Name: Brown Gravy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup Flour; 2 tablespoons Butter; 2 cups Beef Broth; 1 teaspoon Beef Bouillon (paste or powder); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Onion Powder; Salt & Pepper (to taste)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Brown Gravy. I can remember the first time I made it; it was one of those chilly evenings where all I wanted was something rich and savory to accompany my dinner. As I stood over the stove, the aroma of melting butter and flour filled the kitchen, instantly making me feel at home. The process is simple, but the result is nothing short of magical. Each time I whip up a batch, it brings back fond memories of family gatherings, where gravy was a staple on the table, drizzled generously over mashed potatoes and meatloaf. It’s a dish that’s not just about taste; it’s about nostalgia and warmth.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
8 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
3 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
80 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
6 g

Tools Used:
Large Pot, Saucepan, Frying Pan, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

The Charm of This Brown Gravy

1. A Flavorful Base

The foundation of Brown Gravy is a roux made from flour and butter. This simple mixture forms the base, lending a nutty depth to the flavor. The key is to whisk it until it reaches a golden-brown hue, which adds complexity to the dish.

2. Perfectly Seasoned

What I love most about this recipe is how easily it can be tailored to suit your taste. With a touch of beef bouillon and Worcestershire sauce, you can easily adjust the seasoning to create your desired flavor profile. This flexibility means that every batch can be unique!

3. Quick and Easy

One of the best aspects of Brown Gravy is its speed. In just a few minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a rich, luscious sauce. It’s perfect for those weeknight dinners when you need something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

4. A Versatile Companion

This gravy isn’t just for one dish; it’s incredibly versatile! Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or even a meatloaf, it elevates any meal. I often prepare extra just to have on hand for leftover nights.

5. Comfort Food Essential

In many households, Brown Gravy is considered a comfort food essential, often associated with family gatherings and holiday dinners. There’s something undeniably heartwarming about seeing a sauce that brings everyone together around the table.

Brown Gravy Ingredients

Every ingredient in Brown Gravy plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The combination of flour, butter, and broth creates a rich sauce that enhances any dish. Let’s explore the key players:

1/4 cup Flour: The backbone of our gravy, flour helps thicken the mixture, creating that luxurious texture we all love.
2 tablespoons Butter: Adds richness and a depth of flavor, making the gravy smooth and creamy.
2 cups Beef Broth: The star of the show, beef broth enriches the gravy with savory meat flavors.
1 teaspoon Beef Bouillon: Enhances the beef flavor, ensuring a robust taste in every bite.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of this sauce adds tanginess and a hint of umami that elevates the overall flavor profile.
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle background flavor that complements the beef.
1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth, balancing the savory notes.
Salt & Pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together!

How to Make Brown Gravy

Making Brown Gravy is a delightful experience that anyone can master. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of this tasty sauce!

Start by adding the butter to a medium-sized saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it’s fully melted, creating a luscious base.
Once the butter has melted, sprinkle in the flour. Stir it continuously with a whisk until the mixture thickens and turns a beautiful golden brown color, forming a roux. This step is crucial for developing that rich flavor!
Next, pour in the beef broth while whisking vigorously. It’s important to keep stirring to prevent any lumps from forming, resulting in a smooth gravy.
Season your gravy with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the flavor profile to your liking.
Now, allow the gravy to simmer for a few minutes, letting it thicken to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Add the beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re fully combined.
Continue whisking as you bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This process will further enhance the flavors as they meld together.
Allow the gravy to simmer for several minutes, checking the consistency. If it’s too thick, you can always whisk in a little more broth to loosen it up.
Once you’re happy with the thickness, season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Don’t forget to taste as you go!
Finally, serve your Brown Gravy warm, drizzling it generously over your favorite dishes. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors!

