Nothing brings comfort quite like a warm plate of mashed potatoes, roast beef, or meatloaf—especially when it’s drizzled with homemade brown gravy. And here’s the good news: you don’t need drippings or a culinary degree to whip up a silky, flavorful gravy from scratch.
This Easy Beef Brown Gravy is rich, smooth, and packed with umami flavor, making it the perfect addition to your Sunday dinner, weeknight meals, or holiday spreads. It comes together in just minutes using simple pantry staples—and once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought.
🧄 Ingredients
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4 cups beef stock (use low-sodium if you’re watching salt levels)
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¼ cup butter
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¼ cup cornstarch
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Black pepper, to taste (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s fully liquified and starting to bubble slightly.
Step 2: Make a Roux with Cornstarch
Add the cornstarch to the melted butter and whisk continuously. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture turns light brown. This toasting step gives the gravy a deeper flavor and removes any raw starch taste.
Step 3: Add Seasoning & Liquid
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Slowly pour in the beef stock while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue whisking for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste and add black pepper if needed. (Most store-bought stocks are salty enough, so extra salt usually isn’t necessary.)
Serve warm over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, beef tips, or roast.
🔥 Tips for Perfect Gravy
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No beef stock? You can substitute with beef broth, bouillon dissolved in water, or even mushroom broth for a vegetarian twist.
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For a deeper flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of dried thyme.
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Want it creamier? Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream at the end for a rich finish.
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Make it in advance: Gravy thickens as it cools, but you can easily thin it with a bit of extra warm stock when reheating.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
This brown gravy is incredibly versatile. Try it with:
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Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
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Country-style steak or Salisbury steak
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Hot roast beef sandwiches
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Biscuits or Yorkshire pudding
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Leftover turkey or shredded chicken
👌 Final Thoughts
Gravy doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a little stirring, you’ll have a deeply satisfying sauce that pulls the whole meal together. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for weeknights and holidays alike—it’s a reliable, delicious classic every time.