Popeyes Gravy Recipe

If you love rich, savory Southern-style gravy, this homemade Popeyes Gravy Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s thick, flavorful, and packed with seasoned ground beef and pork for that deep, comforting taste. Inspired by the famous gravy served at Popeyes, this copycat version brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen.

Popeyes Gravy Recipe
Popeyes Gravy Recipe

The best part? You can make this gravy with simple pantry ingredients in just over an hour. It’s perfect for mashed potatoes, fried chicken, biscuits, rice, or even French fries. This recipe is easy to follow, beginner-friendly, and full of bold Southern flavor.


What Is Popeyes Gravy?

Popeyes gravy is a rich, brown meat gravy made with ground beef, pork, broth, and seasonings. Unlike traditional plain brown gravy, this version contains finely crumbled meat, giving it a thicker texture and a deeper flavor.

It’s commonly served over mashed potatoes at Popeyes, but many people also enjoy it with fried chicken and biscuits. The combination of meat, spices, and broth creates a hearty Southern-style gravy that tastes homemade and comforting.


Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Authentic flavor – Tastes like the famous fast-food gravy.
  • Easy to make – Simple steps and common ingredients.
  • Budget-friendly – Uses affordable ground meat and pantry staples.
  • Perfect for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
  • Versatile – Great over mashed potatoes, rice, chicken, and more.

This Popeyes gravy recipe is thick, savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy. You can also adjust the spice level to your taste.


Equipment’s

  • Large saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients with Amounts

Popeyes Gravy Recipe Ingredients
Popeyes Gravy Recipe Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup ground beef
  • ½ cup ground pork
  • 2 tablespoons bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 cups Pacific Foods Beef Broth, Recommended
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Whole Foods Market, Organic White Vinegar, Recommended
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
  • Spicy chili powder, to taste
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Oil

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Bell Pepper

Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Mix well using your hands.

Step 4: Cook the Meat

Add the meat mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat until browned. Break the meat into very small pieces while cooking. The smaller the pieces, the more authentic the gravy texture will be.

Step 5: Add Liquids

Pour in the water and beef broth. Stir well.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

In a small bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. Whisk it into the gravy mixture slowly to prevent lumps.

Step 7: Add Seasonings

Add milk, vinegar, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, chili powder, and salt. Stir well.

Step 8: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 35–40 minutes. Stir occasionally until the gravy becomes thick and smooth.

Step 9: Serve

Once thickened, remove from heat and serve warm over mashed potatoes, fried chicken, or biscuits.


Notes

  • Break the meat into very fine crumbles for the best texture.
  • Stir regularly to prevent the gravy from sticking to the bottom.
  • If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little water or broth.
  • Taste and adjust salt and spice before serving.
Popeyes Gravy Recipe

Popeyes Gravy Recipe

Josephen & Animash
Make this easy Popeyes Gravy Recipe at home! Rich, thick Southern-style brown gravy with ground beef and pork. Perfect for mashed potatoes and fried chicken.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 210 kcal

Equipment & Tools

  • Large Saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly soft and fragrant.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Mix well using your hands.
  • Add the meat mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat until browned. Break the meat into very small pieces while cooking. The smaller the pieces, the more authentic the gravy texture will be.
  • Pour in the water and beef broth. Stir well.
  • In a small bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. Whisk it into the gravy mixture slowly to prevent lumps.
  • Add milk, vinegar, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, chili powder, and salt. Stir well.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 35–40 minutes. Stir occasionally until the gravy becomes thick and smooth.
  • Once thickened, remove from heat and serve warm over mashed potatoes, fried chicken, or biscuits.

Notes

Break the meat into very fine crumbles for the best texture.
Stir regularly to prevent the gravy from sticking to the bottom.
If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little water or broth.
Taste and adjust salt and spice before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 210kcal (11%)Carbohydrates: 9g (3%)Protein: 10g (20%)Saturated Fat: 15g (94%)Cholesterol: 38mg (13%)Sodium: 620mg (27%)Potassium: 220mg (6%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Calcium: 40mg (4%)Iron: 1.2mg (7%)
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Variations

Spicier Version

Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Creamier Gravy

Add 1 extra tablespoon of milk for a smoother texture.

Gluten-Free Option

Replace flour with additional cornstarch to make it gluten-free.

Beef-Only Version

Use only ground beef if you don’t have ground pork.


Tips

  • Cook the meat until nicely browned for deeper flavor.
  • Always whisk flour and cornstarch properly to avoid lumps.
  • Simmer slowly for at least 35 minutes for the best thickness.
  • Use good-quality beef broth for richer taste.

What to Serve with Popeyes Gravy?

This Popeyes gravy pairs perfectly with:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Fried chicken
  • Southern-style biscuits
  • White rice
  • French fries
  • Chicken tenders

You can also drizzle it over baked potatoes or use it as a dipping sauce.


How to Store Popeyes Gravy?

Refrigerator

Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a little water or broth to adjust thickness while reheating.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Popeyes gravy ahead of time?

Yes. It tastes even better the next day because the flavors blend together.

Why is my gravy too thin?

Let it simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.

Why is my gravy too thick?

Add a little warm water or broth and stir well.

Can I make it without pork?

Yes, you can use only ground beef.

Is Popeyes gravy spicy?

The original has mild spice. You can adjust the chili powder to your preference.


Conclusion

This homemade Popeyes Gravy Recipe is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate the famous Southern-style gravy right at home. It’s perfect for mashed potatoes, fried chicken, biscuits, and more.

Whether you’re making a family dinner or a comfort food meal, this copycat Popeyes gravy will impress everyone at the table. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-style flavor in your own kitchen!

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