How to Make Gravy Without Drippings

You do not need pan drippings to make rich, flavorful homemade gravy. This easy gravy without drippings is made with a simple butter and flour roux, warm beef broth, and basic pantry seasonings. It turns into a smooth brown gravy that is perfect for holiday dinners, mashed potatoes, roasted meats, weeknight meals, and comfort food favorites.

If you need gravy but do not have drippings from a roast, this recipe is a reliable solution. The roux gives the gravy body, while the beef broth creates a savory base. With a little garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, you can make a delicious from-scratch gravy in about 15 minutes. It is simple, flexible, and much better than relying on a packet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This gravy is quick and easy to make with everyday ingredients. You only need butter, flour, broth, and seasonings to create a smooth homemade brown gravy.
• No drippings are required. You can make this recipe anytime, even when you are not cooking a roast, turkey, chicken, or beef dish.
• It is made completely from scratch. There are no packets or mixes, so you can control the seasoning and adjust the flavor to suit your meal.
• Beef broth gives this recipe a classic brown gravy flavor, but chicken broth or turkey broth can also be used depending on what you are serving.
• It is perfect for mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, turkey, meatloaf, pork chops, fries, and simple one-pot dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Butter — Unsalted butter works well because it lets you control the salt level. Salted butter can also be used; just taste before adding extra salt.
• Flour — All-purpose flour thickens the gravy and creates the roux. A gluten-free 1:1 flour may work as a substitute, though it has not been tested here. Cornstarch can also thicken gravy, but use about half the amount if replacing flour.
• Beef broth — Use your favorite beef broth or stock. Low-sodium broth is a good choice if you want more control over the final flavor. Warming the broth before adding it to the roux helps it blend in more smoothly.
• Seasoning — Since there are no drippings, the gravy needs enough seasoning to taste full and savory. Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper keep it simple and balanced.
• Better than Bouillon — This is optional, but adding ½ teaspoon can give the gravy a deeper, meatier flavor.

How To Make Gravy Without Drippings

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Once the butter has fully melted, add the flour to the pan.

• Stir continuously for about 2 minutes, until the butter and flour form a thick paste. This is the roux, and it is what thickens the gravy.
• Slowly pour in the warm beef broth a little at a time, whisking or stirring constantly. Adding the broth gradually helps prevent lumps and creates a smooth texture.

• Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then stir until the seasonings are fully combined.
• Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. Continue cooking only until the gravy reaches your preferred thickness.

Tips and Notes

• Do not add all of the broth at once. Pour it in slowly while whisking so the roux can absorb the liquid evenly. This is the best way to avoid lumpy gravy.
• Warm broth blends into the roux more easily than cold broth and helps create a smoother finished gravy.
• Better than Bouillon can make the gravy taste richer. If you do not have it, a few drops of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can add extra savory flavor.
• The gravy will continue to thicken slightly as it cools, so avoid cooking it too long once it has reached a good consistency.
• For a deeper flavor, toast the flour before making the roux. Add the flour to a large pan over medium heat and stir constantly, similar to toasting nuts.
• For a Thanksgiving-style gravy, use turkey broth instead of beef broth.
• Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gravy on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it becomes too thick, add a small splash of water or broth to loosen it.

What to Serve with Gravy

This easy gravy recipe pairs well with many comforting dishes. Serve it spooned over mashed potatoes, turkey breast, whole chicken, chicken meatloaf, crispy fries, breaded pork chops, baked chicken quarters, or spatchcock chicken. It is also a great sauce for simple weeknight dinners when you want something warm, savory, and satisfying.

• Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
• Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Chicken Meatloaf
• Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
• Crispy Breaded Pork Chops
• Baked Chicken Quarters
• Spatchcock Chicken

Recipe

Gravy without Drippings

This homemade gravy without drippings is made with beef broth, butter, flour, and simple seasonings. It is smooth, savory, and ready in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for holidays, mashed potatoes, or easy weeknight meals.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

• Saucepan

Ingredients

• 3½ tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth, or stock, warmed
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the flour once the butter has completely melted.
• Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, until a thick roux forms.
• Slowly add the warm beef broth in small amounts, whisking continuously until smooth.
• Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving |
Calories: 95 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 6g |
Protein: 2g |
Fat: 7g |
Sodium: 499mg

Course: One Pot

Cuisine: American

Author: Carmy

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Enjoy this easy homemade brown gravy with your favorite comfort food meals.