Making brown gravy with beef broth is a surefire way to add a creamy, seasoned taste to dozens of tasty dishes. My easy beef gravy pairs with everything from roast beef to Rosemary Mashed Potatoes to beef tenderloin, and it only takes minutes to make. Say goodbye to stressful holiday dinner prep and start making gravy using my easy recipe. Before we start, please note that people refer to beef gravy using various terms, such as brown gravy, dark gravy, and beef stock gravy. Essentially, all these terms refer to the same thing, which is gravy made with beef stock, broth, or pan drippings leftover from cooking beef. You can also use beef stock instead of beef broth if you prefer making gravy from beef stock. Beef stock tends to have a thicker, milder flavor than beef broth, but you can use the two interchangeably in this recipe.
To make beef gravy with cornstarch: To make this quick gravy, you’ll need cornstarch, butter, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. And if you need to make this recipe gluten-free, you can use arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch. To make brown broth gravy with flour, simply use the same ingredients except for all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch. You may also use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free gravy recipe. Homemade beef gravy with drippings: If you prefer making gravy from drippings, save the drippings from a pot roast, steak, beef roast, prime rib, beef tenderloin, or another beef dish for future use. Then, for every 2 cups of broth, use 2-3 tablespoons of pan juices instead of butter. In some cases, you might not have as much at the bottom of the pan. If that is the case, you can use a combination of butter and pan drippings. Beef gravy with bouillon: No beef broth? No problem! You can easily make beef gravy with bouillon cubes instead of broth. I recommend using one beef bouillon cube or one teaspoon of Better Than Boullion (affiliate link) for every cup of hot water. To give your make-ahead beef gravy recipe extra rich flavor, you can also use an equal mix of beef and chicken bouillon.
Fresh herbs: Add an exquisite, garden-fresh flavor by infusing your gravy with a bouquet of fresh herbs, like thyme, sage, parsley, and rosemary. Switch up the fat: You can also use bacon fat instead of unsalted butter for extra savoriness. Or, give bold depth by adding smoky Roasted Garlic or creamy Garlic Butter. Worcestershire sauce: I use Worcestershire sauce as my secret ingredient for its sweet, vinegary undertones and umami flavors. However, you can omit it and add a splash of soy sauce, wine, or sherry as a substitute to provide a similar depth of flavor. Another option is to add ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a hint of tangy, sharp notes.
Below, you’ll find two methods to make a homemade beef gravy recipe without drippings. The first is made with flour and the second is made with cornstarch:
Using Flour
If you’re a fan of bold flavor, making gravy with beef broth and flour is the way to go. Slightly browned butter gives the mixture a rich, caramelized flavor, while its flour base helps the classic brown gravy store and reheat better. The most important thing when it comes to making DIY beef gravy with flour is to thoroughly cook the butter and flour before adding the remaining ingredients. If you skip this step, you will end up with beef gravy with raw flour taste, and let’s face it, no one wants that.
Using Cornstarch
Making beef gravy with cornstarch from scratch is quicker and easier. You use the same set of ingredients, except that you substitute plain flour with cornstarch.
Your gravy will thicken: Keep in mind that this basic beef gravy recipe will thicken as it sits. If your mixture becomes too thick, you can add a splash of beef stock or cold water while reheating it. Taste for seasoning: The key to making homemade brown gravy super flavorful is to ensure that it is properly seasoned. So, be sure to give it a taste and add extra seasoning as necessary. You may also enhance its flavor by adding other seasonings like fresh herbs or a splash of wine. Lumpy gravy: You should not end up with lumpy gravy if you are whisking it constantly. However, if your brown gravy sauce ends up having chunks of flour or cornstarch, don’t worry. You can remove them by processing the gravy with an immersion blender or running it through a strainer. The best equipment to use: When making beef gravy from scratch, it’s important to have the right equipment. If you choose to make brown gravy with cornstarch, I recommend using a medium saucepan (affiliate link). However, I suggest using a stainless steel skillet (affiliate link) to make beef gravy with flour, as you’ll need a wide area for browning your butter and making the roux. You’ll also need a roasting pan to prepare brown gravy with drippings.
Potato dishes: The rich flavor of creamy beef gravy makes it the perfect topping for potato-based dishes like Rosemary Mashed Potatoes and Mashed Potato Casserole. You can also serve easy homemade beef gravy with French fries for an effortless take on classic poutine. Beef recipes: It should come as no surprise that gravy made from beef stock makes an excellent pair with—what else?—beef! Satisfy your comfort food cravings by serving this easy recipe with meatloaf, Pot Roast, or Instant Pot Pot Roast. Or, transform your kitchen into a five-star restaurant by serving this traditional beef gravy alongside steak, beef tenderloin, Salisbury steak, or even prime rib. Poultry: With a gorgeous brown color and well-seasoned taste, this simple recipe is great alternative to turkey gravy and makes a great gravy for dozens of poultry dishes. Serve this easy homemade brown gravy with Turkey Meatloaf, Bone-in Chicken Breast, or Baked Turkey Tenderloin for a hearty weeknight meal.
