Cornstarch Gravy

Serves: 2 Cuisine: American

Creamy and savory, this cornstarch gravy enhances roasted meats with rich flavor and smooth texture, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. beef or poultry fat drippings or margarine
  • 1 1/2 c. broth (beef or poultry)
  • 1/2 c. milk
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1/4 c. cold water
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Pour off drippings and return 2 tablespoons to the roasting pan. Stir in broth and cook over medium heat, stirring to loosen browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  2. Remove from heat and add milk.
  3. Mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
  4. Add the cornstarch mixture to the liquid in the pan. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat and boil for 1 minute.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using drippings from roasted meats such as those from Beef & Potato Stew. If you don't have enough drippings, you can substitute with butter or olive oil. When mixing cornstarch with water, ensure it's smooth to avoid lumps. Adjust the thickness of the gravy by varying the amount of cornstarch or water based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

This cornstarch gravy is perfect served over mashed potatoes or as a flavorful sauce for roasted meats. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Corned Beef Cabbage Casserole. For a complete meal, serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the gravy.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cornstarch gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour it into a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until warmed through. If the gravy thickens too much upon cooling, you can add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cornstarch Gravy contains roughly 545 calories, with 8g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1081mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).

545 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.2g 16% DV
Total Fat 18g 23% DV
Carbs 87.1g 32% DV
Fiber 5.5g 20% DV
Sugar 7g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1081mg 47% DV
Potassium 181.6mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 20.7mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 40.8mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 2.4mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 209.6mg 16% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef or poultry broth?

Yes, you can definitely use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this gravy. Just ensure that the broth is well-seasoned to enhance the flavor, and consider adding herbs or spices to mimic the depth found in meat-based broths.

What can I do if my gravy turns out too thick?

If your gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a bit more broth or water over low heat until you reach the desired consistency. Remember to add the liquid gradually to avoid making it too thin.

How can I make this gravy ahead of time?

You can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding additional broth or milk as needed to restore the desired texture and flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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