Every time I make this Slow Cooker Gravy, it takes me back to those cozy family dinners filled with warmth and laughter. The aroma that wafts through the kitchen reminds me of Sunday afternoons spent around the table, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company. I can still hear my husband saying, “This gravy makes everything taste better!” And I wholeheartedly agree! You know, there’s just something magical about a rich, homemade gravy that adds so much flavor to any dish. Whether it’s drizzled over mashed potatoes or served with a hearty roast, it brings a sense of comfort that I cherish. I can’t wait for you to experience that same joy with this simple recipe.
How to make Slow Cooker Gravy
Ingredients:
- Drippings from roasted meat: The star of the show! This is where all the rich flavor comes from.
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth: This adds depth to the gravy. You can use store-bought or homemade, but I always prefer homemade when I have the time.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This is your thickening agent, and it helps create that lovely, smooth texture we crave in gravy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the flavors—you can adjust these to your liking.
- Optional: herbs (like thyme or rosemary): I love adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch. It really makes the gravy pop!
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking steps.
Cooking Steps
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Collect the drippings: Once your roast is done cooking in the slow cooker, you’ll want to gather all those flavorful drippings. This is the foundation of your gravy. If you don’t have enough drippings, don’t worry! You can supplement with a bit more broth.
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Pour the drippings into a saucepan: Carefully pour those drippings from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Be cautious—you don’t want to burn yourself!
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Add the broth: Pour in the 2 cups of chicken or beef broth. This step is crucial for achieving that lovely gravy consistency. As I’ve learned over the years, the more flavorful your broth, the richer your gravy will be.
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Whisk together the flour: In a small bowl, take your 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and mix it with a couple of tablespoons of the broth you just added. Whisk until smooth—this is called a slurry. Trust me, this is key to avoiding lumps in your gravy!
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Combine the slurry with the drippings: Slowly add the slurry back into the saucepan with the drippings and broth. Stir continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
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Cook over medium heat: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, whisking often. You’ll start to see it thicken up beautifully. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes, so don’t rush it. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen!
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Season to taste: Once your gravy has thickened, it’s time to season! Add salt and pepper according to your taste—this is where you can really make it your own.
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Add herbs if desired: If you’re feeling fancy, toss in a few sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. This will elevate your gravy to a whole new level!
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Serve it hot: Once the gravy is the perfect consistency and flavor, serve it hot over your favorite dishes like mashed potatoes, roast chicken, or turkey. I promise you, your family will be back for seconds!
Why I Love Making This Dish What makes this Slow Cooker Gravy so special to me is its ability to bring my loved ones together. Whenever I serve it, I can see everyone’s faces light up. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Not to mention how easy it is to make—it’s almost a no-fuss recipe. Plus, the best part is that it uses the drippings from whatever meat you’ve roasted, making it a wonderful way to minimize waste.
What You’ll Need: For this recipe, you really don’t need any special tools—just a good saucepan and a whisk. But if you have a fat separator, it can make collecting those drippings easier.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Gather your ingredients and tools.
- Collect the drippings from your slow cooker.
- Pour the drippings into the saucepan.
- Add your broth.
- Whisk together the flour in a small bowl.
- Slowly add the slurry to the saucepan while stirring continuously.
- Cook and whisk over medium heat until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add herbs if desired.
- Serve hot over your favorite dishes.
Tips for Perfect Results I’ve learned a few tricks in my time making this gravy. First, don’t skip the whisking! It’s essential for a smooth, lump-free gravy. If you want a richer flavor, feel free to swap half a cup of broth with half a cup of red or white wine. It adds a delightful depth that’s absolutely delicious!
Serving Suggestions and Sides This gravy pairs exceptionally well with mashed potatoes, turkey, or roast chicken. If you’re making a big family feast, consider serving it alongside sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. A warm dinner roll on the side is also a must—perfect for soaking up every last drop of gravy!
Leftovers Oh, and let’s talk about leftovers for a moment. If you happen to have any gravy left (which rarely happens in my house), you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to put it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
FAQ Section
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Can I use turkey drippings? Absolutely! Turkey drippings make for a wonderfully flavorful gravy, especially around the holidays.
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Can I make this without drippings? You can! Just use a bit more broth and some additional seasonings for flavor. It won’t be as rich, but it will still be tasty.
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What if my gravy is too thick? No worries! Just add a little bit of extra broth or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
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Can I prepare this ahead of time? While it’s best fresh, you can make it earlier in the day. Just reheat gently before serving.
This Slow Cooker Gravy has become a staple in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made it. My family couldn’t stop raving about it, and each taste brought back memories of my mother’s holiday dinners. I can’t wait for you to try it! I’m so excited to hear how it turns out. I just know your family will savor every bite, just like mine does. Let me know how it goes, and if they ask for seconds, well, that’s a win in my book!
Slow Cooker Gravy
Ingredients
For the Gravy
- 1 cup Drippings from roasted meat The star of the show, providing rich flavor.
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth Adds depth; homemade preferred if possible.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Thickening agent for smooth texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust to your liking.
- Optional: herbs (like thyme or rosemary) Adds an extra flavor touch.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Collect the drippings from the slow cooker after the roast is done.
- Pour the drippings into a saucepan carefully.
- Add the 2 cups of chicken or beef broth into the saucepan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of flour with a couple of tablespoons of the broth until smooth.
- Slowly add the slurry back into the saucepan, stirring continuously.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-10 minutes, whisking often.
- Once thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, add herbs for additional flavor.
- Serve hot over your favorite dishes like mashed potatoes.