How to Make Delicious Beef Gravy with Beef Bouillon Cubes

Beef gravy is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can elevate many dishes. From mashed potatoes to roast beef, beef gravy adds moisture, savoriness, and richness. While making gravy from scratch may seem intimidating, it’s actually quite easy with the help of beef bouillon cubes. In this article, I’ll walk you through the simple process of making beef gravy with beef bouillon cubes.

Overview of Beef Bouillon Cubes

Beef bouillon cubes are compressed, dehydrated cubes of beef broth. They are made by simmering beef bones, meat, and vegetables to extract flavor. The broth is then condensed and shaped into cubes. When dissolved in hot water, beef bouillon cubes release a deep, meaty flavor perfect for making hearty gravies.

Compared to homemade beef stock, beef bouillon cubes offer convenience and long shelf life. They can be stored at room temperature for months. Many popular brands like Knorr and Maggi produce high-quality beef bouillon cubes that work beautifully in gravy. Always go for low-sodium cubes to better control saltiness.

Benefits of Using Beef Bouillon for Gravy

There are several reasons why beef bouillon cubes excel at making beef gravy

• Rich, concentrated beef flavor – Bouillon cubes infuse gravy with savory meatiness. Just one cube per cup of liquid provides plenty of beefy taste.

• Easy to store and use – Cubes eliminate the need to make homemade stock. They also simplify measuring compared to bottled broths.

• Versatile ingredient – Bouillon cubes can be used to make all kinds of gravies beyond just beef. Try them for chicken, turkey, sausage, or vegetarian gravies.

• Lower cost – Bouillon cubes tend to cost significantly less than canned or cartoned broths and stocks. Just a few cubes can flavor many batches of gravy.

• Long shelf life – Dried cubes keep for months at room temperature, eliminating waste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making beef gravy with bouillon cubes takes only about 15 minutes start to finish. Follow these simple steps:

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 3 beef bouillon cubes

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until translucent.

2. Stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook the roux while stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes. Don’t let it brown.

3. Dissolve the bouillon cubes in the water. Pour the beef bouillon into the pan with the roux.

4. Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer. Stir frequently until thickened to your desired consistency, about 5-10 minutes.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, stir in a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

That’s it! For a smoother gravy, blend it with an immersion blender or regular countertop blender. Pour your homemade beef gravy over biscuits, mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or any food that could use a savory, beefy boost.

Tips for the Best Beef Bouillon Gravy

• For a richer gravy, use half butter and half bacon grease or beef drippings to make the roux.

• Saute aromatics like garlic, shallots, or mushrooms along with the onion.

• For darker gravy, use 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or kitchen bouquet browning sauce.

• Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Sage pairs especially well with beef.

• For extra body, whisk in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end.

• If the gravy is too thin, mix together equal parts flour and water. Whisk into the hot gravy to thicken.

• For lump-free gravy, strain it through a fine mesh sieve after cooking.

• Leftover gravy will keep covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Bouillon Gravy

Can I use beef bouillon paste instead of cubes?

Yes, substitute 3 teaspoons of beef bouillon paste for 3 cubes.

What if I don’t have flour to make a roux?

Omit the flour and just simmer the bouillon until reduced down to gravy consistency. Or use cornstarch, arrowroot, or potato starch as a thickener instead of flour.

What should I do if my gravy is too thin?

Simmer the gravy uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce it down. Or make a slurry with equal parts flour and cold water. Whisk the slurry into the hot gravy in small increments until thickened.

Can I freeze beef bouillon gravy?

Absolutely! First let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. Properly frozen gravy will keep for 2-3 months.

What’s the ratio of water to bouillon cubes?

The ratio is typically 1 cup of water per bouillon cube. But adjust to your taste preferences. Use less water for a more concentrated, stronger broth flavor.

What dishes pair well with beef bouillon gravy?

It’s delicious on mashed potatoes, biscuits, turkey, meatloaf, rice, eggs, pasta, chicken fried steak, bread, vegetables, and so much more!

Sample Recipe: Beef Stroganoff with Bouillon Gravy

Here’s a recipe highlighting how to use beef bouillon gravy in a classic beef stroganoff:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 3 beef bouillon cubes
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Dissolve bouillon cubes in 1 1⁄2 cups water. Set beef broth aside.

3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef slices for 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

4. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the skillet. Sauté onions for 2 minutes until soft.

5. Add mushrooms and cook 3-4 minutes until browned. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

6. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook 2 minutes stirring constantly.

7. Gradually whisk in beef broth. Bring to a boil.

8. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes until gravy thickens.

9. Stir in Dijon mustard and sour cream. Return beef slices to the gravy along with any accumulated juices.

10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

11. Serve beef stroganoff over egg noodles. Garnish with parsley.

Enjoy this hearty, rich beef stroganoff with tender beef smothered in beefy gravy made using handy bouillon cubes!

The Simplicity and Versatility of Bouillon Gravy

Beef bouillon cubes offer an easy shortcut to rich, savory gravy full of beef flavor. With just a few basic ingredients like butter, flour, and bouillon cubes, you can whip up delicious gravy in 15 minutes. Use bouillon gravy on everything from potatoes and vegetables to chicken, turkey, rice, pasta, and more. Make extra to stash in the freezer for effortless gravy anytime. Let beef bouillon cubes simplify your gravy routine.