Things Worth Knowing

Texture Matters: Ensure your roux is cooked just right. A deep golden color indicates a well-developed flavor.
Whisk Constantly: This helps prevent lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth gravy.
Adjust Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, gradually whisk in more broth until you achieve your desired thickness.
Store Correctly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Expert Tips about Brown Gravy

Creating the perfect Brown Gravy can be made easier with a few expert tips. Here’s how to elevate your dish:

Storage: Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Freezing: You can freeze Brown Gravy for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Pairing: Brown Gravy pairs well with a variety of dishes. It’s fantastic over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or roasted vegetables.
Consistency Tips: If your gravy turns out too thin, try simmering it a bit longer to thicken, or add a slurry of flour and water for a quick fix.
Flavor Customization: Feel free to add fresh herbs or spices to your gravy for a personal twist. Thyme or rosemary can add a lovely aromatic flavor.

How to Serve Brown Gravy

Serving Brown Gravy can transform a meal into something special. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Over Mashed Potatoes: There’s nothing quite like a generous ladle of Brown Gravy over a fluffy pile of mashed potatoes. This classic combo is always a crowd-pleaser.
With Meatloaf: Drizzle gravy over your favorite meatloaf recipe for an added layer of flavor and moisture.
On Roasted Vegetables: Use Brown Gravy as a sauce for roasted vegetables, making them extra delicious and appealing.
At Family Gatherings: Brown Gravy is perfect for holiday meals or family gatherings, often served alongside turkey or roast beef.
As a Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dipping sauce for biscuits or dinner rolls, making every bite more flavorful.
Comfort Food Nights: Enjoy it atop a hearty dish like shepherd’s pie or over rice for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

FAQ

Brown gravy is typically made from a combination of flour, butter, and beef broth. The process starts with creating a roux by cooking flour in melted butter, then gradually whisking in beef broth until the mixture thickens. Additional ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder are often added for flavor. This simple yet delicious sauce pairs perfectly with various dishes.

Absolutely! While traditional brown gravy often uses beef broth, you can easily substitute it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. The roux remains the same, and you can still add the same seasonings, like garlic powder and onion powder, to enhance the flavor. This way, you can enjoy the savory goodness of gravy without any meat-based ingredients.

If your brown gravy turns out too thin, there are several ways to thicken it. The most common method is to let it simmer for a bit longer, which allows it to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts of flour and cold water, then whisk it into the hot gravy. This will help achieve the desired consistency without affecting the flavor.

To store leftover brown gravy, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Transfer the cooled gravy to a freezer-safe container, and it should be good for about three months. Just remember to reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Conclusion

In summary, Brown Gravy is a classic comfort food that can elevate any meal with its rich and savory flavor. It’s versatile and easy to make, making it a must-try recipe for those cozy family dinners. I encourage you to give it a go—you won’t regret it! Whether served over mashed potatoes or meatloaf, this tasty gravy is sure to delight your taste buds.

Brown Gravy

The ultimate comfort food, Brown Gravy is a creamy, savory delight that elevates any meal. Perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes or meatloaf, this easy weeknight sauce will satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight for a warm, homey touch!

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 3

Total Time 8

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 80

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1/4 cup Flour
2 tablespoons Butter
2 cups Beef Broth
1 teaspoon Beef Bouillon paste or powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
Salt & Pepper to taste

Equipment

Large Pot
Saucepan
Frying pan
Whisk
Mixing Bowl

Method

Start by adding the butter to a medium-sized saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it's fully melted, creating a luscious base.
Once the butter has melted, sprinkle in the flour. Stir it continuously with a whisk until the mixture thickens and turns a beautiful golden brown color, forming a roux. This step is crucial for developing that rich flavor!
Next, pour in the beef broth while whisking vigorously. It's important to keep stirring to prevent any lumps from forming, resulting in a smooth gravy.
Season your gravy with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the flavor profile to your liking.
Now, allow the gravy to simmer for a few minutes, letting it thicken to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Add the beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re fully combined.
Continue whisking as you bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This process will further enhance the flavors as they meld together.
Allow the gravy to simmer for several minutes, checking the consistency. If it’s too thick, you can always whisk in a little more broth to loosen it up.
Once you’re happy with the thickness, season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Don’t forget to taste as you go!
Finally, serve your Brown Gravy warm, drizzling it generously over your favorite dishes. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors!

Notes

Make sure to store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. You can freeze Brown Gravy for up to three months, just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. If your gravy turns out too thin, try simmering it longer to thicken or add a slurry of flour and water for a quick fix. Feel free to add fresh herbs or spices for a personal twist!