Beef stock is a staple ingredient in many savory dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and gravies. Its rich, meaty flavor adds depth and umami to any recipe. But what if you don’t have any beef stock on hand? Can you substitute gravy instead?
Gravy and beef stock are similar ingredients, but they aren’t exactly the same. So whether or not you can use gravy in place of beef stock depends on the recipe and what flavor profile you’re going for.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between beef stock and gravy, when it’s ok to substitute one for the other, and how to tweak your recipe when using gravy instead of beef stock. Let’s dive in!
Beef Stock vs. Beef Gravy: What’s the Difference?
To understand if you can use gravy instead of stock, you first need to know how these two ingredients differ
How Beef Stock Is Made
Beef stock is made by simmering beef bones, meat scraps, and vegetables like carrots, celery and onions in water for several hours. This long simmering time extracts collagen from the bones and meat resulting in a rich, gelatinous liquid that provides incredible depth of flavor.
The process also draws out minerals and nutrients from the bones into the water, making beef stock a nutritious addition to recipes. Stock can be seasoned with herbs and spices, but usually it’s left unseasoned so it can be versatile in recipes.
How Beef Gravy Is Made
Beef gravy starts with beef broth or stock, then it’s thickened with a roux – typically flour and butter cooked together into a paste. Milk, cream, or other liquids may be added along with seasonings like black pepper, herbs, Worcestershire sauce, etc.
The main difference is that gravy contains thickeners and is seasoned, while stock does not have added thickeners and is usually left unseasoned.
Flavor and Texture Differences
In terms of flavor, beef stock and gravy can taste quite similar since they both start with beef broth. However, the collagen extracted from bones gives beef stock a richer, deeper flavor compared to gravy made with just broth.
The texture is where you really notice a difference. Beef stock is thin and flowing like water. Gravy is thickened considerably with flour or other starches into a velvety, coat-the-back-of-a-spoon texture.
- Beef stock is made from simmered bones, is thin in texture, and unseasoned.
- Beef gravy starts with broth, is thickened with flour/starch, and seasoned.
When Can You Use Gravy Instead of Stock?
Now that you know how they differ, let’s get into when you can swap gravy for stock.
Better for Smaller Amounts of Liquid
One instance where gravy can work is when a recipe only calls for a small amount of beef stock, like for a pan sauce. The thick texture of gravy can actually be an advantage here, helping the sauce cling nicely to meat.
For larger amounts of stock though, like in soups or stews, gravy may end up making the dish too thick and gloppy. Stick with regular stock for larger quantities.
Better for Heartier Dishes
Using gravy instead of stock shines in heartier dishes where you want a thicker, richer sauce component. Think beef stew, pot roast, sausage and mashed potatoes – these all pair perfectly with a thick, flavorful gravy rather than a thin stock.
Consider Flavor Profile
Since gravy contains seasonings while stock does not, consider whether the spices in your gravy will complement the rest of your recipe. Strongly seasoned sausage gravy could overwhelm a delicate seafood stew, for example.
May Need to Adjust Other Ingredients
Remember gravy contains thickeners like flour or cornstarch. If your original recipe also includes those as separate ingredients, you may need to reduce them to account for the thickening power in the gravy.
Probably Not Ideal for Soups
While gravy can work in small amounts in heartier dishes, using it in place of stock in soups is not recommended. The thick texture just doesn’t work well here. Stick with regular stock for the best texture in soups and stews.
How to Substitute Gravy for Stock in Recipes
If you’ve decided gravy will work instead of stock in your recipe, here are some tips for making the swap successfully:
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Start by adding a small amount of gravy, then taste and adjust as needed. You can always add more.
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Thin out thick gravy with broth, wine, milk, or water to reach the desired consistency.
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Reduce or omit any thickeners like flour in the original recipe since the gravy already contains them.
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Consider that gravy may contain salt and seasonings – adjust the rest of the recipe accordingly.
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For stews or other recipes with meat, allow time for the gravy to simmer into the dish and coat the ingredients nicely.
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For pan sauces, whisk in gravy at the end just until heated through and thickened.
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Vegetarian gravy won’t impart the rich, meaty flavor of beef stock. Use mushroom or vegetable broth to thin it out instead of water.
The basic rule is start with small amounts of gravy and make adjustments as needed to texture, seasoning, and other ingredients in the recipe.
Handy Gravy Hacks
When using gravy in place of stock, keep these tips in mind:
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Too thin? Whisk in a sprinkle of flour, cornstarch, or tapioca starch to thicken.
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Too thick? Add broth, wine, milk, or water to thin it out.
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Boost meaty flavor by browning ground beef or other meats and simmering into the gravy.
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Bland gravy? Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomato paste, or browning sauce for extra flavor.
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Make it from scratch. Simmer meat scraps in broth then thicken with a roux for full homemade flavor.
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No pan drippings or broth? Use bouillon or stock concentrate to make quick gravy from scratch.
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Gravy separates? Bring back to a simmer and whisk constantly until smooth again.
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Need gravy fast? Use an instant gravy mix just add water and stir. Not as tasty but very convenient!
Other Substitutes for Beef Stock
While gravy can work in some instances, it’s not ideal in every recipe. Here are a few other handy substitutes to use in place of beef stock:
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Beef broth or bouillon – Be sure to dilute condensed broth or use less bouillon cubes to avoid excess saltiness.
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Chicken stock – Adds richness without strong beef flavor.
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Vegetable or mushroom broth – For vegetarian/vegan dishes.
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Wine or beer – For stews and braises. Skip for kids!
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Coffee – Adds richness in small amounts to chili or stew.
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Soy sauce or miso – For savory umami flavor.
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Tomato sauce/paste – Adds color and acidity.
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Dried mushrooms – Soak in warm water for an umami “mushroom stock”.
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Worcestershire sauce – For savory depth, but not as the only stock substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gravy and Stock
Here are answers to some common questions about using gravy in place of stock:
Can I use beef gravy cubes instead of stock?
Yes, beef gravy cubes or powders can work instead of stock. Just be sure to dilute with water according to package directions as they can be quite salty on their own.
Does gravy taste the same as beef stock?
While similar, gravy and stock have slightly different flavors. Gravy tastes thicker, richer, and more heavily seasoned, while stock is lighter tasting and lets other ingredients shine.
Can I use bacon grease instead of drippings to make gravy?
Absolutely! Bacon grease adds tons of meaty flavor. Just be sure to pour off excess grease before making a roux, as too much fat can prevent gravy from thickening properly.
What’s the ratio of water to gravy mix when making gravy from a packet?
Packaged gravy mixes generally recommend 1 cup cold water per 1/4 cup mix. You can adjust more or less water to reach your desired consistency.
How long does homemade gravy last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, homemade gravy made with stock or broth will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
Putting It All Together
While beef stock and gravy are similar ingredients, they have distinct differences in texture and flavor. Gravy can work nicely in place of stock, but only for certain recipes and in the right amounts.
Follow these tips when substituting gravy for stock:
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Use gravy for pan sauces, braises, stews, and other heartier dishes that would benefit from a thick, rich component.
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Start with a small amount of gravy and adjust from there.
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Thin overly thick gravy with broth, wine, milk or water.
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Reduce any thickeners called for in the original recipe.
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Allow gravy to simmer into slower cooked dishes for the best flavor.
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Consider gravy’s spices – you may need to adjust the recipe’s seasoning.
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For the best flavor match, make gravy from pan drippings or use homemade beef broth.
With the proper adjustments, gravy can often stand in for stock. But for thin, delicate dishes like soup, you’re still better off using regular beef stock. Experiment and find what works best for your recipe!