I’m all for the Best Brown Gravy Recipe that only takes 5 minutes and a few simple ingredients. It tastes just as smooth and delicious as pan gravy or sauce that has been cooking for hours. You will not believe how easy this recipe is for brown gravy without drippings. Watch this video and then follow the steps.
Sometimes it seems like you never have enough time to make dinner. You need easy, quick, and tasty recipes. That is the exact time to make my 5-5-5 brown beef gravy!!.
Making homemade gravy with flour and broth is so much easier than working with pan drippings. Not having to wait for anything to cool, strain out any extra fat, or cook the meat first in any way is helpful.
Plus, you can make it well ahead of time, saving you even more time on the day of. You’ll love how rich the flavor is and how well it goes with any simple recipe! This is the best gravy ever!
Gravy is the ultimate comfort food topping. Its rich, meaty flavor transforms simple dishes into savory masterpieces. While turkey or chicken gravy made from pan drippings is ideal, beef gravy can be tricky without leftover juices from roasting beef.
Luckily, humble bouillon cubes provide an easy shortcut to beefy gravy greatness. With just a few pantry staples, you can make delicious beef gravy anytime using beef bouillon cubes.
In this article, we’ll cover how to make flavorful beef gravy with bouillon cubes in 4 simple steps. Soon you’ll be drizzling luscious brown gravy over everything in sight.
Benefits of Bouillon Cubes for Beef Gravy
Bouillon cubes contain concentrated beef broth made from roasted beef and vegetables. Just one little cube packs a big meaty punch.
Here’s why bouillon cubes are perfect for impromptu beef gravy
- Adds deep, roasted beef flavor without drippings
- Made from beef broth to match beef gravy
- Shelf-stable and easy to store
- No refrigeration needed until opened
- Available in cubes or paste for convenience
- Allows gravy without planning ahead for drippings
Bouillon cubes provide the cornerstone of beefiness needed in beef gravy Let’s look at how to transform them into gravy magic,
Beef Gravy Ingredients
To make about 1 cup of gravy, you’ll need:
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- 1⁄4 cup butter
- 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 onion, finely diced (optional)
- 1 1⁄2 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
That’s all you need for flavorful beef gravy using items you likely have on hand. Now let’s get cooking!
Step 1 – Make Bouillon Broth
Start by bringing the bouillon cubes to life.
- Crumble 3 beef bouillon cubes into a measuring cup.
- Add 1 1⁄2 cups hot water and stir to dissolve bouillon.
This makes concentrated beef broth perfect for gravy. The bouillon cubes add meaty depth without requiring actual beef.
Step 2 – Make a Roux
A roux thickens and enriches gravy.
- Melt 1⁄4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 1⁄4 cup flour until smooth.
- Cook 2-3 minutes stirring constantly until golden brown.
The butter and flour combine into a rich roux that will thicken our gravy as it simmers.
Step 3 – Add Bouillon and Simmer
Now we build our gravy:
- Slowly pour beef bouillon into the roux while whisking.
- Add diced onion for flavor if desired.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
- The gravy will thicken as it simmers.
Keep stirring the gravy often so it doesn’t stick or burn on the bottom.
Step 4 – Finish and Serve
Finally, finish and serve your beefy creation:
- Season to taste with salt, pepper and more bouillon if desired.
- For creamier gravy, stir in a splash of milk or cream.
- Serve warm over potatoes, rice, biscuits, meatloaf or anything!
And enjoy your smooth, rich homemade beef gravy made easily with bouillon cubes.
Make-Ahead Tips
For convenience, make gravy ahead:
- Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight container.
- Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze 2-3 months.
- Reheat gently over low heat until steaming.
Add extra broth if the gravy thickens during storage.
Serving Suggestions
Beef bouillon gravy is delicious on:
- Roasted or mashed potatoes
- Biscuits, bread rolls, or cornbread
- Pot roast, steak, meatloaf, or burgers
- Rice, pasta, polenta, or grits
- Casseroles or pot pies
- French fries or tater tots
Drizzle it over anything craving a savory boost!
Gravy Variations
Customize your bouillon gravy:
- For pepper gravy, add 1 tsp cracked black pepper.
- For mushroom gravy, add chopped mushrooms.
- Use chicken bouillon for lighter poultry gravy.
- For sausage gravy, add crumbled cooked sausage.
- Stir in ranch dressing mix for a tangy twist.
Experiment with different add-ins to suit your taste.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your bouillon gravy seems too thin, make a roux with more flour. For thickening on the fly, whisk in a slurry of 2 tbsp flour and 2 tbsp cold water.
If it’s too bland, stir in more bouillon cubes. Their concentrated flavor really punches up gravy.
Burned on the bottom? Don’t worry, just keep stirring as it simmers to prevent sticking.
Thanks to handy bouillon cubes, you can now make rich, hearty beef gravy any time the craving strikes.
Follow the simple steps:
- Dissolve cubes in hot water for beef broth
- Cook a butter and flour roux
- Slowly stir in bouillon to thicken
- Finish with spices and cream if desired
Say goodbye to sad dinners with no gravy in sight. With flavorful beef bouillon gravy, you can give bland dishes a savory upgrade. Just stash bouillon cubes in your pantry so beef gravy is always within reach.
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Tips For Making This Easy Brown Gravy Recipe
- First, make a list of all the ways you like to eat this tasty gravy. Great for a roast dinner, great with your favorite meat, and even great with french fries!
- Don’t overboil the hot liquid. After this great gravy boils, it only needs two to three minutes of simmering before it’s ready to use.
Storing and Reheating Homemade Brown Gravy
This beef gravy recipe can be made up to 5 days ahead of time. Keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
For some reason, it should come out thicker than you thought. Don’t worry—it will thin out when it’s heated up again. Do so in a saucepan over medium heat.
If it still isn’t as thin as you’d like, whisk in a tablespoon of beef broth.
Beef Broth Brown Gravy
FAQ
How do you use beef bouillon cubes instead of beef broth?
What is the ratio of beef bouillon cubes to water?
Is a beef stock cube the same as gravy?
Is beef bouillon the same as beef stock cubes?
How do you make gravy with beef bouillon?
Gather all ingredients. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to combine and add onion. Pour in water and season with bouillon. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until thickened. The best gravy recipe that comes together in no time. Made quick and easy with beef bouillon, flour, onion, and butter.
Can you make gravy from bouillon cubes?
Without having to roast a whole bird first, you can add a delicious condiment to any meal once you’ve made gravy from bouillon cubes. Dissolve stock cubes or powder in boiling water; Melt butter in saucepan and mix in flour; Pour in stock water while whisking and cook 1.5 minutes until thickened. DONE!
How do you make a roux for beef bouillon gravy?
This mixture serves as a thickening agent for the gravy. To make a roux for beef bouillon gravy, heat a tablespoon or two of butter or oil on the stove, then add an equal amount of flour to the pan and whisk to incorporate. Cook the flour and fat mixture for a bit until it’s golden-brown, then slowly incorporate your bouillon broth into the roux.
How do you thicken beef bouillon gravy?
Beef bouillon base – An optional ingredient but one that will give the gravy a boost of well-seasoned flavor. Water and cornstarch – When mixed together, these two will help thicken the gravy. Add the broth, garlic and onion powder, and beef bouillon to a saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until it starts to boil.