Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed)
If you’re craving classic brown gravy but don’t have drippings on hand, this easy recipe has you covered. Brown gravy (no drippings needed) is simple to make with a few staple pantry ingredients. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or even roasted veggies. Plus, it comes together quickly with minimal fuss.
Using butter and flour as the base, this recipe creates a deep, velvety sauce enhanced with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs by swapping broth types or adding herbs and spices. Keep reading to discover why this gravy recipe will be your new go-to and get ready to impress at your next meal.
Why You’ll Love It
This brown gravy is traditionally delicious but doesn’t require pan drippings or roasting juices. It saves time without sacrificing flavor, offering a velvety and satisfying sauce that’s ideal for comfort food lovers. Because it uses common ingredients like butter, flour, and broth, it’s easy to whip up on any weeknight or for holiday dinners when you need a quick fix. It’s also versatile and customizable, with options for vegetarians and gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – gives a rich, silky base.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – thickens the gravy with a smooth texture; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- 2 cups beef broth – for robust flavor; vegetable broth works for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – adds savory depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste – enhance and balance the flavors.
Feel free to substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine for dairy-free options. For a gluten-free gravy, use a certified gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until bubbly but not browned.
- Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until the roux turns golden brown and fragrant. This step builds flavor and thickens the gravy.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, then taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your preferred consistency.
This easy method yields a smooth, classic brown gravy without any drippings needed.
Looking for more comfort food inspiration? Check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners for meals that pair perfectly with gravy.
Expert Tips
- For a darker, richer gravy, toast the flour a little longer when making the roux—but don’t let it burn.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels; adjust seasoning at the end.
- If lumps form, strain the gravy or whisk vigorously to smooth it out.
- Make ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to loosen it if needed.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings; it scales well.
Storage
Store leftover brown gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, whisking gently and adding a little broth if it thickens too much. You can also freeze gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations
- Vegan: Use vegan butter and vegetable broth. Add soy sauce or mushroom powder for extra umami.
- Gluten-Free: Replace flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, mixing with cold broth before heating.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme or rosemary while simmering for aromatic notes.
FAQ
- Can I make brown gravy without drippings?
Yes! This brown gravy (no drippings needed) recipe uses butter and broth to reproduce that rich, savory flavor without pan drippings. - What if my gravy is too thick?
Simply whisk in a little more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. - Can I use bouillon cubes instead of broth?
Absolutely. Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water according to package instructions and use in place of broth. - How long does brown gravy keep in the fridge?
It should stay fresh up to 4 days when stored in a sealed container. - Is this gravy suitable for vegetarians?
By using vegetable broth and vegan butter, this recipe can easily be made vegetarian or vegan.
Call to Action
Have you tried this brown gravy (no drippings needed) recipe? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate, save, and share it with friends and family looking for an easy, delicious gravy fix. For more recipes like this, explore our Dips & Sauces category.
For deeper cooking tips and inspiration, visit the Food Network website.
