Learn how to make gravy from scratch with this easy, step-by-step guide. Whether you’re using meat drippings or butter, this homemade gravy recipe will give you smooth, delicious results every time.

Growing up around the best homestyle cooks, I learned early that gravy wasn’t just a sauce – it was the heart of every Sunday dinner. After 27 years of cooking for my own family that has grown to six and running this food blog, I’ve perfected an easy gravy recipe that never fails.

Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for making silky-smooth gravy, whether you’re a first-timer or just trying to up your gravy game.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Gravy Recipe

• Ready in just 15 minutes (perfect for busy moms!)
• Works with any type of meat drippings
• Consistently smooth results – no lumps!
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
• Budget-friendly compared to store-bought

Essential Ingredients for the Best Homemade Gravy

After testing countless variations in my farmhouse kitchen, here’s what I’ve found works best:

• 4 tablespoons meat drippings or unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups high-quality stock (I make my own homemade stock, but store-bought works too)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Gravy with Meat Drippings

My mother-in-law taught me some of these techniques, and they haven’t failed me yet!

Perfect Roux for Smooth Gravy

This is where most beginners go wrong – but I’ve got you covered.

What is a roux? It’s the essential first step that ensures smooth, lump-free gravy. A roux is simply a mixture of equal parts fat and flour that serves as a thickening agent.

1. Heat your drippings or melt butter over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed saucepan
2. Gradually whisk in flour until the mixture becomes bubbly and thick
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste

Add the Stock

• Slowly pour in your stock while whisking continuously
• Keep whisking until the gravy thickens and begins to bubble
• Simmer for 3-5 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency

Season and Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper
• Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if needed
• Serve immediately while hot

Save Those Drippings!

Here’s a genius kitchen hack: Freeze excess meat drippings in an ice cube tray. Each standard cube holds exactly 2 tablespoons, making it perfect for future gravy-making. Just pop out two cubes when needed!

We also love these super cubes for freezing food! They are so convenient and easy to use! They also make great gifts for foodies, if you need any ideas!

How to Fix Common Gravy Problems

Trust me, I’ve made every gravy mistake possible so you don’t have to!

Is your gravy greasy?

Try this old-fashioned fix: Add a slice of fresh bread to absorb excess grease, then remove it before serving.

Is your gravy lumpy?

Prevention is key:

• Always use a quality whisk – like our favorite whisk
• Add liquid gradually while whisking
• If lumps occur, strain through a sieve or blend with an immersion blender

Is your gravy thin?

Make a quick slurry:

1. Whisk 2 tablespoons flour with 1/2 cup cold stock
2. Slowly whisk into your gravy
3. Heat until thickened

Recipe Variations

The really great thing about this easy gravy recipe, is that you can use it for any type of gravy you want.

We love making gravy with drippings from roast meat. You can use turkey drippings, roast beef drippings, even chicken drippings. The key is to save those juicy and crusty bits you’ll find on the bottom of the pan and turn them into the perfect gravy. While we love making gravy with the drippings, sometimes that isn’t possible. In those desperate times when you need gravy and you don’t have drippings, it’s butter to the rescue!

Simply change up the meat drippings and the stock and you can come up with endless gravy combos:

• Turkey Gravy: Perfect for Thanksgiving, using turkey drippings
• Chicken Gravy: Ideal for Sunday roast chicken
• Beef Gravy: Rich and perfect for pot roast or prime rib
• Butter Gravy: When you don’t have meat drippings simply use butter instead

Serving Suggestions

Pair your perfect gravy with:

• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Roast Turkey Recipe- Why Cooking it Upside Down Changes Everything
• Company Worthy Balsamic Rosemary Instant Pot Pork Roast
• Homemade Sourdough Biscuits

Tips for Making Turkey Gravy for Thanksgiving

After cooking more than 20 family Thanksgivings over the years, I’ve learned every trick for perfect turkey gravy. Here’s what works:

Start Collecting Drippings Early Don’t throw out meat drippings! Any time I roast meat for dinner, I freeze the drippings in ice cube trays. Trust me, you’ll thank me when you need extra gravy for all those leftover sandwiches!

Make a Double Batch For every 6-8 people, I plan on 2 cups of gravy. With my crowd of 20, I always make a triple batch. Better to have too much than run out – plus, leftover gravy freezes beautifully.

Use the Turkey Neck While the turkey roasts, I simmer the neck with aromatics (onion, celery, carrots) to make an enriched stock. This adds incredible depth to your gravy.

More easy recipes you may like:

• Gourmet Green Beans with Garlic & Toasted Almonds
• Elegant Pear & Pecan Salad with Parmesan Crisps
• Sourdough Sausage Stuffing with Red Onion & Kale
• Make-Ahead Pumpkin Cheesecake