Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Cook the Sausage:**
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and use a wooden spoon to break it apart into small crumbles. Cook the sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

As the sausage cooks, you’ll notice it will release some fat. This fat is the base of your gravy, so don’t drain it! The rendered fat adds rich flavor to the sauce. If there’s excess fat, you can drain a little, but keep enough to make the gravy.

#### 2. **Make the Roux:**
Once the sausage is cooked and browned, sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir to combine. This mixture of sausage and flour is known as a *roux* and is the foundation for your gravy. Stir the flour into the sausage fat and cook for about 1-2 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the fat and cook through. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste and gives the gravy a smooth texture.

#### 3. **Add the Milk:**
Gradually pour in the milk, starting with 3 cups. Stir constantly as the milk incorporates with the sausage and flour mixture. The gravy will begin to thicken as it cooks. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more milk (up to 4 cups), depending on your desired consistency. Keep stirring as the gravy cooks, ensuring it doesn’t clump and remains smooth.

#### 4. **Season the Gravy:**
Once the gravy has thickened to your liking (this usually takes about 5-7 minutes), season it with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any additional spices you’d like to include. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will give it a subtle kick, while garlic powder can add an extra layer of flavor. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

If you like your gravy a bit spicier, you can also add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s customizable to your taste!

#### 5. **Serve the Sausage Gravy:**
Once the gravy is thick, smooth, and seasoned to perfection, remove it from the heat. Serve the hot sausage gravy immediately over your favorite biscuits. You can also drizzle it over scrambled eggs, grits, or hash browns for a truly indulgent meal.

If you’re serving biscuits, make sure they’re warm and fresh. The fluffy, buttery texture of the biscuits will soak up the creamy gravy, making every bite absolutely delicious.

### Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy:

1. **Use Full-Fat Milk for Creaminess:** For the richest, creamiest sausage gravy, opt for whole milk. While you can use lower-fat milk, whole milk will give you the best texture and flavor.

2. **Don’t Rush the Roux:** The flour needs to cook for a minute or two before you add the milk. This helps prevent the gravy from being too floury and ensures a smoother, creamier texture.

3. **Customize the Spice Level:** Depending on your taste, you can adjust the heat level of the sausage gravy. If you like things spicy, go for a hot breakfast sausage, add red pepper flakes, or stir in a bit of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, stick with a mild sausage and keep the seasoning simple.

4. **Thickening Tip:** If your gravy becomes too thin, you can thicken it by letting it simmer for a few more minutes. Alternatively, you can make a quick slurry with a tablespoon of flour and a tablespoon of cold milk, then whisk it into the gravy to thicken it up.

5. **Add a Touch of Butter:** If you like extra richness in your gravy, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking. This will make it even more velvety and indulgent.

6. **Serve with Homemade Biscuits:** While store-bought biscuits work in a pinch, homemade biscuits are the perfect complement to sausage gravy. Ree Drummond has a great recipe for fluffy, buttery biscuits that pair beautifully with this gravy.

### Why You’ll Love Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy:

1. **Classic Comfort Food:** This sausage gravy recipe is the perfect comfort food—rich, creamy, and savory, it’s a meal that feels like home. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, Sunday brunch, or just because you crave a hearty breakfast, this dish always hits the spot.

2. **Quick and Easy:** Despite its rich flavor, this recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes! It’s a simple dish with minimal ingredients, making it a great option for busy mornings or a comforting weekend breakfast.

3. **Perfect for Any Meal:** While sausage gravy is traditionally served for breakfast, it’s so versatile you can serve it any time of day. It’s great over biscuits, but it’s also delicious over hash browns, mashed potatoes, or even as a topping for fried chicken.

4. **Customizable:** This recipe is easy to adapt to your preferences. You can make it spicier or milder, add different herbs, or even make it with turkey sausage for a lighter version. It’s a dish that works for everyone!

5. **Satisfying and Filling:** With its combination of hearty sausage, creamy gravy, and flaky biscuits, this dish will fill you up and keep you satisfied. It’s the ultimate meal for fueling a busy day or treating yourself to something indulgent.

### Conclusion:

**Pioneer Woman Sausage Gravy** is the ultimate comfort food that will quickly become a family favorite. With its rich, creamy texture and savory flavor, this dish is perfect for cozy weekends, holiday mornings, or any time you’re craving a little indulgence. Whether served over homemade biscuits, scrambled eggs, or hash browns, this sausage gravy is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

So grab your skillet, cook up some sausage, and pour that luscious gravy over your favorite breakfast items. With Ree Drummond’s easy recipe, you can enjoy this Southern classic in no time. Get ready to savor every bite!