Homemade Brown Gravy Mix Recipe
This brown gravy mix recipe is the perfect go-to pantry staple that transforms simple ingredients into rich, savory gravy in just minutes. With only three ingredients and no artificial flavors or preservatives, this homemade gravy mix delivers better depth of flavor than store-bought gravy packets while giving you complete control over what goes into your family’s food.
Making your own dry gravy mix means you’ll always have the foundation for memorable holiday gravy ready when you need it most. Whether you’re preparing the main event for Sunday dinner or adding a special touch to weeknight meals, this convenient gravy mix creates restaurant-quality results every time.
Looking for more homemade staples? Try our Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix or Homemade Taco Seasoning to build your collection of pantry essentials.
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With just all-purpose flour, beef bouillon powder, and black pepper, this recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand – no weird additives or hard-to-pronounce ingredients.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own brown gravy mix costs a fraction of buying individual gravy packets, and one batch yields enough mix for about 15 cups of finished gravy.
- No Artificial Additives: Unlike commercial mixes that contain artificial flavors, caramel color, and preservatives, this homemade version uses only natural ingredients for pure, clean flavor.
- Versatile and Convenient: Perfect for everyday meals, holiday dinners, or whenever you need quick gravy for pot roasts, beef tips, or any of your favorite dishes.
What is Brown Gravy Mix?
Brown gravy mix is a dry blend of flour, seasonings, and flavor enhancers that creates rich, savory gravy when combined with fat and liquid. Unlike store-bought versions that often contain artificial flavors, disodium inosinate, and other additives, this homemade version relies on simple, wholesome ingredients. The beef bouillon provides the savory umami flavor that makes this gravy perfect for beef dishes, while the flour acts as a thickening agent to create that perfect consistency.
Brown Gravy Mix Ingredients
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
- All-purpose flour – The foundation of this mix, wheat flour provides the thickening power that transforms liquid into rich, smooth gravy. Using quality all-purpose flour ensures the best texture and consistency.
- Beef bouillon powder – This ingredient delivers the rich, savory flavor that makes brown gravy so delicious. Choose a high-quality beef bouillon for the best natural flavor without excessive sodium.
- Black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and subtle spice that complements the beef flavor perfectly. This simple seasoning enhances the overall depth of flavor in the finished gravy.
Substitutions and Additions
- Flour alternatives – Organic cornstarch can replace some of the flour for a smoother texture, though it will change the consistency slightly.
- Flavor enhancements – Add garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of sea salt to customize the flavor profile.
- Bouillon options – Chicken bouillon creates a milder flavor if preferred, or use vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian version.
- Seasoning additions – Consider adding celery seeds or a dash of Worcestershire sauce powder for extra complexity.
How to Make Brown Gravy Mix (step-by-step directions)
STEP 1. Start by gathering your three simple ingredients in a small bowl. Combine the all-purpose flour, beef bouillon powder, and black pepper in the bowl. Whisk together thoroughly until the mixture is completely uniform with no lumps or streaks of individual ingredients. (Photos 1 & 2)
STEP 2. Transfer the finished brown gravy mix to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place. (Photo 3)
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Using Your Brown Gravy Mix
To make one cup of gravy, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of your brown gravy mix, 2 tablespoons of butter or meat drippings, and 1 cup of warm water. This ratio creates perfectly thick, flavorful gravy every time.
Heat your fat of choice in a saucepan over medium heat until completely melted. Add the gravy mix and stir constantly, allowing the mixture to cook and absorb the fat for about 60 seconds to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Slowly add about one-third of the warm water while stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to thicken slightly before gradually adding the remaining water. Continue stirring until the gravy coats the back of a spoon, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Fat choices matter – Using butter creates a lighter-colored gravy, while meat drippings from roast beef or other meats will produce a darker, richer color and more intense flavor.
- Water temperature – Use warm water rather than cold water to prevent lumping and ensure smooth incorporation into the roux.
- Consistency control – If your gravy becomes too thick, add water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Storing Tips
- Dry Mix Storage: Store the brown gravy mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Proper storage prevents moisture from causing clumping or spoilage.
- Made Gravy Storage: Finished gravy can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The gravy may thicken as it cools, so thin with a little water when reheating.
- Freezing Options: Both the dry mix and prepared gravy freeze well. The dry mix can be frozen for up to one year if properly sealed, while prepared gravy freezes for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm leftover gravy over medium heat, stirring frequently and adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile brown gravy enhances so many classic dishes. Pour it over our Crockpot Pot Roast or Garlic Mashed Potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
It’s also perfect with Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy or drizzled over our Easy Hamburger Steak. For holiday meals, this gravy pairs beautifully with Herb Crusted Prime Rib or roast turkey for that memorable holiday gravy everyone expects.
Recipe FAQs
Homemade brown gravy mix contains only natural ingredients without artificial flavors, preservatives, or excessive sodium. It also costs significantly less per serving and allows you to control the flavor intensity and consistency.
Absolutely! This brown gravy mix works wonderfully with drippings from roast beef, pot roasts, or even roast turkey. Different meat drippings will create varying flavors and colors, all delicious in their own way.
When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, this brown gravy mix maintains quality for up to 6 months. For longer storage, you can freeze the mix for up to one year.
Homemade brown gravy doesn’t contain caramel color or other artificial colorants, so the color will vary based on the fat used and cooking time. This natural variation is actually a sign of quality – no artificial additives means authentic, wholesome flavor.
While this recipe uses wheat flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, though the texture and thickening properties may differ slightly. Organic cornstarch can also be used as a thickening agent for gluten-free versions.
Need More Condiment Recipes? Try These:
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Brown Gravy Mix
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups All Purpose Flour
- ⅓ Cup Beef Bouillon Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Start by gathering your three simple ingredients in a small bowl. Combine the all-purpose flour, beef bouillon powder, and black pepper in the bowl. Whisk together thoroughly until the mixture is completely uniform with no lumps or streaks of individual ingredients.1 ½ Cups All Purpose Flour,⅓ Cup Beef Bouillon Powder,1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- Transfer the finished brown gravy mix to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- Fat choices matter – Using butter creates a lighter-colored gravy, while meat drippings from roast beef or other meats will produce a darker, richer color and more intense flavor.
- Water temperature – Use warm water rather than cold water to prevent lumping and ensure smooth incorporation into the roux.
- Consistency control – If your gravy becomes too thick, add water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition Information
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