You know those nights, right? The ones where dinner is *almost* perfect, but it’s just missing that little something extra… that rich, savory hug that only a fantastic gravy can give? Well, I’ve totally been there! For years, I relied on those little packets from the grocery store, but honestly, they never quite hit the mark. That’s why I’ve spent ages tinkering in my kitchen, trying to nail that perfect, classic au jus flavor. This Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe (McCormick Copycat) is the real deal, my friends. It’s quick, so easy, and seriously, it’ll be your secret weapon for elevating weeknight meals or impressing guests just like it’s become for me!
Why This Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe is a Game-Changer
Honestly, once you try making your own, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with those store-bought packets! This Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe (McCormick Copycat) isn’t just convenient, it’s a total flavor upgrade. You get so much more bang for your buck, and you can actually pronounce all the ingredients! It’s all about making those perfect easy dinner recipes shine, and this mix is a key player.
- Taste the Difference: Seriously, the flavor is just so much richer and more authentic. You can actually taste the beefy goodness and savory spices. It’s like the McCormick packets, but dialed up to eleven!
- Budget-Friendly: Making this mix yourself is way cheaper than buying pre-made packets, especially if you use gravy often. Plus, you use what you need and save the rest.
- Ingredient Control: You know exactly what’s going into your food. No weird, unpronounceable additives here! It’s perfect if you have sensitivities or just want to be mindful of what you’re eating.
- Super Versatile: This isn’t just for gravy! You can use it as a flavor booster for roasts, in stews, or even to make a quick dipping sauce. It’s a kitchen staple that makes good food great.
It’s one of those little things that makes a huge difference in your cooking. Want to see how easy it is to whip up? Let’s check out the ingredients!
Ingredients for Your Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe (McCormick Copycat)
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this magic blend! Making your own Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe (McCormick Copycat) is super straightforward, and the ingredients are pretty common. You can find everything at your regular grocery store. Remember, the quality of your beef bouillon granules really makes a difference here, so grab a good brand if you can!
Here’s what goes into the mix:
- 1/4 cup Beef bouillon granules: This is the base of our flavor! Make sure they’re granules, not cubes, for easy mixing.
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch: This is our thickener, making sure your gravy gets that perfect consistency.
- 1 tsp Onion powder: For that savory, aromatic punch.
- 1 tsp Garlic powder: Because what savory dish doesn’t need a little garlic love?
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper: Freshly ground is always best, but this works too!
- 1/4 tsp Celery salt: This adds a subtle depth and a little something extra you can’t quite put your finger on.
That’s it! See? Simple, right? You can snag all these bits and bobs without breaking the bank. For more on picking the best ingredients for your easy dinner recipes, check out my guide!
How to Prepare Your Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe
Now for the fun part – actually putting this amazing Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe (McCormick Copycat) together! Honestly, it’s so ridiculously easy, you’ll wonder why it took you this long. It’s all about getting those flavors married together perfectly so that when you need gravy in a pinch, it’s ready to go. This is truly one of those foolproof dinner recipes that just works!
Step 1: Combine All Dry Ingredients
First things first, grab a nice, clean bowl – make sure it’s completely dry! Then, just toss in all your measured ingredients: the beef bouillon granules, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and celery salt. Easy peasy!
Step 2: Whisk for Perfect Consistency
Okay, this is where the magic happens. Grab your whisk and just go to town! You want to whisk everything together really, really well. Like, get into the corners of the bowl well. This isn’t just to make it look pretty; it’s super important to make sure everything is evenly distributed. Trust me, you don’t want clumps of just cornstarch or just pepper in your final gravy!
Step 3: Proper Storage for Freshness
Once it’s all combined and whisked beautifully, carefully transfer your new favorite Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe (McCormick Copycat) into an airtight container. A mason jar works great, or any little plastic container with a good lid. Keep it in a cool, dry place in your pantry, and it’ll be good to go for months!
Tips for Making and Using Your Au Jus Gravy Mix
Okay, so you’ve got your amazing Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe (McCormick Copycat) all ready to go, but let’s make sure you get that *perfect* gravy every single time. It’s all about a few little tricks and paying attention. Trust me, these little pointers will elevate your cooking to the next level, just like this mix elevates any dish!
Achieving the Perfect Gravy Consistency
When it’s time to actually make the gravy, remember the recipe note: it’s about 2 tablespoons of the mix to 1 cup of COLD water. Whisk it together FIRST until it’s totally smooth before you even think about turning on the heat. Seriously, no lumps! Then, pour it into a saucepan and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. It thickens up fast! If it’s too thin, just let it bubble a bit longer; if it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more water. Easy!
Ingredient Quality Matters
I know I said it before, but it’s *so* important: use good beef bouillon granules. These are the heart and soul of your au jus flavor! A cheap, weak bouillon just won’t give you that deep, savory punch you’re looking for. It makes a HUGE difference in the final taste, so grab the best you can find for your dinner recipes. Your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions about Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix
Got questions about my super-duper Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe (McCormick Copycat)? I totally get it! It’s always good to have a little extra info. If you don’t find your answer here, feel free to reach out through my contact page!
Can I make this gluten-free?
You sure can! The main thing to watch out for is the beef bouillon granules. Some brands contain gluten, so you’ll want to grab a certified gluten-free one. Everything else in the mix is typically gluten-free, but always double-check your labels just to be safe!
How long does the mix last?
As long as you keep it stored in a good airtight container in a cool, dry place, this Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix should last for a good 6 months, sometimes even longer! The cornstarch acts as a bit of a preservative, and the dry ingredients just hold up really well. Just give it a sniff before you use it; if it smells fine, it’s usually good to go!
What can I use instead of beef bouillon granules?
If you don’t have beef bouillon or want to try something else, you could experiment with a good quality vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian version, or even chicken bouillon for a different flavor profile! Just make sure it’s granules or a finely powdered bouillon to mix in smoothly. For a super rich flavor boost, you could also add a tablespoon or two of beef broth powder in addition to the granules, but it might make the mix a touch saltier!
Nutritional Information
Alright, so when you whip up a batch of gravy using this Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe (McCormick Copycat), here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at per serving (based on about 1/4 cup of prepared gravy). These are estimates, of course, and can change depending on the brands you use and how much water you add!
Estimated per serving: Calories: 30-50, Fat: 0-2g, Protein: 1-2g, Carbohydrates: 4-7g. For the full, official disclaimer, check out my nutrition disclaimer page.
Share Your Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Creations!
I just love hearing from you all! If you made this Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe (McCormick Copycat), please tell me how it turned out in the comments below! Did you use it for mashed potatoes, a roast, or something totally unique? I’d also be thrilled if you’d share a photo on social media and tag me – I love seeing your kitchen triumphs! You can always find more about my cooking adventures on my about page!
Homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix Recipe (McCormick Copycat)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk until well combined.
- Store in an airtight container.
