---
Why Use Mushroom Soup for Gravy?
Mushroom soup is a convenient ingredient that adds depth and richness to gravy. Its natural earthy flavor enhances the overall taste of dishes, making it a popular choice for home cooks looking for an easy and flavorful sauce. Additionally, mushroom soup typically contains cream, broth, and seasonings, which contribute to a velvety texture and complex flavor profile without the need for extensive seasoning or stock.
---
Ingredients Needed to Make Mushroom Gravy with Mushroom Soup
Before starting, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) mushroom soup (condensed or regular)
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth (or water with bouillon cubes)
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening, if desired)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs and seasonings (such as thyme, parsley, or paprika) — optional
---
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mushroom Gravy with Mushroom Soup
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out. If you plan to add onions and garlic, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. This ensures everything is ready to cook smoothly.
2. Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
This step enhances the flavor of your gravy, providing a savory base.
3. Make a Roux (Optional for Thicker Gravy)
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Stir continuously to cook out the raw flour taste, about 1-2 minutes.
- This will help thicken the gravy and give it a smooth consistency.
Alternatively, if you prefer a thinner gravy, you can skip this step or use less flour.
4. Add Mushroom Soup and Broth
- Pour the mushroom soup into the skillet, stirring to combine with the roux (if used).
- Gradually add 1 cup of broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
The mushroom soup acts as the creamy base, and the broth adjusts the thickness and flavor.
5. Simmer and Adjust Seasonings
- Allow the gravy to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and herbs as desired.
- If you want a thicker gravy, continue simmering until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- For a smoother texture, you can blend the gravy briefly with an immersion blender.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Pour the hot mushroom gravy over your favorite cooked meats, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme for added flavor and presentation.
---
Tips for Perfect Mushroom Gravy with Mushroom Soup
- Use quality mushroom soup: Opt for a good brand or homemade mushroom soup for a richer flavor.
- Customize the thickness: Adjust the amount of flour or simmer time based on your preferred gravy consistency.
- Add mushrooms: For extra texture, sauté sliced fresh mushrooms along with onions and garlic.
- Incorporate herbs: Fresh or dried thyme, parsley, or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile.
- Make it vegan or dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and broth, and choose a mushroom soup that is dairy-free.
---
Variations of Mushroom Gravy with Mushroom Soup
Explore different flavor twists to suit your meal:
1. Vegetarian Mushroom Gravy
- Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth.
- Skip the butter or use vegan butter.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra texture.
2. Spicy Mushroom Gravy
- Incorporate cayenne pepper, paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve over spicy roasted vegetables or meats.
3. Creamy Mushroom Gravy
- Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving.
- Perfect for a richer sauce.
4. Mushroom Gravy with Wine
- Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white or red wine after sautéing aromatics.
- Let it reduce before adding the mushroom soup and broth.
---
Serving Suggestions for Mushroom Gravy
Mushroom gravy made with mushroom soup is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for serving:
- Over Roast Beef, Chicken, or Turkey
- As a Sauce for Meatloaf
- Drizzled over Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Vegetables
- Accompanying Egg Noodles or Rice
- As a Dip for Bread or Crisps
---
Conclusion
Making gravy with mushroom soup is an easy, quick, and flavorful way to enhance your meals. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a savory sauce that adds richness and depth to any dish. Whether you're looking for a comforting addition to family dinner or a sophisticated accompaniment for your holiday feast, mushroom gravy made from mushroom soup is a reliable and tasty choice. Experiment with seasonings and variations to make it uniquely yours and enjoy the delicious results!
---
Remember: The key to perfect mushroom gravy is balancing richness with seasoning and adjusting the thickness to suit your preference. With practice, you'll master the art of making this versatile sauce that can elevate any meal effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a simple mushroom gravy using mushroom soup?
To make a simple mushroom gravy, combine one can of mushroom soup with a cup of beef or vegetable broth, heat over medium heat, and stir until smooth. For added flavor, sauté some onions and garlic before mixing with the soup.
Can I make mushroom gravy from scratch using mushroom soup as a base?
Yes, you can enhance mushroom soup by adding sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and seasonings like thyme or pepper to create a richer, homemade mushroom gravy.
What are some tips for thickening mushroom gravy made with mushroom soup?
You can thicken mushroom gravy by simmering it until it reduces, adding a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with water, or stirring in a small amount of cream or butter for extra richness.
Can I use mushroom soup to make gravy for vegetarian dishes?
Absolutely! Mushroom soup is a great vegetarian base for gravy. Just add vegetable broth and seasonings to customize the flavor for your dish.
How do I incorporate mushroom gravy into mashed potatoes or meats?
Pour the prepared mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or grilled chicken to add a savory, umami flavor. Warm the gravy before serving for the best taste.
Are there variations of mushroom gravy I can make with mushroom soup?
Yes, you can add ingredients like cream, wine, herbs, or sautéed mushrooms to mushroom soup to create different variations of mushroom gravy tailored to your taste.
How long does it take to prepare mushroom gravy with mushroom soup?
Preparation is quick, typically taking about 10-15 minutes. Simply heat the mushroom soup with any additional ingredients and simmer until heated through and flavors meld.
Can I make mushroom gravy ahead of time using mushroom soup?
Yes, mushroom gravy can be made in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat on the stove before serving.
What seasonings go well in mushroom gravy made with mushroom soup?
Common seasonings include garlic, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
Is it necessary to add flour or cornstarch when making gravy with mushroom soup?
Not necessarily. Mushroom soup often contains thickening agents, but if you prefer a thicker gravy, adding a slurry of flour or cornstarch can help achieve your desired consistency.
