Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed)
If you’re looking for a quick and dependable sauce to elevate your meals, this Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed) fits the bill perfectly. Unlike traditional gravy recipes that rely on meat drippings, this version uses pantry staples to create a rich, savory sauce that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or meats.
One of the best things about this recipe is how fast and easy it comes together. In less than 15 minutes, you can have a velvety brown gravy that tastes like it’s been simmered for hours. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights or anytime you want comfort food without fuss.
Why You’ll Love It
This Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed) is incredibly versatile and forgiving. It’s thick, flavorful, and made without needing roast drippings, which means it’s accessible for vegetarians who use vegetable broth or anyone who doesn’t always have meat drippings on hand. Plus, you can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
The smooth texture makes it ideal for pouring over mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, meatloaf, or even biscuits. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it whenever you need a quick boost to your meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (substitute with vegan butter for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour blend if needed)
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian options)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for a vegan variation)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce; stir to combine well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; remove from heat and serve warm.
For more quick and comforting sauces, check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners and try pairing this gravy with a Classic Meatloaf Recipe or Creamy Mashed Potatoes.
For additional inspiration on making sauces without drippings, visit Food Network.
Expert Tips
Make sure to whisk continuously when adding the broth to avoid lumps. If your gravy becomes too thick, simply add a splash more broth or water to thin it out. For a richer flavor, try browning the flour a bit longer for a deeper color and nuttier taste.
You can prepare this gravy in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and whisk in extra broth if it has thickened too much.
Storage
Store leftover brown gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove, whisking to restore smoothness.
Variations
- Vegan: Use vegan butter and vegetable broth, swap Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce or tamari.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt.
FAQ
- Can I make Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed) ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
- What can I use if I don’t have beef broth?
- Chicken or vegetable broth both work well depending on your flavor preference.
- How can I thicken my gravy if it’s too thin?
- Mix a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water, then whisk into the simmering gravy until thickened.
- Is this Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed) suitable for vegetarians?
- Yes, by using vegetable broth and substituting Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative.
- Why use this gravy over traditional drippings-based gravy?
- This recipe is convenient, requires no roasting pan drippings, and is great if you want a quick sauce without meat juices.
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