Gravy is one of those magical sauces that can transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. I’ve spent years perfecting these gravy recipes in my own kitchen, from classic turkey gravy for Thanksgiving to rich mushroom gravy for weeknight dinners.
Each recipe here has been chosen because it’s genuinely delicious, reliable, and worth making. Some use pan drippings for maximum flavor, while others come together with simple pantry staples when you need gravy fast.
This collection includes everything from Southern breakfast classics to savory dinner gravies that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
1. Turkey Gravy Recipe
Turkey gravy is the undisputed star of Thanksgiving dinner, turning your meal into something truly special. Made with rich turkey drippings and a perfectly balanced roux, this gravy brings deep, savory flavor that complements everything from mashed potatoes to stuffing.
It’s surprisingly easy to make while your turkey rests, and the result is far superior to anything from a jar.
2. Sausage Gravy Recipe
This creamy, pepper-flecked sausage gravy is pure Southern comfort food at its finest. The combination of crumbled breakfast sausage, rich cream, and just the right amount of black pepper creates a gravy that’s hearty enough for weekend brunch.
Pour it over warm, flaky biscuits and you’ve got a breakfast that’ll keep everyone satisfied for hours.
3. Brown Gravy Recipe
Brown gravy is the versatile workhorse of the gravy world, perfect for everything from mashed potatoes to meatloaf to roast beef. This recipe uses beef broth and a deeply browned roux to create rich, savory flavor without needing any pan drippings. It comes together in about 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners when you need something special fast.
4. Chicken Gravy Recipe
Chicken gravy is lighter than beef-based gravies but still packed with flavor, making it perfect for Sunday dinners and comfort food meals. Whether you’re using pan drippings from a roasted chicken or making it from scratch with chicken broth, this gravy has a silky texture that coats every bite beautifully. It’s especially delicious over roasted potatoes or biscuits.
5. Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Mushroom gravy brings earthy, umami-rich flavor that elevates everything it touches. Packed with sautéed mushrooms in a silky, herb-infused sauce, this gravy is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
It’s especially wonderful over mashed potatoes, beef stew, or as a finishing touch for grilled steaks.
6. Onion Gravy Recipe
Onion gravy features deeply caramelized onions that create incredible sweetness and depth of flavor. The slow-cooked onions melt into the gravy, creating a rich sauce that’s perfect for bangers and mash, liver and onions, or any dish that needs a savory-sweet boost. This is comfort food at its most delicious.
7. Giblet Gravy Recipe
Giblet gravy is a traditional Thanksgiving favorite that uses every bit of the turkey for maximum flavor. The chopped giblets and neck meat add incredible richness and texture to this classic gravy. If you’re looking for an authentic, old-fashioned gravy that grandma used to make, this is it.
8. Tomato Gravy Recipe
Tomato gravy is a Southern breakfast staple that’s completely different from what most people expect from gravy. Made with tomatoes, bacon drippings, and a touch of sugar, this tangy-savory gravy is traditionally served over biscuits for a unique breakfast experience. It’s also fantastic over grits or fried green tomatoes for a true taste of the South.
9. Hamburger Gravy Recipe
Hamburger gravy is budget-friendly comfort food that stretches ground beef into a satisfying meal. This hearty gravy combines seasoned ground beef with a creamy sauce that’s perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
It’s a weeknight dinner hero that the whole family will love.
10. Chocolate Gravy Recipe
Chocolate gravy is a sweet Southern breakfast tradition that might surprise you if you’ve never tried it. This cocoa-rich sauce with just the right amount of sweetness is poured warm over hot biscuits for an indulgent breakfast treat. Think of it as a cross between hot chocolate and dessert sauce served in the most delightful way imaginable.
11. Red Eye Gravy Recipe
Red eye gravy is a thin, coffee-infused sauce made from country ham drippings that’s beloved throughout the South. The combination of salty ham drippings and strong black coffee creates a uniquely flavorful gravy that’s traditionally served over ham and grits. It’s an acquired taste that coffee lovers tend to adore.
12. Sunday Gravy Recipe
Sunday gravy is the Italian-American tomato sauce that simmers for hours with multiple types of meat to create incredible depth. This isn’t just any tomato sauce; it’s a rich, meaty ragù traditionally served over pasta for Sunday dinner. The slow-cooked meatballs, sausages, and pork create layers of flavor that make this gravy truly special.
13. Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
Biscuits and gravy is the ultimate Southern breakfast that brings together fluffy homemade biscuits with creamy sausage gravy. This recipe gives you both components perfectly balanced, with tender biscuits that soak up every bit of the peppery, sausage-studded gravy.
It’s weekend breakfast perfection that’s worth waking up early for. You might also enjoy these best potato recipes as a side.
14. Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Beef tips and gravy is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender beef chunks in a rich, savory gravy. The beef is seared to perfection then simmered until melt-in-your-mouth tender in a flavorful gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. This is the kind of meal that makes any day feel special.
FAQs About Gravy Recipes
1. What’s the difference between gravy and sauce?
Gravy is typically made from meat drippings thickened with flour or cornstarch, while sauce can be made from a wider variety of bases. Gravies usually have a thinner consistency than most sauces and are specifically designed to complement meat dishes.
The key distinction is that traditional gravy starts with the pan drippings from cooked meat.
2. Can I make gravy without pan drippings?
Absolutely! Many of these recipes can be made with broth or stock instead of drippings.
You’ll want to use quality broth and add extra seasonings like bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs to build flavor. The texture will be just as good, though the flavor might be slightly less rich than gravy made with drippings.
3. How do I fix lumpy gravy?
The best way to prevent lumps is to whisk constantly while adding liquid to your roux. If you do get lumps, pour the gravy through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pan.
For stubborn lumps, use an immersion blender to smooth everything out. Prevention is easier than cure, so take your time and whisk thoroughly.
4. How long does homemade gravy last in the fridge?
Most gravies will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cream-based gravies like sausage gravy are best used within 2-3 days.
You can also freeze most gravies for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it back to the right consistency.
5. What’s the best thickener for gravy?
Flour creates the most traditional gravy with a rich, velvety texture when cooked into a roux. Cornstarch works well for a gluten-free option and creates a slightly shinier gravy, but it should be mixed with cold water first.
Each has its place, but I prefer flour for its depth of flavor and classic texture.
Final Thoughts
These 14 gravy recipes cover everything from traditional holiday favorites to everyday comfort food essentials. Whether you’re planning a special occasion meal or just want to make dinner a little more special, there’s a gravy here that’ll do the trick.
My advice? Start with the classics like turkey or brown gravy if you’re new to gravy-making, then branch out to try the more unique options like chocolate gravy or red eye gravy. You might discover a new family favorite you never expected.
Don’t be intimidated by gravy-making – with these tried-and-true recipes, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality gravies in no time. Give one a try this week and taste the difference homemade gravy makes!
Recommended:
- Chicken Stew Recipe
- Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
- Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Shepherds Pie Recipe
- Baked Ziti Recipe
- Best Overnight Oats Recipes
- Best Chicken Soup Recipes
- Best Lentil Soup Recipes
