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This slow cooker gravy is rich, flavorful, and effortless - just drippings and a roux! No work, all comfort, and perfect every time. It's so easy!
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Slow cooker beef gravy is one of my favorite Sunday Supper recipes to serve my family - and one of the best parts is how incredibly easy it is to make!
This rich, flavorful gravy comes together right in the slow cooker using beef drippings and a simple roux of flour and butter. It's perfect for pairing with slow cooker beef tips, roast beef, pork, mashed potatoes, or any comforting dish you'd like.
I especially love making crock pot gravy around the holidays. It's a make-ahead dish that takes the pressure off when you're juggling a full holiday menu.
I'll set it up earlier on and let it stay warm in the slow cooker until it's time to serve. It's my go-to gravy for Christmas and Thanksgiving, especially when I'm making my Slow Roasted Prime Rib or Standing Rib Roast!
The secret to making gravy from scratch is to use drippings from roast beef. In a pinch, you can use beef stock. I have done this many times. But the next time you make a roast, be sure to save the drippings!
Follow any of my Roast Beef Recipes and save the drippings. You can even freeze them and thaw them to make gravy.
How to Thicken Gravy in the Crock Pot
If your gravy is too thin, you can make a quick roux. It is a mixture of equal parts flour and butter or other fat. I recommend 1 tablespoon of flour and water. Slowly whisk the mixture into your gravy and it will thicken perfectly.
Follow this guide on How to Make a Roux for gravy to learn more about making a roux, and for more delicious recipes using a roux!
How to Thin Gravy in the Crock Pot
Mix in a little more broth or drippings to help thin it out if it thickens too much! Remember, whisk whisk whisk slowly and you will have the perfect consistency.
How to Make Crock Pot Gravy Gluten-Free
Instead of using flour, you can also thicken 2 cups pot roast gravy using 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
In a small bowl, whisk together the tablespoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of cool water. Pour into the crock pot with the broth set over high heat, and whisk until combined.
Allow it to cook under the lid until it thickens, about 30 minutes to 1 hour. You may need to add a bit more cornstarch for a thicker gravy.
What to Serve with Beef Gravy
- Air Fried Beef Roast
- Sirloin Tip Roast
- Pot Roast Sandwich
- Crock Pot Pork Chops
- Slow Cooker Chicken Legs
- I like to use it as a topping for Loco Moco! Loco Moco is a Hawaiian dish with white rice, a seasoned hamburger patty, fried egg, and plenty of brown gravy.
- Homemade poutine with crisp French fries, brown gravy, and fresh cheese curds.
There are so many options for what you can do with gravy from pot roast! Give this better-than-bouillon gravy a try. I'd love to hear what you serve it with.
Isabel's Top Tips for Making Beef Gravy in the Crock Pot
- Don't let the flour darken too much as you cook it with the butter. As it darkens, it loses some of its thickening ability.
- After thickening it, if you want to take it to the next level, add some caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms for even more flavor. This is so perfect for making leftover roast beef sandwiches.
Slow Cooker Beef Gravy
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover broth from Slow Cooker Roast - or favorite beef stock
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pour 2 cups strained broth from roast beef or beef stock into a slow cooker and set to high heat. In a pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Cook briefly, until combined and starting to bubble, about 3-5 minutes. Do not let the flour darken.
- Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot broth into the flour mixture, whisking well. Once smooth, pour the mixture into the slow cooker with the remaining broth.
- Whisk to combine until smooth, then cover and cook over high heat until thickened, 30 minutes to 1 hour. Uncover and allow to cool slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with desired meal.
Notes
- If avoiding flour, thicken the gravy with cornstarch. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker and whisk to combine. Cook over high heat until thickened.
- Want to add some extras to your gravy? I like to mix in caramelized onions and/or sautéed mushrooms. Other options include dried or fresh herbs.
- Don't let the flour darken too much as you cook it with the butter. As it darkens, it loses some of its thickening ability.
- Did the gravy thicken too much? Mix in a little more broth to help loosen it.
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