Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed)
If you’re looking for an easy, rich, and flavorful sauce without using meat drippings, this Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed) recipe is for you. It’s perfect for everything from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables and adds comforting depth to any meal. Within minutes, you can whip up a smooth and savory gravy that’s sure to become a kitchen staple. No need to wait for pan drippings or complicated reductions.
Why You’ll Love It
This brown gravy recipe is quick, simple, and uses pantry staples. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want homemade flavor without the fuss. Plus, it’s versatile—great over Easy Weeknight Dinners, roasted meats, or even fries. By skipping drippings, it suits a wide range of diets and can be adjusted easily for gluten-free or vegan variants.
Ingredients
- 4 cups beef broth – use low sodium for better control
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter – substitute with vegan butter for dairy-free
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – gluten-free flour works too
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (check ingredients to ensure gluten-free)
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste and remove from heat.
Serve hot over your favorite dishes, and enjoy the rich flavor of brown gravy without needing meat drippings.
For more comforting sauces, check out our homemade gravy recipes.
Expert Tips
To avoid lumps, always whisk the flour into melted butter first before adding liquid. Use a whisk to slowly add broth, stirring continuously. If your gravy gets too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or water. Taste as you go—broth saltiness varies, so adjust salt last. For extra depth, a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor.
Storage
Store leftover brown gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
Variations
- Vegan: Use vegetable broth and vegan butter; replace Worcestershire sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and omit added salt; enhance flavor with herbs.
FAQ
- Can I make Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed) ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.
- What can I use instead of beef broth?
- Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter or vegan version.
- How do I prevent lumps in my brown gravy?
- Whisk the flour into melted butter before slowly adding broth and stir constantly.
- Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?
- It adds a depth of flavor but can be substituted with soy sauce or tamari if preferred.
- Can I thicken this gravy more?
- Yes, mix a little extra flour or cornstarch with water and whisk it in, cooking until thickened.
Call to Action
Have you tried this Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed) recipe? Leave a comment below with your thoughts and any tweaks you made. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next meal and share it with friends who love great sauces!
For more delicious sauces and easy recipes, visit our Dips & Sauces section.
External references:
Food Network, Serious Eats
