Easy Homemade Mushroom Gravy: The Ultimate Flavorful Addition to Any Meal

Hunting for the perfect gravy that transcends the ordinary? Look no further! While traditional gravy is a beloved staple in the world of comfort food, this extraordinary mushroom gravy recipe elevates the experience to new heights. Bursting with rich, earthy umami flavor, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests at all your holiday parties this year and become a cherished addition to your family’s favorite meals.

Tired of serving the same old gravy? It’s time to try this incredibly easy and exceptionally flavorful mushroom gravy recipe! I absolutely adore serving this robust gravy over creamy, homemade mashed potatoes and a hearty meatloaf. The combination is pure comfort food bliss, guaranteed to bring warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table.

Beyond the classics, this versatile gravy also pairs beautifully with chicken or pork, transforming simple dishes into gourmet experiences. Our readers love this recipe so much that many have even created their own delicious vegan versions, proving just how adaptable and universally appealing it is. If you’re looking for more beloved dishes, click here for some other reader favorites from Countryside Cravings!

If you cherish gravy on your mashed potatoes and meatloaf as much as I do, I highly recommend trying it with my Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes and Old Fashioned Meatloaf. These three comfort food recipes are a match made in culinary heaven, working together seamlessly to create a meal your entire family will absolutely adore and request again and again!

*Originally published October 2016. Photos and text updated for clarity and improved reader experience.*

Why You Will Love This Easy Mushroom Gravy Recipe

This mushroom gravy isn’t just another sauce; it’s a game-changer for your culinary repertoire. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether it’s a grand holiday feast like Thanksgiving or Christmas, a cozy Sunday dinner, or an everyday family meal, this mushroom gravy adds a touch of gourmet elegance. Its rich, savory flavor makes it an ideal complement to any festive spread, promising to impress even the most discerning palates.
• Effortless and Quick to Make: The thought of making homemade gravy can often feel daunting, but this recipe truly demystifies the process. It’s incredibly user-friendly and surprisingly quick, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can achieve such a restaurant-quality gravy from scratch!
• Incredibly Versatile for All Meats: While I personally prefer it with rich beef dishes like steak or pot roast, this mushroom gravy is wonderfully adaptable. Its deep, umami-rich profile complements a wide range of proteins, tasting equally fantastic with roasted chicken, tender pork chops, or even your favorite cuts of steak. It’s the ultimate all-rounder!
• Easily Adaptable for Vegetarian and Vegan Diets: Catering to diverse dietary needs has never been simpler. To transform this into a vegetarian or vegan mushroom gravy, just swap beef broth for a high-quality vegetable broth. Drizzle it generously over a heaping pile of roasted vegetables, a plant-based roast, or, of course, fluffy mashed potatoes. After all, a good gravy truly makes almost anything taste better!

Key Ingredients for the Best Mushroom Gravy

Crafting a truly exceptional mushroom gravy starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the incredible depth of flavor and perfect texture:

• Fat (Olive Oil or Butter): The foundation of any great gravy begins with fat. I highly recommend using a good quality olive oil for a lighter, fruity note, or unsalted butter for a richer, more classic flavor. Butter, in particular, lends a super luscious texture when sautéing the onions and mushrooms, enhancing their natural sweetness. You can also use pan drippings from a roast for an even deeper, meatier flavor!
• Mushrooms: The undisputed star of this show! While this recipe shines with versatile baby portobello or classic white button mushrooms, don’t hesitate to experiment. Cremini (also known as baby bellas) offer a slightly deeper earthiness, while shiitakes can add a more robust, umami-packed punch. Whichever you choose, ensure they are fresh and thinly sliced for optimal browning and flavor release.
• Onion & Garlic: This truly dynamic duo forms the aromatic backbone of our gravy. What better smell is there than freshly sautéed onions caramelizing and garlic becoming fragrant? They provide essential depth, sweetness, and a pungent kick that rounds out the mushroom flavor beautifully.
• Flour: This humble ingredient is key to achieving that perfectly thick, velvety gravy texture we all crave. All-purpose flour works wonderfully, helping to create a roux that binds the flavors and liquids together. For a gluten-free option, a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend works just as effectively.
• Broth or Stock: Because we need liquid to bring this delicious gravy to life! The choice of broth significantly impacts the final flavor. Beef broth or stock will yield a richer, darker gravy, ideal for red meats. For a vegetarian or vegan version, a good quality vegetable broth or stock is essential. Remember to opt for low-sodium options to control the seasoning precisely.
• Seasoning (Salt & Pepper): We’re keeping it simple and letting the natural flavors shine with just a touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. These basic seasonings enhance all the other ingredients without overpowering them. However, always feel free to add any additional spices or herbs you prefer, such as a hint of dried thyme or a pinch of rosemary, to customize it to your taste.

