This Mushroom & Onion Gravy Recipe is a deeply flavorful, silky, and hearty sauce that elevates everything from mashed potatoes and Salisbury steak to meatloaf and roasted veggies. Made from golden caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and savory beef broth, this gravy is the ultimate comfort companion.
Whether you’re serving it on a holiday table or pouring it over a weeknight dinner, this rich gravy adds depth, earthiness, and that homemade-from-scratch taste that store-bought versions simply can’t touch.
Ingredients
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3 tablespoons butter
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8 oz mushrooms, sliced
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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3 cups beef broth
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¼ teaspoon salt
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Pinch of black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth)
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1 teaspoon soy sauce (for umami)
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1 sprig fresh thyme or rosemary (during simmer)
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½ cup heavy cream (for creamy gravy)
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Splash of red wine (for bold flavor)
Preparation
Sauté and build the flavor
Step 1: Melt the butter
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Step 2: Add onions and cook until soft
Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and golden. This step builds the base flavor of the gravy.
Step 3: Add mushrooms and garlic
Stir in 8 oz of sliced mushrooms and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
Step 4: Add seasoning
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and season with the salt and pepper. Stir to evenly coat the vegetables.
Thicken and simmer the gravy
Step 5: Add the flour
Sprinkle ½ cup of all-purpose flour over the mushroom and onion mixture. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. This will thicken the gravy as it cooks.
Step 6: Pour in the beef broth
Slowly add 3 cups of beef broth while whisking or stirring vigorously to prevent lumps. Keep the heat at medium.
Step 7: Simmer to thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Taste and finish
Step 8: Adjust seasoning
Taste the gravy and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed. Optional: stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for added richness.
Step 9: Serve hot
Serve the gravy immediately over your favorite dish, or keep warm on low heat until ready to use.
Variation
Customize your Mushroom & Onion Gravy with these tasty tweaks:
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Creamy Mushroom Gravy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream at the end for a rich, velvety version.
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Herb-Infused Gravy: Simmer with thyme, rosemary, or sage for a more aromatic profile.
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Red Wine Gravy: Replace ½ cup of broth with dry red wine for a bold, elegant twist.
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Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, vegetable broth, and flour for a vegan-friendly take.
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Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
COOKING Note
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Stirring constantly while adding broth helps prevent lumps in the gravy.
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Cooking the flour before adding the broth removes the raw flour taste and helps create a silky texture.
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Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness—season to taste after simmering.
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For extra depth, use a combination of white and cremini mushrooms.
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If gravy thickens too much, thin with a bit more warm broth.
Tips
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Make this ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days—just reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
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Leftovers freeze well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
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For extra smooth gravy, blend it in a food processor or with an immersion blender.
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Serve over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, pot roast, pork chops, or roasted vegetables.
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Add a pat of butter just before serving for a glossy finish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per ¼ cup serving, approx. 8 servings)
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Calories: 110
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Protein: 2g
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Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 9g
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Sugar: 2g
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Sodium: 280mg
Note: May vary based on broth and optional ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef?
Yes, but beef broth provides the richest flavor. Vegetable broth works well for vegetarian versions.
What’s the best type of mushroom for this recipe?
Cremini or button mushrooms work great, but you can mix with shiitake or portobello for variety.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your broth is gluten-free.
Will this gravy thicken more as it cools?
It will slightly thicken as it rests. Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen if needed.
Is this gravy freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Mushroom & Onion Gravy Recipe brings deep, savory flavor to any dish it touches. Whether you’re ladling it over mashed potatoes or pouring it over a juicy steak, the caramelized onions, rich mushrooms, and well-seasoned base make this homemade gravy something truly special. Simple ingredients, maximum flavor—this is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Make a batch tonight and take your meal from simple to spectacular.
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Mushroom & Onion Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 35 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
3 tablespoons butter
-
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
½ cup all-purpose flour
-
3 cups beef broth
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
Pinch of black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth)
-
1 teaspoon soy sauce (for umami)
-
1 sprig fresh thyme or rosemary (during simmer)
-
½ cup heavy cream (for creamy gravy)
-
Splash of red wine (for bold flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Melt the butter
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Step 2: Add onions and cook until soft
Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and golden. This step builds the base flavor of the gravy.
Step 3: Add mushrooms and garlic
Stir in 8 oz of sliced mushrooms and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
Step 4: Add seasoning
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and season with the salt and pepper. Stir to evenly coat the vegetables.
Step 5: Add the flour
Sprinkle ½ cup of all-purpose flour over the mushroom and onion mixture. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. This will thicken the gravy as it cooks.
Step 6: Pour in the beef broth
Slowly add 3 cups of beef broth while whisking or stirring vigorously to prevent lumps. Keep the heat at medium.
Step 7: Simmer to thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 8: Adjust seasoning
Taste the gravy and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed. Optional: stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for added richness.
Step 9: Serve hot
Serve the gravy immediately over your favorite dish, or keep warm on low heat until ready to use.
Notes
-
Stirring constantly while adding broth helps prevent lumps in the gravy.
-
Cooking the flour before adding the broth removes the raw flour taste and helps create a silky texture.
-
Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness—season to taste after simmering.
-
For extra depth, use a combination of white and cremini mushrooms.
-
If gravy thickens too much, thin with a bit more warm broth.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 2 g