Old-Fashioned Dried Beef Gravy
A classic comfort food, Old-Fashioned Dried Beef Gravy is a creamy, savory dish that’s been a family favorite for generations. Made with salty dried beef in a rich white gravy, it’s traditionally served over toast, biscuits, mashed potatoes, or baked potatoes for a hearty breakfast or simple dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried beef, rinsed if very salty and chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt, to taste (use sparingly since the beef is salty)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- If the dried beef is very salty, rinse it briefly under cold water and pat it dry. Cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped dried beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk a little at a time, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season with black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne if using. Taste before adding any salt.
- Remove from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot over:
- Buttered toast
- Fresh biscuits
- English muffins
- Mashed potatoes
- Baked potatoes
- Rice
Tips
- For extra richness, replace ½ cup of the milk with heavy cream.
- Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for more flavor.
- Leftover gravy can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6