Mushroom Gravy from Scratch Recipe
Introduction
This easy mushroom gravy is made from scratch without the need for drippings, offering a rich and savory sauce perfect for a variety of dishes. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a versatile addition to your weeknight meals.

Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 45g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic, finely minced (about 1 large or 2 medium cloves)
- 400g (14oz) mushrooms, sliced 3mm (⅛”) thick (white/button or Swiss/Cremini)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
- 2 cups beef stock or broth
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add 45g (3 tbsp) of butter and let it melt.
- Step 2: Add half the sliced mushrooms, sprinkle half the salt and black pepper, and cook for 2 minutes. Add half the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until mushrooms are golden. Remove them to a plate.
- Step 3: Melt the remaining 30g (2 tbsp) butter in the skillet, then add the remaining mushrooms, salt, pepper, and garlic following the same timing. Remove cooked mushrooms to the plate.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and melt 30g (2 tbsp) butter in the skillet.
- Step 5: Add the flour and stir continuously for 1 1/2 minutes to form a roux without burning it. The mixture may look dry or sandy; this is normal depending on the fat left in the pan.
- Step 6: Slowly pour in the beef stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Whisk vigorously if lumps form.
- Step 7: Cook the gravy for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens to a thin syrup consistency, stirring more frequently as it thickens to prevent burning.
- Step 8: Stir in the cooked mushrooms and cook for an additional minute. Taste and adjust salt if needed, especially if you use unsalted or homemade stock.
- Step 9: Pour the mushroom gravy into a gravy jug and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with schnitzel, steak, pan-seared chops, or chicken.
Tips & Variations
- Use Cremini mushrooms for a deeper flavor or white button mushrooms for a milder taste.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef stock with vegetable broth.
- Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can enhance umami flavor.
- Ensure constant stirring when adding stock to prevent lumps in the gravy.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.
Storage
Store leftover mushroom gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy thickens too much, thin it with a little extra broth or water while reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this gravy without garlic?
Yes, you can omit the garlic if desired, though it adds a nice depth to the flavor. You might consider adding a small amount of onion powder or shallots for some aromatic complexity.
Is it possible to use a different type of stock?
Absolutely. While beef stock gives a rich flavor, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable stock depending on your preference or dietary needs. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly.
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Mushroom Gravy from Scratch Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy homemade Mushroom Gravy recipe is made from scratch without requiring any drippings. It features sautéed mushrooms in a buttery roux combined with rich beef stock to create a smooth, flavorful gravy perfect for pouring over schnitzel, steak, chops, or chicken. The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward techniques to produce a savory, comforting sauce that complements a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Butter and Oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 45g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Mushrooms and Seasonings
- 400g / 14oz mushrooms, sliced 3mm / ⅛” thick (white/button or Swiss/Cremini)
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic, finely minced (approximately 1 large or 2 medium cloves)
- 1/4 tsp salt (divided)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper (divided)
- Additional salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Thickening Agent and Stock
- 4 tbsp plain / all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock / broth
Instructions
- Cook Mushrooms (Part 1): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add 45g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Add half of the sliced mushrooms along with half of the salt and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then continue cooking for another 2 minutes until most mushrooms are turning golden. Add half of the minced garlic and continue cooking until the mushrooms are fully golden. Remove these mushrooms to a plate.
- Cook Mushrooms (Part 2): Melt the remaining 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add the remaining mushrooms along with the rest of the salt and pepper partway through cooking. Add the remaining garlic towards the end and cook until golden. Remove to a plate.
- Prepare Roux: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter left in the pan. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 1/2 minutes to make a roux, taking care not to burn it. The mixture may look a bit dry or sandy depending on leftover fat from the mushrooms.
- Add Stock: Slowly pour in the beef stock while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. If lumps form, whisk vigorously until the gravy is smooth.
- Thicken Gravy: Cook the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring intermittently at first and then more frequently as it thickens. The gravy should reach a thin syrup consistency without burning on the skillet base.
- Combine and Finish: Stir the cooked mushrooms back into the gravy and cook together for an additional 1 minute. Taste and season with additional salt if necessary, especially if using unsalted or homemade beef stock.
- Serve: Pour the mushroom gravy into a gravy jug and serve hot. This gravy pairs excellently with schnitzel and rosti or chips, but is also delicious over steak, pan-seared chops, or chicken seasoned with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms sliced evenly to ensure uniform cooking and optimal flavor.
- Adjust salt levels depending on the saltiness of your beef stock or broth.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef stock with vegetable stock but note flavor differences.
- Continuous stirring during the roux stage is crucial to avoid burning and achieve smooth gravy.
- If lumps form when adding stock, whisk thoroughly to dissolve them for a perfect texture.
- This gravy keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Australian
Keywords: mushroom gravy, easy gravy recipe, homemade mushroom sauce, gravy from scratch, beef gravy, sauce for schnitzel, mushroom sauce, stovetop gravy

