Homemade Brown Gravy Without Drippings Recipe – Rich & Savory

When crafting a delectable brown gravy without drippings, home cooks can unlock a world of savory possibilities.

Kitchen magic happens with simple pantry ingredients and clever techniques.

Beef broth provides a rich, deep foundation for this classic sauce.

Whisking flour and butter creates a smooth roux that develops incredible depth of flavor.

Salt, pepper, and optional herbs can customize the gravy to match your culinary vision.

Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle umami kick that elevates the entire dish.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Grab a whisk and let’s transform your meal with this incredible gravy.

Rich Brown Gravy Without Drippings Recipe

• Speed Up Meal Prep: Create rich, delicious brown gravy without waiting for meat drippings, perfect for quick family dinners or last-minute meal solutions.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder to match your taste preferences and complement different dishes.
• Budget-Friendly Technique: Transform basic pantry ingredients like butter, cornstarch, and beef stock into a restaurant-quality sauce without expensive additional components.
• Versatile Kitchen Hack: Use this gravy as a savory topping for mashed potatoes, roasted meats, meatloaf, or as a delicious dipping sauce for bread and proteins.

Ingredients for Brown Gravy Without Drippings

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that helps develop the gravy's depth of flavor.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that creates a smooth and silky texture for the gravy.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: A trio of flavor enhancers that add savory and aromatic notes to the brown gravy.

• Beef Stock: The primary liquid component that provides a robust and meaty foundation for the gravy.

• Black Pepper: A classic seasoning that adds a subtle heat and sharpness to balance the gravy's richness.

How to Make Smooth Brown Gravy Without Drippings

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Base

Heat a large saucepan over medium flame and melt the butter until it becomes smooth and golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning, letting the butter develop a light, rich aroma.

Step 2: Create Cornstarch Roux

Sprinkle cornstarch into the melted butter, stirring continuously. Toast the cornstarch until it transforms into a light golden-brown color, releasing a nutty fragrance that signals it’s perfectly prepared.

Step 3: Introduce Flavor Boosters

• Worcestershire sauce
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Beef stock

Stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients blend seamlessly and create a harmonious base.

Step 4: Whisk and Develop Texture

Grab a whisk and blend the ingredients with vigorous, consistent motion.

This technique prevents lumps and helps the cornstarch integrate smoothly with the beef stock.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Continue whisking the gravy for 5-7 minutes over medium heat.

Watch as the liquid gradually transforms into a rich, velvety consistency. The gravy will naturally thicken and develop deeper color.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Sprinkle black pepper to taste, giving the gravy a final burst of flavor. Stir one last time and serve the gravy warm, ready to complement your favorite dishes.

Tips for Perfect Brown Gravy Every Time

• Heat butter slowly to prevent burning and develop a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the gravy's depth.
• Lightly toast cornstarch to eliminate raw flour taste and create a deeper, more complex brown gravy profile.
• Continuously whisk to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky texture that coats your dishes perfectly.
• Use high-quality beef stock for maximum flavor intensity, considering low-sodium options to control salt levels.
• Adjust gravy thickness by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding more stock for a thinner consistency.

Variations of Brown Gravy Without Drippings

• Classic Herb Enriched: Enhance the gravy by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage during the seasoning stage for a robust herbal flavor profile.
• Mushroom Umami Boost: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms with butter before adding cornstarch to create a deep, earthy undertone in the gravy.
• Smoky Bacon Infusion: Crisp and crumble bacon, then incorporate the rendered fat and bacon bits into the gravy for a rich, smoky essence.
• Red Wine Depth: Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning cornstarch to introduce complex, sophisticated notes to the brown gravy.

Pairings That Go Well with Brown Gravy

• Pair Savory Beef Comfort Classics: Rich, hearty gravy calls for classic meat companions that complement its deep flavors.
• Serve with Roasted Proteins: Perfectly match this gravy with tender roast beef, crispy chicken, golden-brown meatloaf, or juicy pork chops for maximum satisfaction.
• Match with Hearty Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or fluffy rice provide excellent bases to soak up the delicious gravy goodness.
• Select Complementary Beverages: Full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or robust dark beers such as stouts enhance the gravy's robust flavor profile, creating a delightful dining experience.

Proper Storage for Brown Gravy Without Drippings

Transfer leftover gravy to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Pour cooled gravy into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.

Place gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when gravy reaches desired temperature.

Warm gravy in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of beef stock if gravy seems too thick, whisking until smooth and heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use vegetable stock instead of beef stock?

Yes, you can substitute beef stock with vegetable stock, but the flavor will be less rich and meaty.

• How can I prevent lumps in my gravy?

Continuously whisk the mixture and add stock gradually while stirring to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.

• What if my gravy is too thick?

Simply add more beef stock, a little at a time, and whisk until you reach the desired thickness.

• Is cornstarch necessary for this gravy?

Cornstarch is crucial for thickening the gravy and creating a smooth texture. Without it, your gravy will be thin and watery.

Brown Gravy Without Drippings Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory brown gravy without drippings brings comfort to your dinner table with rich, velvety goodness. Pantry staples blend seamlessly to create a classic sauce you’ll love alongside roasted meats and mashed potatoes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Base:

• 4 cups (960 ml) beef stock

Thickening Agents:

• 1/4 cup (56 grams) butter
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch

Seasoning Blend:

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Place a large saucepan on medium heat and gently melt butter until it becomes smooth and slightly foamy.
2. Sprinkle cornstarch into the melted butter, stirring continuously to create a golden-hued roux with a nutty aroma.
3. Pour beef stock into the pan, integrating it gradually while incorporating Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder.
4. Whisk the mixture vigorously to eliminate any potential lumps, ensuring a silky smooth consistency.
5. Maintain steady whisking for 5-7 minutes, observing the gravy gradually thickening and developing a rich, glossy texture.
6. Adjust seasoning by adding freshly ground black pepper, tasting and fine-tuning to personal preference.
7. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving vessel, ready to complement roasted meats or other savory dishes.

Notes

• Carefully melt butter at medium heat to prevent burning and achieve a rich, nutty flavor base for the gravy.
• Lightly brown cornstarch before adding liquid to enhance depth of flavor and eliminate raw starch taste.
• Use warm beef stock to prevent lumps and ensure smooth gravy consistency when mixing with cornstarch.
• Swap butter with plant-based margarine and use vegetable stock for a vegetarian-friendly version of the gravy.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 55 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 3.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4.6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg