How to Create Savory Sausage and Mushroom Gravy in Simple English
Food can bring comfort after a long day, and sausage and mushroom gravy is a true winner. It’s savory, hearty, and pairs perfectly with biscuits, mashed potatoes, or even pasta. Plus, making it isn’t hard at all! If you follow this easy recipe, you’ll soon have a dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for sharing. Let’s break down how to create your own sausage and mushroom gravy step by step.
What You’ll Need:
Before you start, gather everything. Here’s a list of ingredients and tools you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound (about 8 ounces) of ground sausage (choose mild or spicy, depending on your taste)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (you can use button, cremini, or whichever you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted is best)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk works best, but you can use other types)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like parsley
Tools:
- A medium-sized skillet or frying pan
- A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
- A whisk (optional, but it helps with the sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Getting Started:
Now that you have everything, let’s begin cooking! This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, so make sure you have enough time.
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Place your skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Add the ground sausage to the pan. Break it up into smaller pieces using your spatula. Stir occasionally so all sides cook evenly. You’ll know the sausage is ready when it’s browned and no longer pink in the center (this usually takes 6-8 minutes).
Once done, use a slotted spoon or spatula to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving some of the grease in the skillet. That grease will help add flavor later.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
With the sausage out of the pan, toss in the sliced mushrooms. If there isn’t much grease left, you can add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet to prevent sticking. Stir the mushrooms gently and let them cook for 4-6 minutes. They’ll start to soften and take on a golden-brown color. Don’t rush this step, as cooking mushrooms slowly brings out their earthy, rich flavor.
Step 3: Make the Roux (Base for the Gravy)
When the mushrooms are cooked, push them to one side of the pan. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty space in the skillet, letting it melt completely. Then, sprinkle the flour over the melted butter. Use your spatula to mix the flour and butter together until they form a paste. This is called a “roux,” and it is the magic ingredient that makes gravy thick and creamy.
Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. The flour will look lightly golden but not burn.
Step 4: Add the Milk
Gradually pour the milk into the skillet, stirring as you pour. It’s best to add the milk slowly—this keeps lumps from forming. If you have a whisk, use it to blend the milk smoothly into the roux.
Once the milk is fully added, stir everything together. The mixture will look a bit thin at first, but don’t worry—it will thicken as it cooks. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring often so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Add Sausage Back In
Now it’s time to bring the sausage back into the mix. Add the cooked sausage into the skillet along with the gravy and mushrooms. Stir everything together so the flavors blend. At this point, sprinkle in the salt and pepper, along with any optional seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sausage is heated through and the gravy reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your savory sausage and mushroom gravy is ready to serve! Spoon it over fluffy biscuits, mashed potatoes, or even rice. If you want to impress someone, sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley on top—it adds a nice pop of color.
Extra Tips:
- Don’t Skip the Roux: The butter and flour mixture (roux) is key to getting creamy gravy, so take your time with it.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and high-quality sausage make a huge difference in flavor.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: You can add diced onions, bell peppers, or even a splash of chicken broth for extra depth.
Final Thoughts:
Making sausage and mushroom gravy doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple recipe is full of hearty flavors, and once you try it, you might find yourself making it again and again. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—anytime you need comforting food that’s easy to make. So, grab your ingredients and skillet, and give it a try. You’ll be surprised by how delicious homemade gravy can be!
Happy cooking!
