Onion Gravy
A rich, savory brown gravy loaded with sweet, caramelized onions. This classic American sauce is perfect for smothering mashed potatoes, roasts, or Salisbury steak. Ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Caramelize the Onions
- b.Melt the unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat.
- c.Add the thinly sliced onions and a small pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until the onions are deeply golden brown, very soft, and sweet. Do not rush this step, as it develops the foundational flavor of the gravy.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Roux
- b.Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions.
- c.Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated and the raw smell is cooked off. This will form a thick paste known as a roux.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Deglaze and Add Broth
- b.While whisking constantly, slowly pour in about one cup of the beef broth. Whisk vigorously to combine with the roux, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- c.Once a smooth paste has formed, gradually whisk in the remaining beef broth until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer and Thicken
- b.Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and dried thyme.
- c.Increase the heat to bring the gravy to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low.
- d.Let the gravy cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Final Seasoning and Serving
- b.Remove the gravy from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- c.Serve hot over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, roasted meats, or poutine.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the richest flavor, use beef drippings from a roast instead of butter.
- 2Patience is crucial when caramelizing onions. Low and slow heat is the key to developing their deep, sweet flavor without burning them.
- 3If your gravy has lumps, use an immersion blender for a few seconds to smooth it out, or strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
- 4For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with a high-quality mushroom or vegetable broth.
- 5A splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar added with the broth can introduce a delightful layer of acidity and complexity.
Adapt it for your goals.
Mushroom Onion Gravy
Sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions until they release their liquid and begin to brown. Then, proceed with the recipe as directed.
Herbaceous GravyHerbaceous Gravy
Add 1 teaspoon of fresh, chopped rosemary or sage along with the dried thyme for a more aromatic, woodsy flavor.
Creamy Onion GravyCreamy Onion Gravy
For a richer, smoother finish, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or a knob of cold butter at the very end, after removing the gravy from the heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Antioxidants
Onions are rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which helps combat inflammation and may protect against chronic diseases.
Flavorful Low-Calorie Topping
With approximately 132 calories per serving, this gravy provides a significant amount of flavor to meals without adding excessive calories, making it a good alternative to high-fat cream sauces.
Contains Allicin
Onions contain allicin, a compound known for its potential to support cardiovascular health by helping to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (approximately 3/4 cup) of this onion gravy contains about 132 calories. This can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of butter and broth.