Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious yet simple way to elevate your meals, homemade beef gravy is a fantastic option. Perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, roast beef, or even as a base for a savory pot pie, this gravy recipe is quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon beef bouillon paste or powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
Total Time: 10-11 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups of gravy
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until no raw flour is visible.
3. Slowly whisk in the beef broth.
4. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Increase the heat until the gravy begins to simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to maintain the simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened, stirring often.
7. Remove from heat and serve.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have a rich and flavorful beef gravy that adds depth to any dish. Enjoy your cooking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a medium pot, place ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Heat the pot over medium heat until the butter is fully melted.
Step 2: Whisk in the Flour
Add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to the melted butter. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and no raw flour is visible.
Step 3: Incorporate the Beef Broth
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth. Ensure that it is well combined with the flour mixture.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
Stir in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of beef bouillon paste or powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Begin to Simmer
Increase the heat until the gravy starts to simmer gently.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring often until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the pot from heat. The gravy is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage
Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Consistency Adjustment
For a thinner gravy, add more beef broth until the desired consistency is reached. If you prefer a thicker gravy, cook it for an additional minute or two.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings such as fresh herbs or spices to enhance the flavor according to your preference.
Cook Techniques
Melt Butter
Melt unsalted butter over medium heat until fully liquefied, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
Whisking Flour
Gradually add all-purpose flour to the melted butter while constantly whisking to form a roux, cooking until no raw flour is visible.
Incorporating Broth
Slowly whisk in low-sodium beef broth to the roux to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth texture.
Adding Seasonings
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor of the gravy.
Simmering
Increase the heat until the mixture simmers, then reduce to maintain a gentle simmer for thickening the gravy.
Stirring Frequently
Stir the gravy often during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even thickness.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but it may alter the overall saltiness of the gravy, so you may want to adjust the added salt.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
You can use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or water with additional seasonings.
How can I make this gravy thicker?
Simmer it longer to reduce the liquid or add more flour to thicken, whisking well to avoid lumps.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How long can I store this gravy?
You can store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Conclusion
This rich and savory gravy brings a delightful depth of flavor to any dish. With simple ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and makes a perfect companion for mashed potatoes, meats, or even as a base for a hearty stew. Enjoy the comforting taste of homemade gravy any time with this easy recipe.
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Serve this flavorful gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food pairing that enhances the dish’s richness.
Beef Stroganoff
Use this gravy as a base for a beef stroganoff dish by adding sliced beef and mushrooms, served over egg noodles or rice.
Biscuits and Gravy
Pour the gravy over freshly baked biscuits for a delicious breakfast option that combines savory flavors with a flaky texture.
Meatloaf Topping
Drizzle this gravy over a sliced meatloaf for added moisture and flavor, making for a satisfying family meal.
Chili Indicator
Incorporate the gravy into chili dishes for a thicker consistency and richer taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Shepherd’s Pie Filling
Mix this gravy with cooked ground meat and vegetables as a filling for shepherd’s pie, then top with mashed potatoes before baking.
Vegetable Stroganoff
Use the gravy as a flavorful sauce for a vegetarian stroganoff by adding sautéed vegetables and serving over whole grain pasta.
