This homemade gravy recipe without drippings takes only a few minutes of prep and it's so thick, creamy, and flavorful, your guests will rave over it!
This easy recipe requires no meat drippings at all, so you can make it the day before to save yourself some hassle when cooking the rest of the meal.
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💚 Why You'll Love This Recipe
If you're in search of an easy gravy recipe that's both mouthwateringly delicious and incredibly simple to prepare, you're about to discover your new favorite.
This homemade gravy recipe requires no meat drippings and can be ready in just 25 minutes with only five essential ingredients (plus salt and pepper). It's the perfect choice if you're looking to create a rich, flavorful gravy without the need for complicated cooking techniques or an extensive list of ingredients.
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can craft a delectable gravy that's sure to elevate your meals. The absence of turkey drippings or beef drippings means it's not only practical but also flexible, allowing you to enjoy mouthwatering gravy any time, even if you aren't cooking a turkey or a roast. The blend of savory flavors from the broth, the silky texture from butter, and the hearty richness of the flour combine harmoniously to create a gravy that's is rich and flavorful.
Pour it over mashed potatoes, use it as a dip for your favorite roasted dishes, or pair it with a meat-based roast – this delicious gravy recipe is your secret weapon to enhancing your Thanksgiving dinner or any meal.
This gravy is super-convenient because it requires no pan drippings, so you can make it ahead of time and have one less thing to worry about when you are preparing the meal!
Learning how to make gravy without drippings was a huge relief for me, especially when it comes to hosting big dinners. I have found over the years that the more I can prepare ahead of time, the better off I am, so I always keep this recipe in my back pocket for those times.
🧂 Ingredients Needed
- butter - add the fat needed to add the rich flavor that you would normally get from the beef drippings.
- onion - adds flavor and breaks down into a soft, almost creamy consistency, lending a pleasing texture to the gravy.
- all purpose flour - helps to thicken the gravy and create a smooth, consistent texture.
- chicken broth or beef broth - provides a strong base for the gravy, infusing it with a meaty undertone.
- half and half - adds a subtle sweetness, creaminess, and richness to the gravy.
- salt and pepper - helps balance the flavors in your gravy. The black pepper adds a subtle spiciness that can cut through the richness of the sauce, preventing it from becoming overly heavy.
❔ FAQs
To avoid lumpy gravy, mix the flour with a small amount of cold water to create a smooth paste before adding it to the hot liquid. Gradually whisk in the paste, ensuring it's well incorporated and no lumps form.
Yes, you can use cornstarch as a thickening agent. Mix it with cold water to create a slurry, then slowly add it to your simmering broth while stirring constantly. Cornstarch will yield a slightly glossy and lighter gravy compared to flour.
Butter adds richness and flavor which you expect in a good gravy. It's used to sauté aromatics like onions which is then used to create a good roux (a mixture of butter and flour) that thickens the gravy.
If your gravy is too thick, simply add more broth or water in small increments until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, create a slurry with a little bit of flour or cornstarch and cold water, then whisk it into the gravy and simmer until it thickens.
💭 Expert Tips and Tricks
- You can change up the flavor for your meal by changing up the broth. Use beef stock or broth to go along with beef dinners, and chicken stock or broth, or turkey stock to go along with turkey or chicken.
- Watch the heat to avoid burning.
- Make sure you whisk continuously as you add the broth to avoid lumps.
- Feeding a crowd? Just go ahead and double the recipe!
📌 All you need is a few pantry staples to make the perfect gravy. This means you can whip up a batch of delicious gravy any time without a lot of planning or needing to run to the store for any special ingredients!
💡 Substitutions and Variations
- Add fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary for additional depth of flavor, or a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
- If you don't have half and half on hand, you can use heavy cream instead.
- Add a small amount of onion powder or garlic powder. Or sprinkle in some poultry seasoning to give the gravy a more meaty flavor.
- Use vegetable broth or mushroom broth for a vegetarian gravy.
- Substitute shallots, leeks, or garlic for the onion to create a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, use a plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk instead of half and half and use dairy-free butter or olive oil for sautéing the onion.
🔊 What readers are saying...
"MY FAVORITE GO-TO RECIPE FOR GRAVY! Super easy, quick and delicious!!! I like to add poultry seasoning if I’m pouring over turkey or chicken. I used this at least 4 times this Thanksgiving. 10 out of 10!"
- Dee
🥫 Storage and Reheating
Homemade gravy can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
To freeze leftover gravy, allow it to cool to room temperature before freezing. Divide the gravy into portions that make sense for your needs. You can use ice cube trays, small containers, or freezer-safe resealable bags. Make sure to leave some room since the gravy will expand while freezing.
When you're ready to use the frozen gravy, move it to the refrigerator to thaw slowly. You can also thaw it in the microwave (in an appropriate container) or on the stovetop in a saucepan over low heat while stirring frequently. Reheat the gravy to your desired serving temperature.
⏲️ Make Ahead Instructions
To make this easy homemade gravy recipe ahead of time, follow the directions and then allow the gravy to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator.
When ready to use, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a little extra broth or water to adjust the consistency.
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
We love this Easy Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Bread. There's no kneading required, and it won't take up precious oven space. There's nothing like serving fresh-baked, homemade bread with your meal.
Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts is another great side dish to include. Brussels sprouts get a bad rap sometimes, but I have had a lot of success with this recipe. They come out tender and tasty, and I have received a number of slightly surprised compliments on them!
For something a little more unique, you can check out Quinoa with Artichokes and Chickpeas, which is a delicious combination of flavors and textures, sure to impress your guests.
✔️ More Dinner Recipes You'll Love
- Roasted Potato Medley - Your family will love the combination of sweet potatoes, white potatoes, red potatoes, and red onions roasted in garlic with olive oil and tossed with dried cranberries and pecans.
- Mashed Potatoes and Parsnips - This simple mashed potatoes and parsnips recipe is a perfect way to dress up your holiday dinner!
- Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apples - This is a delicious mix of squash, cranberries, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It's a fragrant and comforting side dish and pairs well with any holiday meal!
Easy Gravy Recipe Without Drippings
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📋 Recipe Card
Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe Without Drippings
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.4 tablespoons butter
- Add the onion and cook until it just starts to brown.¾ cup chopped onion
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.2 tablespoons flour
- Add in the broth and whisk until combined.1 cup chicken or beef broth
- Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in the half and half and salt and pepper.1 tablespoon half and half, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- Serve hot.
Notes
- If you are serving a beef dinner, use beef broth. For turkey or chicken, use chicken broth.
- For the smoothest gravy, make sure to whisk continuously while adding the broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 7-8 days.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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Happy cooking!
sam
I added in some fresh herbs a couple minutes after I sautéed the onions (sage, thyme and tarragon) and it came out lovely! TY for the easy recipe!
Kristin King
So glad you enjoyed this! Fresh herbs really do bring out additional flavor that is so pleasing. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Dee
MY FAVORITE GO-TO RECIPE FOR GRAVY! Super easy, quick and delicious!!! I like to add poultry seasoning if I’m pouring over turkey or chicken. I used this at least 4 times this Thanksgiving. 10 out of 10!
Kristin
Yay! So glad to hear that, Dee. Thanks for coming back to let me know! 🙂