Out of Brown gravy mix, one case
Brown gravy mix substitutes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Beef broth + flour
1 cup broth + 2 tbsp flour
The best substitutes for brown gravy mix are beef broth + flour (1 cup broth + 2 tbsp flour), au jus gravy mix (1:1), or beef stock + cornstarch (1 cup stock + 1 tbsp cornstarch). Beef broth provides the most authentic flavor.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- roasts
One casethe full gravy card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of brown gravy mix | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beef broth + flourroasts | 1 cup broth + 2 tbsp flourWorks | Works |
| 2 | Au jus gravy mixconvenience | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Beef stock + cornstarchwhen you want clear sauce | 1 cup stock + 1 tbsp cornstarchTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Beef consommé + flourwhen you want enhanced flavor | 1 cup consommé + 2 tbsp flourWorks | Works |
| 5 | Worcestershire sauce + beef broth + flourwhen you want enhanced flavor | 1 cup broth + 1 tbsp Worcestershire + 2 tbsp flourWorks | Works |
| 6 | Red wine + beef broth + flourspecial occasions | 1 cup broth + ¼ cup red wine + 2 tbsp flourWorks | Works |
Beef broth + flour
identical taste, similar texture
Beef broth with flour is the most authentic substitute for brown gravy mix. It provides the same rich, meaty flavor and can be thickened to the desired consistency.
- Best for
- roasts, beef dishes, when you want authentic flavor, cooking
Whisk the flour smooth with a little cold broth or water first, or cook it in 2 tbsp butter or drippings, then whisk in the hot broth; dry flour added straight to hot liquid clumps. Simmer until thickened to desired consistency. This provides the most authentic brown gravy flavor.
Au jus gravy mix
similar taste, different texture
Au jus gravy mix is a convenient substitute for brown gravy mix. It provides similar flavor with minimal preparation, but makes a thinner sauce than brown gravy.
- Best for
- convenience, when you want similar flavor, quick preparation, most applications
Au jus gravy mix provides similar flavor to brown gravy mix but is made to be thin. Follow package instructions, then whisk in a little cornstarch mixed with cold water and simmer if you want it as thick as gravy.
Beef stock + cornstarch
similar taste, different texture
Beef stock with cornstarch provides a clear, glossy brown gravy substitute. It's good when you want a lighter, clearer sauce.
- Best for
- when you want clear sauce, lighter applications, gluten-free cooking
Cornstarch thickens about twice as strongly as flour, so 1 tbsp per cup is enough. Mix cornstarch with cold water first, then add to hot beef stock. Simmer until thickened and clear.
Beef consommé + flour
enhanced taste, similar texture
Beef consommé with flour creates a rich, flavorful brown gravy substitute with enhanced depth of flavor.
- Best for
- when you want enhanced flavor, special occasions, beef dishes
Beef consommé provides richer flavor than regular broth. Whisk the flour smooth with a little cold water before adding it, to avoid lumps.
Worcestershire sauce + beef broth + flour
enhanced taste, similar texture
Worcestershire sauce adds depth and complexity to beef broth, creating a rich brown gravy substitute with enhanced flavor.
- Best for
- when you want enhanced flavor, complex taste, beef dishes
Add Worcestershire sauce to beef broth, then whisk in the flour, mixed smooth with a little cold water first. Simmer until thickened to desired consistency.
Red wine + beef broth + flour
enhanced taste, similar texture
Red wine adds richness and depth to beef broth, creating a sophisticated brown gravy substitute good for special occasions.
- Best for
- special occasions, when you want wine flavor, sophisticated dishes
Add red wine to beef broth and simmer to reduce slightly, then whisk in the flour, mixed smooth with a little cold water first. Simmer until thickened.
How brown gravy mix compares
Brown gravy mix is used to create a thick, flavorful sauce typically served with beef dishes. The key is achieving the right thickness while providing rich beef flavor. When substituting, consider whether you need a thick gravy or if a slightly thinner consistency is acceptable.
Tips for substituting brown gravy mix
7 tips- Brown gravy mix is typically used for beef dishes and roasts
- Beef broth provides the most authentic brown gravy flavor
- Mix flour with a little cold liquid, or cook it in fat, before it meets the hot broth; dry flour added to hot liquid clumps
- Simmer brown gravy substitutes until thickened to desired consistency
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
- Brown gravy is traditionally thicker than au jus
- Store leftover brown gravy in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Notes on brown gravy mix
- For a completely different approach, try using other meat-based sauces like demi-glace or pan sauces
- In some applications, you could use a combination of different broths for layered flavor
- For vegetarian options, consider using mushroom broth or vegetable stock with appropriate seasonings
Questions
7 questionsWhat's the best substitute for brown gravy mix?
Beef broth + flour (1 cup broth + 2 tbsp flour) is the best substitute. Au jus gravy mix (1:1) is most convenient, while beef stock + cornstarch (1 cup stock + 1 tbsp cornstarch) provides a clear sauce.
Can I use au jus gravy mix instead of brown gravy mix?
Yes, au jus gravy mix is a good substitute for brown gravy mix. Use equal amounts (1:1 ratio) and follow package instructions.
How do I make brown gravy from beef broth?
Whisk 2 tbsp flour per cup of broth into a little cold broth or water until smooth, then whisk that into the hot broth. Simmer until thickened to desired consistency. Add seasonings as needed.
What's the difference between brown gravy and au jus?
Brown gravy is thicker and includes flour or other thickeners, while au jus is typically thinner and made from meat drippings and broth.
Can I use beef stock instead of brown gravy mix?
Yes, beef stock works well as a brown gravy substitute. Add flour (2 tbsp per cup) or cornstarch (1 tbsp per cup) to thicken it to desired consistency.
How much flour do I need for brown gravy?
Use 2 tablespoons flour per cup of liquid for brown gravy. Mix it smooth with a little cold liquid, or cook it in fat, before it meets the hot liquid, to avoid lumps.
Can I make brown gravy without flour?
Yes, you can make brown gravy without flour by using cornstarch (1 tbsp per cup) or arrowroot powder. These provide gluten-free thickening options.