Pioneer Woman’s Sausage Gravy!

There’s something about a plate of warm, flaky biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy that feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, hearty, and downright satisfying.

I remember the first time I ever had sausage gravy. I was sitting at my grandma’s kitchen table, the air thick with the smell of frying sausage and freshly baked biscuits. She had this way of making everything taste like it had been touched by magic. I watched as she stirred a bubbling pan of milk and sausage, the wooden spoon clinking against the cast-iron skillet. When she ladled that thick, peppery goodness over a hot biscuit and handed me a plate, I was hooked. One bite, and I knew this was the kind of food that sticks with you—not just in your belly but in your heart.

Fast forward to my own kitchen, and I wanted to recreate that same kind of magic. I turned to none other than the queen of comfort food herself—the Pioneer Woman. Her take on sausage gravy is legendary, a true Southern classic. But, of course, I had to put my own spin on it. This Pioneer Woman’s Sausage Gravy recipe is my take on her beloved dish, keeping everything rich and creamy while making it extra quick and easy. Whether you’re making Pioneer Woman’s Sausage Gravy and Biscuits for a cozy weekend breakfast or whipping up a batch of Crockpot Sausage Gravy to feed a crowd, this recipe will never steer you wrong.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

1. It’s the ultimate comfort food. There’s something so nostalgic about a plate of biscuits and gravy. It’s warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect way to start the day or even enjoy breakfast-for-dinner.
   
2. Quick and easy to make. This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, which means you can enjoy homemade sausage gravy even on busy mornings. No need for fancy ingredients—just simple pantry staples.
   
3. Rich and creamy texture. The combination of sausage drippings, flour, and milk creates a gravy that’s perfectly thick and luscious. A little bit of butter makes it extra velvety.
   
4. Works with different types of sausage. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pork sausage, prefer turkey sausage gravy for a leaner option, or want to spice things up with hot sausage, this recipe adapts beautifully.
   
5. Perfect for meal prep. Leftover sausage gravy keeps well in the fridge and reheats like a dream. You can even turn it into creative leftover sausage gravy recipes, like smothered hash browns or breakfast burritos.
   
6. Pairs beautifully with biscuits. You can serve this easy sausage gravy with homemade biscuits, store-bought biscuits, or even toast if you’re in a pinch. It’s all about that creamy, peppery goodness soaking into a warm, buttery base.
   
7. A Southern classic. This is one of those Southern sausage gravy recipes that feels like it came straight from a country kitchen. Rich, hearty, and full of that down-home flavor we all love.
   

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Sausage Gravy

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or more as needed for desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but adds depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (for a little kick, optional)

Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet (preferably cast iron for best flavor)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Cooking Instructions for Pioneer Woman’s Sausage Gravy Recipe:

1. Cook the sausage. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through. Do not drain the grease—this is where all the flavor comes from!
   
2. Add butter and flour. Stir in the butter until melted, then sprinkle the flour over the sausage. Stir continuously for about a minute, letting the flour absorb the grease. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
   
3. Pour in the milk. Slowly add the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and starting to thicken.
   
4. Season and simmer. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne (if using). Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
   
5. Adjust if needed. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
   
6. Serve warm. Spoon over warm biscuits and enjoy immediately!
   

Notes

1. For extra richness: A splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter stirred in at the end makes the gravy extra luscious.
   
2. Make it spicy: Swap regular sausage for hot sausage or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
   
3. Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, and make sure your sausage is gluten-free.
   
4. Best biscuits for serving: While homemade biscuits are ideal, canned or frozen biscuits also work great for a quick meal.
   
5. Storing leftovers: Leftover sausage gravy can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little extra milk to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
   
6. Make it in a crockpot: If feeding a crowd, you can keep this homemade sausage gravy warm in a slow cooker on the low setting, stirring occasionally.
   

Macronutrients Count Per Serving

• Calories: Approximately 320
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 750mg

Bonus Pro Tips for the Recipe

1. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet for Maximum Flavor – Cooking sausage gravy in a cast-iron skillet enhances the flavor, creating a rich and savory depth that you won’t get with nonstick pans.
2. Season as You Go – Don’t wait until the end to add salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to get that perfect balance of flavor.
3. Make It Ahead of Time – Sausage gravy actually tastes better when it sits for a bit. You can make it a day ahead and reheat it gently with a splash of milk to restore its creaminess.
4. Experiment with Different Sausages – While classic pork sausage is the go-to, you can try turkey sausage gravy for a leaner option or spicy sausage for an extra kick.
5. Don’t Skimp on the Butter – Adding butter to the flour and sausage mixture gives the gravy a silky, velvety texture that makes it extra indulgent.
6. Thicken or Thin as Needed – If your gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce.

Gravy Gurus: Your Top Questions Answered

1. What can I serve with sausage gravy?

• Besides biscuits, this gravy pairs well with hash browns, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, or even over a slice of toast.

2. Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

• Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen it up.

3. Can I freeze sausage gravy?

• Yes! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

4. How do I make this recipe healthier?

• Use turkey sausage instead of pork, swap whole milk for a lower-fat option, and use a little less butter.

5. What if my gravy is too thick or too thin?

• If it’s too thick, add more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken up.

6. Can I add cheese to my sausage gravy?

• Yes! A handful of shredded cheddar or Parmesan stirred in at the end gives it an extra layer of richness.