The Best Homemade Beef Gravy Recipe (How to Make Brown Gravy) (2024)

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The Best Homemade Beef Gravy – Here’s an easy recipe for how to make classic (gluten free!) brown gravy that’s great to enjoy with potatoes, noodles, sandwiches, or nearly any side dish!

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Why We Love This Gravy Recipe

If you are having a true down-home comfort food dinner there has to be a bowl of gravy on the table. It’s the best friend of nearly any carb, from fluffy potatoes to tender noodles, and all the good stuff (like stuffing!) in between. A great gravy adds delicious flavor and that *something extra* that every meal needs.

This is a super simple Homemade Brown Beef Gravy recipe that will give you all the cozy and yummy feels. It is made with only a handful of pantry staples, like cornstarch, and is a gluten-free gravy that’s smooth and luscious. We also add a splash of cooking sherry for a deeply savory, slightly sweet, and rich flavor. I promise you’ll never buy processed gravy packets again after getting a taste of this.

The brown gravy is easy to cook in one pot in less than 10 minutes. Stir up a batch and ladle it over beef recipes with your favorite side dishes, or use it as a dip for sandwiches. Whatever floats your (gravy) boat!

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Ingredients You Need

  • Butter – unsalted
  • Cornstarch – for a gluten-free beef gravy recipe
  • Worcestershire sauce – for that deep beefy, savory flavor
  • Cooking sherry – optional, but highly recommended
  • Spices – onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
  • Beef stock – store-bought or try our Homemade Beef Consommé
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How to Make Beef Gravy from Scratch

Set a large sauté pan over medium heat.Add the butter, cornstarch, onion powder, and garlic powder.

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Then add Worcestershire sauce and sherry.

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Whisk in the beef broth as the butter melts.

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Continue to whisk as the gravy thickens into your desired consistency, approximately 5 to 8 minutes.

Get the Complete (Printable) Beef Brown Gravy Recipe Below. Enjoy!

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Taste, then salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.

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Serving Suggestions

This easy brown gravy recipe is great to make as an accompaniment to all kinds of side dishes and sandwiches. Here are a few ideas of what to serve beef gravy with:

  • Best Mashed Potatoes
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Baked Potatoes
  • Stuffing in a Bundt Pan
  • Meatballs and egg noodles
  • Steak
  • Beef Sandwiches
  • Chopped Steak
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Recipe Variations and Tips

  • Want extra dark brown gravy? Add 1 teaspoon of beef base to this recipe.
  • Make this a dairy free beef gravy recipe by swapping butter with a plant-based alternative.
  • To avoid clumping we suggest starting with cold stock from the fridge. Another great way to prevent clumping is to add the cornstarch to the beef broth and whisk well before pouring it into the pan!
  • Don’t stop whisking! The key to a perfectly smooth beef gravy is to let it slowly heat up while you whisk constantly. This blends in the cornstarch and butter without any “breaking” (AKA butter separating).
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is beef gravy the same as brown gravy?

Yes, the names are interchangeable. Both are made with beef, and both are brown. :)

Is country gravy the same as brown gravy?

No, these are not the same. Beef gravy recipes include stock and cornstarch for a thinner consistency. Country gravy is made with flour and milk and is often a white color – which is why it’s also known as white gravy.

How long do leftovers last?

Homemade gravy will keep well for up to 4 or 5 days in the fridge. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a container with a lid and placing it in the refrigerator.

What is the best way to reheat homemade beef gravy?

Microwave the gravy in short 20-second bursts at 50% power. Stir between each burst, and serve once warmed throughout.

Reheat on the stovetop in a small sauce pot over low heat, stirring frequently.

Add a splash of water or stock to the gravy if it seems a bit thick when reheating.

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Looking for More of the Best Retro Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:

  • Apple Cider Turkey Gravy
  • Espagnole Sauce (Demi Glace Recipe)
  • How to Make Marinara Sauce
  • Homemade Creamy Pesto
  • How to Make Vegetable Stock

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Easy Beef Gravy Recipe (How to Make Brown Gravy)

Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 8 minutes minutes

Here's an easy recipe for how to make classic (gluten free) beef brown gravy that's great to enjoy with potatoes, noodles, sandwiches, or nearly any side dish!

Servings: 8 servings (2 cups total)

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Set a large sauté pan over medium heat.

  • Add the butter, cornstarch, Worcestershire sauce, optional sherry, onion powder, garlic powder, and beef stock. Whisk the cornstarch into the beef broth as the butter melts.

  • Continue to whisk as the gravy thickens into your desired consistency, approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Taste, then salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

Want extra dark brown gravy? Add 1 teaspoon of beef base to this recipe.

Homemade gravy will keep well for up to 4 or 5 days in the fridge. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a container with a lid and placing it in the refrigerator.

To reheat: Microwave the gravy in short 20-second bursts at 50% power. Stir between each burst, and serve once warmed throughout. Reheat on the stovetop in a small sauce pot over low heat, stirring frequently.

Add a splash of water or stock to the gravy if it seems a bit thick when reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25c, Calories: 88kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 325mg, Potassium: 265mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 177IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 1mg

Course: Condiment, Main, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Author: Sommer Collier

Making this recipe?Follow us on Instagram and tag @ASpicyPerspective so we can share what you’re cooking!

