Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed) – Easy Classic Recipe

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5 Min Read

Why You’ll Love It

This brown gravy (no drippings needed) recipe is a game-changer for busy cooks who want the rich flavor of homemade gravy without relying on meat drippings. It’s quick, easy, and uses pantry staples you probably already have. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, roast beef, or biscuits, this gravy adds perfect comfort to any meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or use olive oil for a dairy-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour works too)
  • 2 cups beef broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (use a vegan brand if needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture turns a light brown color. This is your roux, which thickens the gravy.
  3. Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking nonstop to avoid lumps.
  4. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder, stirring to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your liking.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm over your favorite dishes.

Expert Tips

For perfectly smooth gravy, be sure to whisk continuously when adding broth. If lumps do form, use a fine mesh strainer or an immersion blender. Leftover gravy thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth while reheating to loosen it back up. Scaling the recipe is easy—just double or halve the ingredients.

Storage

Store leftover brown gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Variations

  • Vegan: Substitute butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth and vegan Worcestershire sauce.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
  • Dairy-Free: Replace butter with a plant-based fat or olive oil.
  • Extra Flavor: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a splash of soy sauce for depth.

FAQ

  • Can I make brown gravy without drippings? Yes! This recipe is designed to create rich brown gravy (no drippings needed) using simple pantry ingredients.
  • What can I use instead of flour? Cornstarch or arrowroot powder are great gluten-free thickening options.
  • How do I store leftover gravy? Keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.
  • Can I use this gravy for vegetarian meals? Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and vegan Worcestershire sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Call to Action

If you loved this brown gravy (no drippings needed) recipe, don’t forget to comment below and share your favorite ways to serve it! Save this recipe for easy access and share it with friends who need a quick and delicious gravy fix.

For more simple comfort food ideas, visit our Easy Weeknight Dinners and Classic Comfort Foods sections. Learn more about gravy variations on Food Network.

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