pantry ingredients, and this method gives a smooth, lump-free result every time
This recipe shows how to make a smooth and flavorful brown gravy using butter, flour, and broth. It is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, roast beef, meatloaf, or any comfort food dinner.
Once you make brown gravy from scratch, you may never go back to store bought gravy mixes. You don't even need a packet to make this!
If you love Thanksgiving recipes check out these other recipes for Air Fryer Turkey Breast, Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin, and Turkey Cranberry Paninis.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients Needed
- How to Make Homemade Gravy from Scratch
- Pro Tips (This Is What Makes It Foolproof)
- How to Make Brown Gravy Without Drippings
- Troubleshooting Homemade Gravy
- Serving Suggestions for Brown Gravy
- Storage Tips
- Brown Gravy Recipe FAQs
- More Great Recipes to Try:
- Homemade Brown Gravy from Scratch
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you already have
- No drippings needed
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- Smooth and lump free every time
- Perfect for weeknight comfort meals
This is one of those recipes that once you learn it, you’ll never need a packet again.
Ingredients Needed
- Beef Broth - Beef broth is a flavorful and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. To make the best beef broth, start with high-quality beef bones and vegetables such as carrots, onions, and celery.
- Flour - regular flour, self rising flour, or cornstarch can be used to help thicken the gravy
- Butter - I always use unsalted to control the amount of salt used.
- Worcestershire sauce - is a condiment with a savory, umami flavor. It was first made in the city of Worcester, England in the 19th century. The sauce is made from a blend of vinegar, molasses, anchovies, tamarind, onions, garlic, and various spices
- Onion Powder - Is dehydrated, ground onion that is commonly used as a seasoning. Some people do not like the taste of freshly chopped onion so onion powder is a great substitute if you have a picky eater like that in your house.
- Garlic Powder - is made from dehydrated garlic cloves and like the chili powder above it gets pulverized into a powder or flour consistency.
- Salt and Black Pepper to Taste
- See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Make Homemade Gravy from Scratch
Step 1: Add butter and flour to a large pot and stir continuously until a roux is formed about 2 minutes
Step 2: Slowly pour in half the beef broth while stirring vigorously with a whisk. This will help prevent lumps. Once the gravy is smooth and lump-free, add the rest of the beef broth, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire.
Let the gravy boil until thick and smooth, about 3 minutes—taste and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Pro Tips (This Is What Makes It Foolproof)
- Whisk constantly when adding broth to avoid lumps
- Add broth slowly, not all at once
- If it gets too thick, just add a splash of broth
- If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer
I’ve found that patience during the whisking step is what makes the biggest difference.
How to Make Brown Gravy Without Drippings
You don’t need meat drippings at all for this recipe. Using butter and broth creates a rich, flavorful gravy that tastes just like traditional versions. This is perfect for quick meals or when you’re not cooking a roast.
Troubleshooting Homemade Gravy
Gravy too thick?
Add a splash of broth and whisk until smooth.
Gravy too thin?
Let it simmer longer or add a small flour slurry (flour + water).
Lumpy gravy?
Whisk vigorously or strain it to smooth it out.
Tastes bland?
Add more salt, Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of bouillon.
Serving Suggestions for Brown Gravy
Brown gravy is super versatile and works with so many meals:
- Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes with Garlic - One of the most classic uses for brown gravy is spooned over creamy mashed potatoes.
- Ina Garten Meatloaf Recipe - Brown gravy adds extra flavor and moisture to slices of meatloaf.
- Roast beef or Ina Garten's Perfect Roast Chicken
- Biscuits
- Air Fryer Poutine (3 Ingredients) Pour brown gravy over french fries and cheese curds to make the Canadian dish poutine.
- Sandwiches or open-faced melts
Gravy is traditionally served with meats and starches like potatoes or bread-based dishes, making it a staple comfort food sauce.
Storage Tips
Never put hot gravy straight into the fridge. Large amounts of trapped heat can raise the temperature of your refrigerator and lead to uneven cooling. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before chilling and storing in a container.
Brown Gravy Recipe FAQs
Brown gravy gets its deeper color from ingredients like beef broth, pan drippings, or a small splash of Worcestershire sauce. Cooking the roux slightly longer can also create a darker, richer gravy.
You can, but broth gives much better flavor. If using water, add extra seasoning.
Yes, but texture may change slightly. Reheat slowly and whisk well.
More Great Recipes to Try:
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Homemade Brown Gravy from Scratch
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Learn how to make perfect homemade gravy from scratch every time so you can be ready when it comes to Thanksgiving day. No drippings needed!
Ingredients
- 14 oz can low sodium Beef Broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt and Black Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Add butter and flour to a large pot and stir continuously until a roux is formed about 2 minutes
- Slowly pour in half the beef broth while stirring vigorously with a whisk. This will help prevent lumps. Once the gravy is smooth and lump-free, add the rest of the beef broth, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire.
- Let the gravy boil until thick and smooth, about 3 minutes—taste and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
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