Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy

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This Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy has become one of my go-to comfort breakfasts. I’ve made it for lazy Sundays, holiday mornings, and even breakfast-for-dinner nights—and every single time, it hits the spot. The savory, peppery sausage smothered in rich, creamy gravy over flaky biscuits is the kind of southern classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

I love that it’s simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to pull it off—just good sausage, a few pantry staples, and a little time on the stovetop. Once you try this homemade version, the store-bought stuff just won’t cut it anymore.

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Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy

This recipe brings bold, comforting flavors with minimal effort. The creamy gravy gets a boost of flavor from the sausage drippings, and a heavy dash of black pepper adds just the right kick. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or indulging in a solo treat, it’s quick to make and totally crave-worthy. Bonus: it’s made in one skillet, which means easy cleanup, too.

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What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

I usually reach for ground pork breakfast sausage, either mild or hot depending on who I’m cooking for. You can also go for sage sausage if you like an herby twist. The key is to use a sausage that renders a good amount of fat—because that’s what gives the gravy its rich, savory base.

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Options for Substitutions

If you’re out of pork sausage or looking to lighten things up, turkey sausage works well, though you may need to add a bit of butter or oil to make up for the lower fat content. Want it vegetarian? Use plant-based sausage crumbles and swap the drippings for butter or olive oil. You can also play with seasonings—try smoked paprika, cayenne, or even a pinch of nutmeg for depth.

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Ingredients for This Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy

• Breakfast Sausage (1 lb) – This is the star of the show. Choose a high-quality pork sausage, either mild or spicy, to infuse the gravy with rich, meaty flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup) – Used to create a roux with the sausage drippings, flour thickens the gravy and gives it that velvety texture.
• Whole Milk (3 cups) – Milk adds creaminess and body to the gravy. Whole milk works best for a rich consistency, but you can substitute with 2% if needed.
• Salt (to taste) – Enhances the flavor and balances the richness of the gravy.
• Black Pepper (1 to 1.5 tsp) – A generous amount of freshly ground black pepper gives the gravy its signature kick.

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Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble in the sausage and cook until fully browned, stirring occasionally and breaking it up as it cooks. This usually takes about 7–10 minutes. Don’t drain the fat—this is what you’ll use to make the roux.

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Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked sausage. Stir well, making sure the flour soaks up the drippings. Cook this mixture for about 1–2 minutes. This step is important to remove the raw taste of flour and start building flavor.

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Step 3: Add the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Start with a cup, stir until smooth, then gradually add the rest. Continue to stir as the mixture thickens—this takes about 5–7 minutes.

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Step 4: Season to Taste

Once the gravy reaches your desired thickness, season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. You can adjust both to your taste, but don’t be shy with the pepper—it’s what makes sausage gravy truly southern.

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Step 5: Serve Over Biscuits

Spoon the hot sausage gravy over freshly baked biscuits. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. It also pairs well with eggs or hash browns if you’re putting together a full breakfast plate.

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How Long to Prepare the Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy

Making sausage gravy is a quick and satisfying process that fits into even the busiest mornings.

Prep Time: The prep is minimal—about 5 minutes to gather and measure your ingredients and heat the skillet.

Cook Time: Cooking the sausage and building the gravy takes around 15 minutes. The sausage browns in under 10, and thickening the gravy adds another 5–7 minutes.

Total Time: From stovetop to plate, you’re looking at a total of about 20 minutes. It’s a fast way to whip up a hearty breakfast that tastes like you spent all morning on it.

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Tips for Perfect Sausage Gravy

• Use the fat from the sausage for the roux—don’t drain it.
• Stir constantly when adding the milk to prevent lumps.
• Use whole milk for a rich and creamy gravy.
• Don’t skimp on black pepper, it’s key to flavor.
• Make ahead in batches—gravy can be stored and reheated beautifully.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the flour can give the gravy a burnt taste. Just 1–2 minutes is enough.
• Adding milk all at once can cause lumps—add it slowly and stir constantly.
• Using low-fat sausage may not produce enough drippings. You’ll need to add butter or oil to make up for it.
• Not seasoning enough—taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
• Letting the gravy sit too long on the heat can make it overly thick. If needed, thin with a splash of milk.

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What to Serve With Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy?

1. Buttermilk Biscuits

A classic pairing that’s practically a requirement. Fluffy, warm, and perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.

2. Scrambled or Fried Eggs

Add some protein and texture to the plate with creamy scrambled eggs or sunny-side-up eggs.

3. Hash Browns or Home Fries

Crispy potatoes are the perfect contrast to the creamy gravy.

4. Fresh Fruit Salad

Balance the richness with a bowl of fresh fruit—berries, melon, and citrus add a bright, juicy note.

5. Southern-Style Grits

For a true Southern breakfast spread, creamy grits make an ideal side.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover sausage gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Freezer: You can freeze the gravy for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – About 1/2 cup gravy, no biscuit)

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Sugar: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to reheat sausage gravy?

Reheat it slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Add a little milk if it’s too thick.

Can I make sausage gravy ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats beautifully. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

How do I make this gravy gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure your skillet is big enough and stir well to avoid lumps.

Is this recipe spicy?

It depends on the sausage. Use mild sausage for less heat or hot sausage for more kick.

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Conclusion

Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy is the ultimate comfort food—fast, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking it up for a weekend breakfast or a hearty dinner, it delivers rich, creamy indulgence in every bite. With just a few ingredients and a single skillet, you can bring a taste of the South to your table in 20 minutes flat. Don’t forget the biscuits!

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