If you’re searching for a rich, velvety sauce that elevates every bite of your meal, look no further than this delightful Beef Broth Brown Gravy Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of savory beef broth, aromatic garlic and onion powders, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce that comes together in under 15 minutes. This gravy is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor that brings warmth and comfort to your plate, making it the perfect companion for meats, mashed potatoes, or even roasted veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, this Beef Broth Brown Gravy Recipe only requires a handful of simple pantry staples, each chosen to build layers of flavor and a luscious texture. These ingredients work harmoniously to create a gravy that’s both rich in taste and beautifully smooth in finish.
- 2 cups beef broth: The star of this recipe, providing a deep, meaty base rich in flavor. Using beef dripping from a roast is a fantastic alternative for an even heartier taste.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a subtle punch of savory goodness without overpowering the gravy.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the depth of flavor with a gentle sweetness and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional): Delivers a tangy, umami boost that really rounds out the taste profile.
- ¼ cup cold water + 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent to give the gravy a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the layers of flavor exactly to your liking.
How to Make Beef Broth Brown Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Bring the broth to a boil
Start by pouring your beef broth into a medium saucepan and bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat. This is when the magic begins, as the liquid starts to concentrate and the flavors intensify. Then stir in your garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce, if you’re using it. These seasonings dissolve and mingle with the broth, infusing it with mouthwatering aromas.
Step 2: Thicken with cornstarch slurry
While the broth comes to a boil, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into the bubbling broth, reducing the heat to medium-low immediately after. Stir constantly to make sure the gravy thickens evenly without any lumps. You’ll see it transform into a glossy, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to whatever you serve it on.
Step 3: Season to perfection
Now is the time to season your gravy with salt and pepper. Add a pinch, taste, and adjust as needed—that personal touch is what elevates this gravy to next-level deliciousness. Taste again before you finish to ensure it’s perfectly seasoned, allowing all those flavors to shine through softly but distinctly.
How to Serve Beef Broth Brown Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can make your gravy feel extra special. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while a few cracked black pepper flakes on top provide a subtle bite. These little touches not only enhance appearance but also layer additional flavor notes that make every spoonful a joy.
Side Dishes
This beef broth brown gravy pairs famously with classic comfort foods. Pour it generously over creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or even crispy fried onions. It’s the perfect finishing sauce for pan-seared steaks, roasted chicken, or meatloaf, melding together every component on your plate in a cozy, satisfying way.
Creative Ways to Present
Try drizzling this gravy over a loaf of warm bread or using it as a dipping sauce for soft pretzels. You can also incorporate it into casseroles or shepherd’s pies for a luscious, homey flavor boost. Don’t be afraid to experiment—its smooth texture and hearty flavor make it incredibly versatile in both traditional and inventive dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover gravy, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days, maintaining that lovely depth of flavor. Give it a good stir before reheating as some thickening may settle at the bottom.
Freezing
This Beef Broth Brown Gravy Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will last up to three months in the freezer, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Reheating
Reheat your gravy gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent lumps and ensure even warming. If it’s too thick after thawing, whisk in a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. This way, it tastes just as amazing as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use homemade beef broth for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade beef broth will add a wonderful depth and natural richness to your Brown Gravy. Just make sure it is well-strained and flavorful to maximize the taste.
Is it necessary to use Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce is optional but highly recommended for that extra umami kick. If you don’t have it, your gravy will still be delicious, just a bit simpler in flavor.
Can I make this gravy gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free cornstarch and beef broth, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it gets too thick, simply whisk in a little more broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I add fresh herbs to this Beef Broth Brown Gravy Recipe?
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added during the simmering process to infuse subtle herbal notes. Just remember to strain them out before serving for a smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Broth Brown Gravy Recipe is truly a keeper. It’s straightforward to make, versatile, and packed with comforting flavors that make any meal feel like a special occasion. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it becomes a beloved staple in every home kitchen.
Print
Beef Broth Brown Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Beef Broth Brown Gravy is a quick and savory sauce made from beef broth, enriched with garlic and onion powders, and thickened with cornstarch. Perfect for pouring over meats, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, this gravy delivers deep, comforting flavors in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Gravy Ingredients
- 2 cups beef broth (you can also use beef dripping from a roast)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- ¼ cup cold water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring broth to boil: In a medium saucepan, bring the beef broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce to infuse the broth with savory depth.
- Make slurry and thicken: In a small bowl, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch until fully dissolved. Gradually pour this mixture into the boiling beef broth while stirring continuously. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season and serve: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring the flavor is balanced and rich. Serve the hot gravy immediately over your favorite meats or potatoes.
Notes
- Using beef dripping instead of broth adds extra richness.
- Worcestershire sauce is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Make sure to whisk the cornstarch and water well to avoid lumps.
- Keep stirring while adding the slurry to prevent the gravy from clumping.
- Gravy can be kept warm over low heat; stir occasionally to maintain smoothness.
