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The Best Homemade Brown Gravy (No Drippings Required)

Close-up of thick homemade brown gravy being poured from a spoon into a white bowl.
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Make rich, savory homemade brown gravy from scratch using simple pantry staples. This recipe creates a velvety sauce perfect for roast beef, mashed potatoes, or meatloaf, and requires no meat drippings.

Ingredients

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  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups rich beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth for versatility)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk the flour into the melted butter. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (a roux) and turns a light peanut butter color. Do not let it burn.
  3. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Add the dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
  6. 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 3 to 5 minutes longer until it reaches a deep brown shade before adding the liquid.
  • If the gravy becomes too thick while simmering, whisk in a tablespoon of warm broth or water until it reaches the right texture.
  • This recipe works well as a base for turkey gravy without drippings if you substitute beef broth with turkey broth.

Nutrition

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