Au Jus Gravy Mix
With just a few pantry staples, you can make homemade Au Jus Gravy Mix to have on hand anytime a recipe calls for a packet or use it to make a simple homemade au jus!
A SIMPLE, HOMEMADE SEASONING MIX
Ever have a recipe burning on your mind forever? Well, this Au Jus Gravy has been that for me. I’ve been wanting to create a good homemade version of au jus packet mix for a long time. So many recipes call for a packet of au jus and I know that a lot of people want a recipe to make it homemade, so now I finally have one that I think has unmatched flavor. It’s especially good for folks who need salt free options since this can be made with salt free bouillon powder.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Au Jus is French for “with juice.” We call it gravy but it isn’t a true gravy since it isn’t thick. It is a light sauce used for dipping (like with French Dip Sandwiches.) Generally you make au jus from meat drippings, but with this dry mix, we are trying to achieve those same flavors without cooking meat.
This makes the equivalent of three (one ounce) packets of au jus seasoning mix. You will need 4 ½ teaspoons of this to equal one packet.
I do! I know a lot of recipes that call for au jus often call for onion soup mix as well. Here is my Homemade Onion Soup Mix Recipe.
You can add any seasonings you like, such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a splash of red wine when you prepare the au jus. You can also add minced garlic while the sauce is simmering.
We love it with roast beef sandwiches, but it goes perfectly with prime rib, any cut of beef, meatloaf, or even pot roast.
You can keep the seasoning mix in a cool, dry place for up to 2-3 months. I’ve stored it in bulk for up to 6 months. Prepared au jus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- powdered beef bouillon– This is the key ingredient for the seasoning mix. You can always adjust this if you like a stronger flavor. If you need this salt free, make sure to use a sodium free beef bouillon powder like the Herb Ox brand (not a paid affiliate link) that you can purchase at Walmart Mart or other grocery stores.
- cornstarch – This is definitely needed as it will thicken the au jus when it is prepared. Do not substitute with flour.
- onion powder– The seasonings below are all key to adding a rich flavor to the seasoning mix.
- dried parsley flakes
- garlic powder
- dried thyme – This is my annual reminder to check the expiration dates on your dried seasonings. Old and expired seasonings are not going to give you the best flavor (and it’s just not safe to keep using them.)
- dried rosemary – I will take the rosemary and gently crush it with my fingers.
- freshly ground black pepper
- beef broth – used to make the actual Au Jus Gravy with this Homemade Mix. I use this over water as it will create a richer flavor. Make sure the broth is low-sodium or no-sodium, as this will allow you to adjust the salt to your preference. When I first made this, I did not, and it was way too salty. You can also use beef stock, as it is richer in flavor.
HOW TO MAKE AU JUS GRAVY MIX:
To a small bowl, add all the dried ingredients. Mix until combined. If you want this ultra fine, you can blend it in a small food processor (this will give more of the consistency of what you find in the packet seasoning.)
Store in a covered container for up to 6 months.
HOW TO MAKE AU JUS GRAVY FROM MIX
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 2 cups beef broth (or water) to a simmer. In a bowl, stir ¼ cup beef broth with one ounce (4 1/2 teaspoons) of the seasoning mix. Mix until combined.
Whisk this mixture into the simmering broth.
Let simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
WHAT TO MAKE WITH HOMEMADE AU JUS GRAVY MIX?
Au Jus Gravy Mix
Ingredients
Au Jus Gravy Mix Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons powdered beef bouillon (can use salt free)
- 4 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
To make Au Jus Gravy (with seasoning mix)
- 2 ¼ cups low or no sodium beef broth or water (divided use)
Instructions
Seasoning Mix Instructions
- To a small bowl, add 4 Tablespoons powdered beef bouillon, 4 Tablespoons cornstarch, 4 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix until combined.NOTE: If you want this ultra fine, you can blend it in a small food processor (this will give more of the consistency of what you find in the packet seasoning.)
- Store in a covered container for up to 6 months.
Gravy Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 2 cups low or no sodium beef broth (or water) to a simmer.
- In a bowl, stir ¼ cup low or no sodium beef broth with one ounce (4 1/2 teaspoons) of the seasoning mix. Mix until combined.
- Whisk this mixture into the simmering broth.
- Let simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then serve!
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- 4 1/2 teaspoons of this mix is equal to one packet of au jus gravy mix.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
I’ve been looking for this for soooo long! Thank you for this great recipe! I am one of those people who needs no salt recipes – I can’t even express how much I appreciate your attempts to help in this area! BTW, did you happen to do the nutritional numbers using the salt free bouillon? I haven’t yet, hoping you did…
Thank you! Love your site and recipes!
Yay! So happy you find it helpful! I just hope it is still possible to find the salt free powdered bouillon in the stores. It sounds like it is getting harder and harder to find unless you are able to order online. I haven’t done the nutrition facts with the salt free bouillon. The way the recipe card works, it only lets me do one set of nutritional facts. Sorry!
Perfect for your French dip sandwiches.
This homemade Au Jus mix is a clever idea. I like how it keeps things simple but flavorful, and having it on hand anytime is perfect for quick meals like French Dip sandwiches or roast beef. It’s practical and feels like a small kitchen win.
Hi,
Thank you for this convenient recipe! I’m going to make it right now. All the ingredients are generally in almost anyone’s pantry. One question: When your recipes call for a packet of brown gravy mix, can this be used? Au jus is generally thinner than regular gravy.
I think you could for sure, especially in most crock pot recipes. If you need to thicken the mixture up because you want a thicker gravy, just make a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch & water) add to the slow cooker, turn on high & it should thicken nicely 🙂