This site contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission.

The Best Homemade Beef Gravy Recipe (How to Make Brown Gravy) (2024)

FAQs

How do I make my gravy more brown? ›

To make dark brown beef gravy, cook the roux even longer (but at a lower temperature) until it's a dark color with a nutty aroma. Then use beef broth or beef juices to make your gravy.

What is the difference between brown gravy and beef gravy? ›

What is the difference between brown gravy and beef gravy? A brown gravy comes from any brown stock, whereas beef gravy always comes from beef stock specifically. In other words, all beef gravy is a brown gravy but not all brown gravy is beef gravy.

What is brown gravy mix made of? ›

Ingredients. MODIFIED CORN STARCH, WHEAT FLOUR, HYDROLYZED SOY AND CORN PROTEIN, CORN STARCH, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, PALM OIL, SALT, CARAMEL COLOR, YEAST EXTRACT, ONION POWDER, SUGAR, NATURAL FLAVOR, GARLIC POWDER, MALTODEXTRIN, SPICES, MONOGLYCERIDES, CHICKEN FAT, BEEF FAT, DISODIUM INOSINATE AND DISODIUM GUANYLATE.

What can you put in gravy to make it dark? ›

Add the chicken broth, beef broth, beef bouillon, onion and garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine. Optional: If a darker color is desired, add 2-3 drops of Kitchen Bouquet browning and seasoning sauce. (Gravy Master works well too.)

How do you darken beef gravy? ›

the traditional method for darkening broth, stock, gravy, and bouillon was to use burnt sugar. Just a little bit will do, depending on how large of a batch you are making. Heat sugar and 1 Tablespoon water over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.

What can you add to homemade gravy to make it taste better? ›

Boost the flavor of gravy by simmering it over low heat with fresh herbs, like thyme, sage, parsley, or bay leaf. Strain the gravy before serving.

What thickens brown gravy? ›

If your gravy is on the skimpy side, you can thicken it quickly with flour or cornstarch. But don't add your thickener directly to the gravy, which will create lumps. Instead, try stirring in three or four tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water until you have a smooth paste.

What can I substitute for brown gravy mix? ›

DIY Brown Gravy Packet Mix 2 Tablespoons equals one packet Ingredients 3 tablespoons beef (or chicken bouillon) granules 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS to make Gravy (for each batch): 4-1/2 teaspoons butter 3/4 cup cold water Directions In a small bowl, ...

What is gravy browning made of? ›

Made from caramel, molasses and spices, gravy browning is used for giving gravies in England an appetising brown colour. It comes as a dark-brown liquid or powder. It was popular in the first half of the twentieth century, but is not widely used nowadays. Do not confuse gravy browning with gravy powder.

How to improve brown gravy mix? ›

12 Ways To Make Store-Bought Gravy Taste Homemade
  1. Add flavorful brown butter. ...
  2. Swirl some cognac into the mix. ...
  3. Savory drippings will elevate gravy. ...
  4. Wine makes gravy taste divine. ...
  5. Sprinkle in some herbs. ...
  6. Roasted garlic will give gravy pungency. ...
  7. Blend in the earthy essence of mushrooms. ...
  8. Incorporate a splash of vermouth.
Nov 13, 2023

What is traditional gravy made of? ›

At the most basic level, gravy is a simple pan sauce that requires liquid and a thickener. Traditional turkey gravy usually has fat, flour, and stock. You can make excellent turkey gravy with just those ingredients, plus salt and pepper for seasoning.

Why is my brown gravy watery? ›

Cook the gravy longer.

If the consistency of your gravy isn't what you want, try simmering the gravy a bit longer to help evaporate some of the liquids. If the gravy still hasn't thickened to your liking after about 10 minutes or so, it's now time to try a thickening agent.

What is a substitute for browning sauce in gravy? ›

Two popular brands are Kitchen Bouquet and Gravy Master. If you can't locate browning sauce, you can make your own at home (more on how to do that in a minute!). You can also substitute store-bought gravy powder, make a dark roux or substitute other dark-colored liquids like Worcestershire, molasses or soy sauce.

How do you brighten beef gravy? ›

Add a Splash of Wine

A couple of tablespoons of dry white wine brightens up lighter poultry gravy, while red wine adds complexity to beef and pork gravy.

What can I use for gravy browning? ›

Two popular brands are Kitchen Bouquet and Gravy Master. If you can't locate browning sauce, you can make your own at home (more on how to do that in a minute!). You can also substitute store-bought gravy powder, make a dark roux or substitute other dark-colored liquids like Worcestershire, molasses or soy sauce.

What will thicken brown gravy? ›

If your gravy is on the skimpy side, you can thicken it quickly with flour or cornstarch. But don't add your thickener directly to the gravy, which will create lumps. Instead, try stirring in three or four tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water until you have a smooth paste.

What can I use instead of gravy darkener? ›

Instant coffee can provide a similar browning effect as Kitchen Bouquet, which can be particularly useful in recipes where a dark brown color is essential, such as gravies or stews.

How do I darken my beef stew? ›

Soy Sauce. If you're looking for a darker flavor and deeper color for beef stew, a little bit of soy sauce adds depth and interest.

References

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