**Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe** Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a deeply savory, silky gravy but didn’t have a roast or pan drippings on hand, you’re about to fall in love with this Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe. This is my secret weapon for instantly elevating everything from mashed potatoes to weeknight meatloaf, all in just 15 minutes. The best part? It’s packed with bold, beefy flavor, thanks to a few pantry staples and one clever trick for building rich color and taste—no meat juices required. Whether you’re meal prepping or just need gravy in a pinch, this recipe is pure comfort, every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s real magic in how a short list of humble ingredients can create such a rich, velvety sauce. Each component is chosen for its ability to bring depth, body, and irresistible umami to your Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the gravy a silky texture and lets you control the saltiness.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the roux, thickening your gravy to that perfect, spoon-coating consistency.
- Beef broth (low-sodium): The foundation of beefy flavor; low-sodium lets you adjust the salt to taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds bold, savory depth and a hint of tang.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor, mimicking the aromatic sweetness of slow-cooked onions.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go for perfect balance.
- Soy sauce (optional): Deepens the color and amps up the umami factor; use if you want extra richness.
How to Make Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe
Step 1: Start with the Roux
Begin by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly. Give it 2 to 3 minutes—this is where you build the nutty, toasted flavor and get that gorgeous golden base that sets this Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe apart. Don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Whisk in the Broth
Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking the entire time to prevent any lumps. This gradual approach is the secret to a smooth, glossy gravy. Keep whisking until everything is fully combined and you can see the mixture thickening up.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Simmer
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and the optional soy sauce if you’re after an even deeper hue and flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for 4 to 6 minutes. Stir often—your kitchen will start to smell incredible as the flavors meld and the gravy thickens.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Now’s the time to make it your own. Add salt and black pepper to taste. If you want your Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe extra creamy, swirl in a splash of heavy cream or, for more body, a cornstarch slurry. Taste again, and don’t be afraid to tweak the seasoning until it’s just right.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Pour your finished gravy into a serving bowl or straight onto your favorite comfort foods. It’s ready to drizzle over mashed potatoes, steak, meatloaf, or whatever else needs a touch of homemade love.
How to Serve Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, sliced chives, or a grind of black pepper over your gravy. These little touches add color and a fresh aroma, making your Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
This gravy is made for classic pairings: think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or slices of meatloaf. It also makes a fantastic dip for French fries or crusty bread if you’re feeling a little indulgent!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving it in a small gravy boat for an elegant look at holiday dinners, or ladle it into individual ramekins for dipping. For a fun twist, drizzle it over open-faced sandwiches or use it as a base for a shepherd’s pie. The Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe is as versatile as you want it to be.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra gravy cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The flavors will actually deepen as it sits, making your leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Pour the cooled gravy into freezer-safe containers or silicone ice cube trays for smaller portions. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, whisking to restore its smoothness. If the gravy seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water until it loosens up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make this Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Everything else in the recipe should be naturally gluten-free as well—just double-check your Worcestershire and soy sauces to be sure.
What if my gravy turns out lumpy?
No worries! If lumps sneak in, just pass the finished gravy through a fine mesh sieve or use an immersion blender to smooth it out. Next time, make sure to whisk continuously as you add the broth, pouring slowly.
Can I use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
You can, but keep in mind the flavor profile will change. Beef broth gives this recipe its signature depth, but chicken or veggie broth works in a pinch—just expect a lighter color and taste.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If your Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe isn’t quite as thick as you’d like, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering gravy. It’ll thicken up in just a minute or two.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead for a holiday meal?
Definitely! You can make the gravy a day or two in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It holds up beautifully, freeing you up to focus on the rest of your feast.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about pouring rich, homemade gravy over your favorite dishes, and this Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe is proof that you don’t need a roast to make it happen. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and flavorful it is, and I have a feeling it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
**Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe** Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings recipe is an easy and flavorful homemade gravy made from scratch using beef broth and a simple roux. Perfect as a savory topping for mashed potatoes, meatloaf, steak, or roasted vegetables, this gravy offers rich taste without the need for meat drippings, making it a convenient and versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for deeper color and umami)
Instructions
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and continue whisking constantly for 2–3 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, forming the base roux for the gravy.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in the beef broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Season: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and soy sauce if using. These ingredients add depth and enhance the savory flavor of the gravy.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking for 4–6 minutes while stirring often until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the gravy and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the gravy warm, ideally poured over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, steak, or roasted vegetables for a rich and comforting meal addition.
Notes
- For a richer gravy, use half beef broth and half water with a beef bouillon cube.
- Add a splash of heavy cream for a creamier texture.
- If you need extra thickness, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
