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If you’ve ever reached for a gravy packet at the last minute, this Homemade Brown Gravy Mix is about to become a pantry staple. Made with simple ingredients like flour, beef bouillon, and everyday spices, this dry mix gives you rich, savory gravy in minutes — without relying on store-bought packets.
It’s especially helpful for busy weeknights, Sunday roasts, or holiday meals when you need dependable gravy without extra prep. Keeping a jar of this mix in your pantry means you’re always a few minutes away from smooth, classic brown gravy.
If you’re building out your Kitchen Basics collection, this recipe pairs perfectly with staples like Homemade Baking Powder, Taco Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, and your favorite slow cooker dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- No additives or mystery ingredients
- Thickens beautifully like traditional roux-based gravy
- Easy to scale for holidays or large meals
- Keeps well for months when stored properly
Ingredients
To make the Dry Mix:
- All-purpose flour
- Beef bouillon powder
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried parsley
To make the gravy:
- Butter or drippings
- Brown gravy mix
- Bone broth, water, or milk
(Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.)
Equipment Needed
Mixing Bowl – Ensures everything blends evenly so each scoop has balanced flavor.
Whisk – Prevents clumping and distributes the bouillon thoroughly.
Airtight Container – Keeps moisture out and extends pantry life.
Saucepan – For cooking the gravy smoothly when ready to serve.
How to Make Homemade Brown Gravy Mix
The key to a reliable gravy mix is even distribution.
Because bouillon is more concentrated than flour, whisking thoroughly ensures every scoop tastes consistent and doesn’t create salty pockets.
When turning the mix into gravy, think of it as building a quick roux. Melt butter or use pan drippings, then whisk in the dry mix to form a smooth paste. Cooking that paste briefly deepens the flavor and removes any raw flour taste.
Adding liquid slowly while whisking helps create a smooth, lump-free texture. As it simmers, the gravy thickens naturally into a classic, savory sauce that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roast beef, meatloaf, and slow cooker meals.
This structure keeps the gravy rich and traditional — not glossy like cornstarch-based versions — which makes it especially ideal for comfort food dinners.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PrintHomemade Brown Gravy Mix
A simple homemade brown gravy mix made from pantry staples. Keep this dry blend on hand for quick, flavorful gravy without store-bought packets.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes (when preparing the gravy)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 1/3 cups dry mix
- Category: Basics
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Dry Mix:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup beef bouillon powder
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried parsley
To Make Brown Gravy:
- 2 TBSP butter or other drippings (bacon grease is tasty here!)
- 2 TBSP brown gravy mix
- 1 cup bone broth (or water)
Instructions
To Make the Dry Mix:
- Add flour, beef bouillon powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley to a mixing bowl.
- Whisk thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry for up to 3 months.
To Make Brown Gravy:
- Melt butter or drippings in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 TBSP of the gravy mix to create a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup bone broth or water while whisking continuously.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
Notes
-
For deeper color, allow the butter and mix to cook slightly longer before adding liquid.
-
For thicker gravy, use slightly less liquid.
-
For thinner gravy, add additional broth 1–2 TBSP at a time.
-
This mix is excellent for roast beef, mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or slow cooker meals.
Tips for Success
- Whisk the dry mix thoroughly before storing.
- Cook the roux briefly before adding liquid to improve flavor.
- Add broth slowly while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Store in a cool, dry pantry and always use a dry measuring spoon.
Storage & Reheating
Store: Keep the dry mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry for up to 3–6 months.
Reheat: Reheat prepared gravy gently over low heat, whisking and adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this different from store-bought packets?
This version contains simple pantry ingredients without additives, and you control the salt level and flavor balance.
Can I use drippings instead of butter?
Yes! Beef drippings add even deeper flavor and richness.
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Absolutely. Scaling it up makes it especially convenient for holidays and large family dinners.
Can I use water instead of broth?
You can, but broth provides better flavor. If using water, taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Variations & Serving Ideas
This brown gravy mix is a strong foundation for multiple variations.
For a lighter flavor, you can swap in chicken bouillon to create a chicken-style gravy. For holiday meals, a turkey version with added herbs makes a perfect Thanksgiving staple.
It also pairs beautifully with:
Mashed Potatoes
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Meatloaf
Open-Faced Roast Beef Sandwiches
Keeping this mix on hand makes those comfort food dinners even easier to pull together.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Brown Gravy Mix is one of those small kitchen habits that pays off repeatedly. It simplifies dinner, eliminates last-minute store runs, and gives you dependable, from-scratch flavor every time.
As your Kitchen Basics collection grows, this recipe becomes a foundational staple — simple, practical, and worth keeping stocked year-round.
If you make it please consider leaving a review. We love to see your posts! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok! @ourgratefulkitchen
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