How To Make Easy Mushroom Gravy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this incredible mushroom gravy is surprisingly simple, even for novice cooks. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured gravy:

1. Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms: To begin, heat your chosen fat (olive oil, butter, or pan drippings) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and thinly sliced mushrooms. Sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully browned and tender. This step is absolutely crucial because the caramelization of the mushrooms and onions creates a significant portion of the gravy’s deep flavor and rich brown color. Don’t rush it; allow them to develop that gorgeous golden-brown hue, which usually takes about 7 minutes.
2. Add the Garlic: Once the mushrooms and onions are perfectly browned, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Garlic cooks very quickly and can burn easily, becoming bitter. To prevent this, I highly recommend having all your subsequent ingredients ready to go before adding the garlic, so you can move swiftly to the next step.
3. Create the Roux with Flour: Now for the secret to a perfectly thick and smooth gravy: stir the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) directly into the pan with the sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a roux, which will act as the thickening agent for your gravy, giving it that ideal velvety texture.
4. Whisk in the Broth and Simmer: Gradually pour in the beef or vegetable broth, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth consistency and prevent any lumps from forming. As you whisk, be sure to actively scrape up all the delicious browned bits (known as “fond”) from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with concentrated flavor and will significantly enhance the depth of your gravy. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Thicken and Season: Allow the gravy to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavors!

Tips and Variations for Your Mushroom Gravy

This easy mushroom gravy recipe is fantastic as is, but a few simple tips and variations can make it even better or perfectly tailored to your meal:

• Elevate Your Steak Dinner: Not only does this mushroom gravy pair wonderfully with meatloaf, but it’s also absolutely divine drizzled generously over your favorite cut of steak. The earthy notes of the mushrooms and the savory richness of the gravy are a match made in heaven for red meat, enhancing every bite with a gourmet touch.
• Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: As mentioned, simply use high-quality vegetable broth or stock instead of beef broth to easily make this recipe vegetarian or vegan. You can also add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast during the simmering stage for an extra cheesy, umami depth without any dairy. It’s a fantastic way to boost flavor for plant-based dishes.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: This mushroom gravy freezes beautifully! Once cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
• Utilize Holiday Drippings: Making a Thanksgiving turkey or a holiday roast? Don’t let those flavorful pan drippings go to waste! Use them instead of (or in addition to) broth to make your mushroom gravy. Turkey or roast drippings are packed with incredible depth of flavor that will elevate your gravy to an unforgettable level.
• Adjusting Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired pourable consistency. If it’s too thin, you can continue to simmer it gently to reduce, or for a quicker fix, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water (a slurry) and whisk it into the simmering gravy until thickened.
• Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra layer of aroma and flavor, stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, or parsley just before serving. These fresh herbs complement the earthy mushrooms beautifully.
• Creamy Mushroom Gravy: For an even richer, creamier gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or a dairy-free cream alternative at the very end, once the gravy has thickened and is removed from the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mushroom Gravy

Got questions about making the perfect mushroom gravy? Here are some common inquiries and their answers to help you along the way:

