Get ready to indulge in a truly classic comfort food that’s both hearty and incredibly flavorful! This Easy Liver, Onions & Gravy recipe transforms tender beef liver and sweet, caramelized onions into a deeply satisfying dish, all simmered in a rich beef broth that creates a delicious gravy. It’s a nostalgic, wholesome meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

Liver and onions is a dish that evokes a sense of comforting tradition, and this recipe absolutely simplifies it without sacrificing flavor. What I love most is how the milk soak tenderizes the liver, making it incredibly palatable even for those who might be hesitant. Pan-frying the liver to a beautiful brown, then simmering it with sweet onions and aromatic celery in a rich beef broth, creates a deeply savory and umami-rich gravy that is simply divine. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you crave that old-fashioned, home-cooked goodness.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Liver, Onions & Gravy:

• Milk, for soaking (enough to cover the liver)
• Flour, for dredging (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup all-purpose flour)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 lbs beef liver, sliced (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick)
• 1 – 2 onions, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet onion)
• 1 stalk celery, sliced (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds)
• 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium recommended)

Swaps and Notes

• Milk (for soaking): Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond milk) will work for soaking. This step is highly recommended as it helps draw out bitterness and tenderize the liver.
• Flour (for dredging): All-purpose flour is standard. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Beef Liver: Choose fresh, good quality beef liver. Slice it to a consistent thickness for even cooking.
• Onions: Yellow or sweet onions work best. Thinly slicing them helps them tenderize and caramelize.
• Celery: Adds a subtle aromatic flavor and texture to the gravy. It’s a classic pairing in many comfort food dishes.
• Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the gravy.
• Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste for both the liver and the final gravy. A pinch of garlic powder or dried thyme could also be added to the flour for extra flavor.
• Optional Gravy Thickeners: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can make a small cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and whisk it into the simmering broth at the end.

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Directions

Let’s get this classic Liver, Onions & Gravy cooking in your skillet!

1. Soak the Liver: Place the sliced beef liver in a bowl and pour enough milk over it to fully submerge the liver slices. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes (or even up to an hour in the refrigerator if time allows). This crucial step helps to draw out any potential bitterness and significantly tenderizes the liver.
2. Prepare Dredging Station: While the liver is soaking, in a large shallow bowl or plate, place enough flour to coat the liver slices (start with about 1/2 cup). Add 1 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the flour. Whisk well to combine the seasonings with the flour.
3. Dredge the Liver: After soaking, remove the liver slices from the milk and discard the milk. Do not rinse the liver. Pat the liver slices gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture. One at a time, dredge each liver slice thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour. Set the dredged liver slices aside on a clean plate.
4. Brown the Liver: Heat the 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet (a cast iron skillet works wonderfully here) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the dredged liver slices in a single layer in the skillet. Brown both sides of the liver, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side. The liver should be nicely seared and golden brown on the outside. Do not cook completely through at this stage. Remove the browned liver from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
5. Sauté Onions & Celery: Lower the heat to medium. Add the thinly sliced onions and sliced celery to the same skillet (add a little more oil or butter if needed). Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Simmer in Gravy: Return the browned liver slices to the skillet with the softened onions and celery. Pour the 1 cup of beef broth over the liver, celery, and onions. Stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes, or until the onions are very tender and the broth has reduced and formed a nice, savory gravy around the ingredients.
7. Serve: Remove from heat. Taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

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Tips for Success

• Soak the Liver: This is the most important step! It significantly improves the taste and tenderness of the liver, reducing any strong “gamey” flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Liver: Liver cooks very quickly. Overcooked liver becomes tough and rubbery. The initial browning is just to build flavor; the final simmer tenderizes it.
• Thinly Slice Liver & Onions: Consistent, thin slices ensure even cooking and tender results.
• Maintain Low Simmer: Once covered, cook on low heat to allow the flavors to meld and the liver to tenderize without boiling rapidly.
• Scrape the Pan: As you brown the liver and sauté onions, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – these add immense flavor to your gravy.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Broths and individual preferences vary, so always taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Easy Liver, Onions & Gravy is a hearty and complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with classic comfort food sides:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.
• Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice is also excellent for soaking up the gravy.
• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: A simple, crisp green vegetable provides a nice contrast.
• Cornbread or Crusty Bread: For dipping into the gravy.
• For other comforting beef dishes, consider our Cowboy Spaghetti for a flavorful twist, or Sour Cream Noodle Bakefor a hearty casserole.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal liver texture.

• Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The gravy may thicken considerably, and the liver might become firmer.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the gravy if it’s too thick. Avoid high heat, which can make the liver tough.
• Freezing: Freezing is not typically recommended for cooked liver, as its texture can degrade upon thawing and reheating, becoming mealy or tough.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the savory, comforting, and hearty nature of this Liver, Onions & Gravy, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic comfort food and fuss-free recipes:

• For another flavorful skillet meal packed with Southern charm, try This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
• If you’re a fan of satisfying beef dishes, our French Onion Meatloaf is a gourmet twist on a classic.
• And for an authentic and unique meat dish, don’t miss our Traditional Gyro Meat!
• Finally, for a hearty beef and rice casserole, check out our Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole!

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Liver, Onions & Gravy recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, promising a tender, savory experience with a rich gravy that will warm you from the inside out.

Give this recipe a try and rediscover the deliciousness of this classic dish! What’s your favorite old-fashioned comfort food? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!