Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe

Craving rich, savory beef gravy but don’t have any drippings to work with? No worries—this Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings is here to save the day! It’s the perfect solution when you’re looking for that deep, hearty flavor to pour over mashed potatoes, roast meats, or even just to elevate a simple weeknight dinner. Trust me, this recipe is super easy, incredibly flavorful, and will leave you wondering why you haven’t made it sooner!

Why You’ll Love Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings

This gravy packs all the richness and depth you crave in a beef gravy, but without needing to roast a beef roast first. Here’s why this recipe is a total game-changer:

Quick and Easy

No drippings, no problem! This gravy comes together in just a few simple steps, using pantry ingredients you probably already have. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough for a special occasion.

Rich, Savory Flavor

Even without the traditional beef drippings, this gravy still has a deep, umami-packed flavor. It’s made with beef broth and a few key seasonings that give it that perfect savory taste.

Versatile

This gravy is perfect for so many meals. Pour it over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, roast chicken, or even roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

Customizable

Want to tweak the flavors? You can adjust the seasonings to your liking—add more pepper for a kick or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth. You’re in control of the flavor profile.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich, flavorful beef gravy:

Beef Broth

Beef broth is the base of this gravy, giving it that deliciously meaty flavor. You can use homemade broth or store-bought, whichever you prefer.

Butter

A little butter helps to create that silky smooth texture and a rich, slightly creamy flavor.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour is the magic ingredient that thickens the gravy, giving it that perfect consistency.

Beef Bouillon Cubes or Granules

For extra beefy flavor, beef bouillon cubes or granules are your best friend. They add depth and richness that you’d get from the beef drippings.

Onion Powder & Garlic Powder

These pantry staples add extra savory layers of flavor to your gravy without needing to chop anything!

Worcestershire Sauce

A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami flavor that takes this gravy to the next level.

Salt & Pepper

Season to taste with salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of cayenne if you want a little heat!

Instructions

Making this Beef Brown Gravy without drippings is easier than you might think. Let’s dive in:

Step 1: Make a Roux

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes. This forms a roux, which is the base for thickening the gravy.

Step 2: Add the Broth

Gradually pour in the beef broth while continuing to whisk, ensuring that there are no lumps. You’ll start to see the gravy thicken as the flour combines with the broth.

Step 3: Season

Stir in the beef bouillon cubes (or granules), onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Adjust the Flavor

Taste your gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it needs more depth, add a bit more Worcestershire sauce or a touch of soy sauce. If you want more richness, feel free to add a little extra butter!

Step 5: Serve

Once your gravy is thick and flavorful, remove it from the heat and serve immediately over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or anything else that could use a savory upgrade.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 80
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings

This gravy is perfect for so many dishes! Here are some great ways to serve it:

Over Mashed Potatoes

Pour this gravy generously over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and classic pairing.

Meatloaf

Meatloaf and gravy are a match made in heaven! Drizzle this savory gravy over the top for an extra layer of flavor.

Roast Beef

Serve it alongside slices of roast beef or even a steak for a traditional beefy meal.

Roasted Vegetables

Vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes are elevated when you drizzle them with this savory gravy.

Additional Tips

Make It Creamy

If you want a creamier version of this gravy, add a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end of cooking to create a smooth, velvety texture.

Thicken It More

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a little more flour (make sure to cook it for another minute or two to get rid of the raw flour taste). Alternatively, you can let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

Make It Gluten-Free

To make this gravy gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Just be sure to mix the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the gravy to avoid clumping.

Store Leftovers

Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or water to loosen it up if needed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

A1: Yes, you can! Just note that the flavor will change slightly. Beef broth gives a richer, meatier taste, but chicken or vegetable broth will still work.

Q2: Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use cornstarch to thicken the gravy?

A3: Absolutely! To use cornstarch, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering broth. This will thicken the gravy without using flour.

Q4: Can I freeze this gravy?

A4: Yes, this gravy freezes well! Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q5: How can I make this gravy spicier?

A5: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to give your gravy a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your desired heat level!

Q6: Can I use this gravy for a turkey or chicken dinner?

A6: Yes, absolutely! While this is traditionally a beef gravy, it pairs wonderfully with poultry as well. Use it as a versatile gravy for any meat dish.

Q7: How can I make this gravy smoother?

A7: If you prefer an ultra-smooth gravy, you can strain it after it’s finished cooking to remove any small bits of flour or seasoning.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

A8: Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning and taste as you go!

Q9: Can I use fresh herbs in this gravy?

A9: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can add extra flavor. Just be sure to remove the herbs before serving.

Q10: How can I make this gravy richer?

A10: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine or a spoonful of tomato paste during cooking. These ingredients will deepen the flavor and make the gravy even more savory.

Conclusion

This Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings is the perfect way to enjoy a savory, rich gravy without needing to roast beef first. It’s quick, flavorful, and versatile enough to pair with almost anything. Whether you’re dressing up a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special occasion, this gravy will add that comforting, homemade touch to your meal. Enjoy!

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Beef Brown Gravy without Drippings Recipe


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 2 cups of gravy 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Beef Brown Gravy is quick and easy to make from scratch without the need for any drippings. It’s smooth, savory, and the perfect addition to your favorite beef dishes, from steaks to mashed potatoes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp soy sauce (for extra depth of flavor)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Make a Roux:
    • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture is golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This is called a roux and will help thicken your gravy.
  2. Add the Broth:
    • Gradually add the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Season the Gravy:
    • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a bit more soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Simmer:
    • Let the gravy simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has reached your desired consistency. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a bit more beef broth or water to thin it out.
  5. Serve:
    • Once the gravy is ready, pour it over your beef dish, mashed potatoes, or anything else that could use a delicious brown gravy!

Notes

  • For a smoother gravy, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving, especially if you want to remove any lumps from the roux.
  • If you want a more intense flavor, you can simmer the gravy for a longer time to reduce it further.
  • You can also add a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamier texture if you prefer.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Sauce, Gravy
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 35
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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