Mushroom gravy is a delicious, versatile sauce that can elevate any meal, from mashed potatoes and roasted meats to vegetables and pasta. Made with earthy mushrooms, butter, and a flavorful broth, this gravy has a rich, savory taste that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a topping for your favorite dish or a satisfying sauce to serve on the side, this Mushroom Gravy Recipe is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
1. Easy Mushroom Gravy From Scratch
Ingredients
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or a mix of your choice)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth (depending on your flavor preference)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Mushrooms
Clean and slice 1 pound of mushrooms. You can use any variety of mushrooms, but cremini or button mushrooms are common choices. For a more complex flavor, consider using a mix of mushrooms such as shiitake or portobello.
Step 2. Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Season the mushrooms lightly with salt and pepper at this stage to bring out their natural flavor.
Step 3. Make the Roux
Once the mushrooms are browned, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over them. Stir well to coat the mushrooms evenly with the flour. This will form a roux, which helps to thicken the gravy.
Cook the flour and mushrooms together for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step ensures the flour is cooked through and prevents a raw flour taste in the gravy.
Step 4. Add the Broth
Slowly pour in 2 cups of beef or chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The broth will combine with the roux to form a smooth gravy.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the gravy to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 5. Season the Gravy
Stir in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. This adds a savory depth of flavor to the gravy, enhancing the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Depending on the saltiness of your broth, you may not need much additional salt.
Step 6. Serve
Once the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.
Serve the mushroom gravy hot over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, roasted meats, or vegetables. It’s also an excellent accompaniment to biscuits or rice.
2. Tips for Perfect Mushroom Gravy
Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms will provide the best flavor and texture. If you’re using dried mushrooms, rehydrate them in warm water before cooking, and use the soaking liquid in place of some of the broth for added flavor.
Adjust Consistency: If your gravy becomes too thick, simply add a little more broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version of this gravy, use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth, and omit the Worcestershire sauce or replace it with a vegetarian version.
Enhance with Herbs: For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while the gravy simmers.
3. Suggested Pairings:
This mushroom gravy is incredibly versatile and complements a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for what to serve it with:
Mashed Potatoes: Pour the rich, savory gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish.
Roast Beef or Chicken: Serve the gravy alongside roasted meats for an elegant and flavorful sauce.
Meatloaf: Mushroom gravy is a classic pairing with meatloaf, adding extra moisture and flavor.
Biscuits or Yorkshire Pudding: Drizzle the gravy over warm, buttery biscuits or Yorkshire pudding for a satisfying meal.
This homemade mushroom gravy recipe is a quick and easy way to add rich, savory flavor to your favorite dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and under 20 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious homemade gravy that’s perfect for any occasion.
