Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed) – Easy Homemade Sauce

Why You’ll Love It

Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed) is a simple, reliable sauce that brings classic flavor to your meals without requiring pan drippings. It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for busy weeknights or holiday dinners. This gravy is thick, rich, and luscious, making it a perfect match for mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and meats.

Whether you’re vegetarian-friendly or just out of pan drippings, this recipe gives you that comforting brown gravy flavor using only pantry staples. For more meal inspiration, check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners or try pairing it with fluffy biscuits from our Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups beef broth (substitute vegetable broth for vegan)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, adds depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux; cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
3. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Add soy sauce, black pepper, and salt to taste; continue stirring.
5. Simmer the gravy for 8-10 minutes until thickened to your liking.
6. Remove from heat and serve warm over your favorite dishes.

Expert Tips

• For perfectly smooth gravy, whisk continuously when adding broth.
• If the gravy is too thick, thin with a little more broth or water.
• Make ahead and reheat gently; stir before serving.
• Double the recipe easily to feed a crowd.

Storage

Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding broth if it gets too thick. This gravy also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

• Vegan: Use vegan butter and vegetable broth, skip soy sauce or use tamari for gluten-free.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
• Dairy-Free: Replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine.
• Low Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and reduce or omit added salt.

FAQ

Can I make Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed) ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this gravy up to two days in advance and store it covered in the fridge.

Is this Brown Gravy (No Drippings Needed) recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth works well for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.

How do I fix lumpy gravy?

Whisk vigorously or strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove lumps.

What can I serve with this brown gravy?

It’s perfect over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, roasted vegetables, and biscuits.

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