• Does it matter if I use broth or stock?
  While broth and stock are often used interchangeably in recipes, there are subtle differences. Stock is typically made from roasted bones, vegetables, and aromatics, giving it a richer, thicker consistency and a more profound flavor due to the gelatin from the bones. Broth, on the other hand, is made primarily from meat and vegetables and tends to be lighter and thinner, usually seasoned more. For this gravy, either will work beautifully! Stock will generally produce a slightly richer and thicker gravy, but broth is perfectly acceptable. The most important thing is to do a taste test when making your gravy to ensure the seasoning and flavor profile are exactly to your liking.
• Can I use a different type of mushrooms?
  Absolutely! While I typically use baby portobello mushrooms (also known as cremini) when making this recipe because they are readily available and inexpensive at my local grocery store, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and works well with many different types of mushrooms. You can experiment with more gourmet varieties like earthy porcini, savory shiitakes, delicate chanterelles, or even just classic white button mushrooms. Each type will impart a slightly different flavor profile, allowing you to customize your gravy to your preference. Fresh wild mushrooms can add an incredible depth if you have access to them!
• Can this gravy be made gluten-free?
  Yes, easily! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The thickening properties are very similar, and it will result in a delicious, smooth gravy that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.
• How long does mushroom gravy last in the refrigerator?
  Homemade mushroom gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best quality, make sure it cools completely before storing.
• Why is my gravy lumpy, and how can I fix it?
  Lumpy gravy often happens when the flour isn’t fully incorporated into the fat (the roux) or when cold liquid is added too quickly to a hot roux. To avoid lumps, ensure you cook the flour with the fat for at least a minute, and then gradually whisk in the broth, a little at a time, until smooth. If your gravy does turn out lumpy, you can press it through a fine-mesh sieve or use an immersion blender to achieve a silky-smooth consistency.

Other Recipes You Might Like:

If you loved this mushroom gravy, here are some other delicious comfort food recipes from Countryside Cravings that you might enjoy:

• Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
• Easiest Mashed Potatoes
• Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• Cheese Ravioli in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
• Old Fashioned Meatloaf
• Pork Chops in Mushroom Gravy

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Don’t miss out on our latest delicious recipes and kitchen tips! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all my latest updates!

Easy Mushroom Gravy

This is the BEST mushroom gravy! It’s full of flavor, can be made gluten-free, and vegan! It’s perfect for mashed potatoes, chicken, beef, or pork!

Servings: 10

Author: Malinda Linnebur

Save RecipeSaved!

Print Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• ▢ 8 ounces (225g) thinly sliced baby portabella mushrooms or white button mushrooms
• ▢ ½ cup (70g) finely chopped onion
• ▢ 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour or cup for cup gluten-free flour
• ▢ 3 cups (710ml) beef broth/stock or vegetable stock
• ▢ salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sauté mushrooms and onions until they are nicely browned (about 7 minutes). Add in minced garlic and stir until fragrant (approximately 30 seconds).
• Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, ensuring it’s well combined with the sautéed ingredients. Gradually whisk in the broth, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to maximize flavor. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Simmer gently until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, typically 5-7 minutes. Then, remove from heat. Taste for salt and pepper and season to taste, adding more if necessary.

Notes

1. Achieving Deep Color: To get that beautiful dark brown color and robust flavor, make sure to thoroughly brown your mushrooms and onions. Don’t forget to scrape up all the flavorful brown bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan when you stir in the beef broth. This makes a huge difference!
2. Nutrition Information: Please note that since different brands of ingredients have varying nutritional information, the data shown is an estimate. The nutrition facts provided were calculated using olive oil, all-purpose flour, and low-sodium beef broth. If using different ingredients or making substitutions, the nutritional content may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 68kcal |
Carbohydrates: 6g |
Protein: 2g |
Fat: 4g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g |
Sodium: 363mg |
Potassium: 170mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 1IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 4mg |
Iron: 1mg

Did you make this?Let me know by sharing a picture and tagging @countryside_cravings on Instagram