Homemade Brown Gravy from Scratch

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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!

Homemade brown gravy on top of mashed potatoes in a brown bowl.

Once again it is November and it’s time to start prepping for Thanksgiving. I’ve had this blog for well over 10 years now and I can’t believe there’s no recipe for how to make homemade gravy on here. Sorry folks! Today I’m finally sharing how to make gravy with you and it's so simple. Only requires one pot.

This recipe can be used not just on Thanksgiving but the gravy can be poured over meatloaf, poutine, pot roast, beef tips, chicken tenders, steak you name it. Gravy is just good on top of anything, ok! If you're looking for a mashed potato recipe be sure to head over here for this recipe: Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes made in the Slow Cooker.

If you love Thanksgiving recipes check out these other recipes for Air Fryer Turkey Breast, Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy, and Turkey Cranberry Paninis.

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Ingredients Needed
How to Make Homemade Gravy from Scratch
What to serve with gravy?
Tips for Homemade Gravy
Recipe FAQs
More Great Recipes to Try:
Homemade Brown Gravy from Scratch

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

Butter and flour cooking together in a pan.

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.

Beef broth simmering with butter and flour in a pan.

Let the gravy boil until thick and smooth, about 3 minutes—taste and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

What to serve with gravy?

Gravy is a versatile sauce that can be served with a variety of dishes. Some popular options to serve with gravy include Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes, roasted meats such as Apple Wood Smoked Turkey Breast, Whole Smoked Chicken, or beef, biscuits, and vegetables such as green beans or carrots.

Gravy can also be used as a condiment for sandwiches or poured over Air Fryer Poutine for a Canadian twist. Ultimately, the best pairing for gravy depends on personal preference and the main dish being served.

Tips for Homemade Gravy

To prevent lumps from forming in your gravy you must vigorously stir that flour with a whisk until it is smooth. This is not the time to be texting Grandma about your Christmas list.
If your gravy tastes like flour you didn’t cook the flour long enough with the butter when whisking it on the stove top.
Don't be afraid to season the gravy with more salt. It really helps flavor the gravy!
Serve it with a side of Bob Evans mircowaved mashed potatoes. I won't tell anyone. 😉
This recipe can easily doubled or tripled for a large gathering.

Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between a roux or slurry?

Roux: Roux is flour and fat cooked together and used to thicken sauces. Roux is typically made from equal parts of flour and fat by weight. Slurry: A slurry is another method used in cooking to thicken gravy our soups. The most common use of slurry is as a means of transporting solids or separating minerals, the liquid being a carrier that is pumped on a device such as a centrifugal pump.

How to make gravy tastier?

Add in extra seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, Worstechire Sauce, beef bullion, thyme, sage, chopped parsley, a teeny bit of tarragon, some chives

Should I use Chicken Stock or Beef Broth to make gravy?

Both can be used to make homemade gravy from scratch, just depends on how deep in color you want the gravy to be.

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If you tried this Homemade Brown Gravy From Scratch or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries