Are you looking for a way to elevate your meals with a rich and flavorful beef gravy? Look no further than making it from scratch with beef broth and flour!
This classic recipe is easy to make and perfect for adding a bold taste to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re serving up mashed potatoes, rice, or even poutine, this gravy is sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a lump-free and delicious beef gravy that will have your taste buds singing. So grab your saucepan and let’s get started!
How To Make Beef Gravy With Beef Broth And Flour?
Step 1: Prepare the Roux
The first step in making beef gravy with beef broth and flour is to prepare the roux. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add all-purpose flour to the pan and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns light golden brown. This should take around 3 minutes. Be patient as you whisk the mixture with a wire whisk, as it will initially clump up and collect on the whisk. However, it should loosen and turn brown as you continue whisking.
Step 2: Thicken the Beef Broth
Once the roux is ready, pour beef broth into the pan, 1/4 cup at a time. Whisk it thoroughly after each pour. Once you add the beef broth, continue to whisk the liquid until it thickens, which should take around 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Stir in your desired seasonings, such as salt and pepper. Taste your beef broth flour gravy and add in more seasoning as necessary.
Step 4: Simmer the Gravy
Turn the heat to medium-low and let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help all of the flavors meld together and create a rich and delicious gravy.
Gathering The Ingredients
Before you begin making your beef gravy with beef broth and flour, you will need to gather a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Butter: You’ll need 3 1/2 tablespoons of butter to make the roux for your gravy.
– All-purpose flour: You’ll need 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken your beef broth and create a smooth gravy.
– Beef broth: Use 2 cups of beef broth to add flavor and depth to your gravy.
– Seasonings: Salt and pepper are the basic seasonings you’ll need for this recipe, but feel free to add other herbs and spices to taste.
Optional ingredients include onion powder, garlic powder, beef bouillon base, and bay leaf. These can add extra flavor to your gravy, but are not necessary. It’s important to have all of your ingredients measured and ready before you begin cooking, so that you can focus on whisking and stirring your gravy to perfection.
Making The Roux
The roux is an essential component of making beef gravy with beef broth and flour. It acts as a thickening agent and gives the gravy its smooth and velvety texture. To make the roux, start by melting 2
Adding The Beef Broth
When it comes to adding the beef broth to your beef gravy, it’s important to use a high-quality beef broth that is rich in flavor. The best way to make beef broth is to roast the bones first to get some caramelized flavor going, then to slowly heat them in water until a bare simmer, and then let them cook that way, gently, for a good long time.
For this recipe, you can use homemade beef broth or store-bought beef broth. If you’re using store-bought beef broth, make sure to choose one that is low in sodium and free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
Once you have your beef broth ready, you can start adding it to the roux. Pour the beef broth into the pan, 1/4 cup at a time, whisking thoroughly after each pour. This will help prevent lumps from forming in your gravy.
Continue whisking the liquid until it thickens, which should take around 3-4 minutes. If you find that your gravy is too thick, you can add more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Remember to taste your gravy and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You can add salt and pepper to taste, or experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder for added flavor.
Finally, let your beef gravy simmer on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help all of the flavors meld together and create a rich and delicious gravy that is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or roasted meats.
Simmering And Seasoning
After adding the beef broth and seasoning to the roux, the next step is to simmer the gravy. This is an important step that allows all the flavors to blend together and create a rich and tasty gravy. Keep the heat at medium-low and let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
During this time, you can adjust the seasoning as needed. Taste your gravy and add more salt or pepper if necessary. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor.
If you find that your gravy is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more beef broth or water. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water. To make a slurry, simply mix equal parts cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, then slowly pour it into the gravy while whisking constantly.
Once your gravy is simmered to perfection and seasoned to your liking, it’s ready to serve over your favorite beef dishes like mashed potatoes, steak or roast beef. Enjoy!
Straining And Serving
Once your beef gravy is ready, it’s time to strain and serve it. If you notice any lumps in your gravy, don’t worry, it’s a common issue that can be easily fixed. To strain your gravy, simply pour it through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl or gravy boat. This will remove any lumps or bits of flour that may have formed during the cooking process.
Once your gravy is strained, you can serve it immediately or keep it warm on the stove until you’re ready to use it. To keep your gravy warm, simply cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it on the back burner of your stove on low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.
When serving your beef gravy, be sure to use a ladle to pour it over your favorite dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or meatloaf. You can also serve it on the side in a gravy boat for guests to help themselves.