When I was growing up...my (maternal) grandmother's dried beef gravy was always so much better than my mothers. Even though she was the one that taught her the recipe. It wasn't until I was in my twenties that I "caught" my Grandmother adding the secret ingredient...She had sent me to the root cellar to get lima beans...and half way down the stairs I forgot what I was going for! I walked back up into the kitchen and there she was, adding sour cream. I was like...."What are you doing!", she said "What? I always add sour cream"...I said "Maybe you do...but you never told any of us!" So, the secret was out...so to improve this classic meal...just add a 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup of sour cream to the gravy before serving and stir in completely....You won't believe the difference!

Using 5 ounces of dried beef (one package is ambiguous) and using cornstarch vice flour, proceed leaving out the salt. The beef is already too salty. Surely don't need any more. The right consistency will be reached at two cups of milk. This results in a beefy heavy gravy. Adding the sour cream (1/4 cup) idea was a good one. I like it. Many families will add an extra tbsp. butter and cornstarch each, and another cup of milk. Stretches this out to feed four. As is, it feeds two generously.

This is almost exactly like my own mother would make, and now.. I am having a heck of a time finding dried beef, a jar of dried beef to make this dish.. I miss it muchly.. Anyone have any recommendations as to where I can locate this dried beef now days ???

Here, in southwest Missouri, stores are carrying dried beef in plastic packages near the lunch meat.

If you are having a hard time finding the dried beef in jars, check the "lunchmeat" section. It also now comes in small packages. Am definitely going to try this - and will take the different advice listed. This has to be outstanding.

For anyone having trouble finding dried beef. I have used the Budding packages but wanted to use the Armour dried beef in jars which is what I remember my mother using. I looked in the local Kroger store where I shop and couldn't find it. Then I went on line and typed in Armour dried beef. I found it listed in Meijer and Walmart. Then I called my local Kroger and asked if they sold it. I was told that they did in the canned meat aisle. I went to the Kroger store and sure enough it was right where they said it was. So I would say if you have a hard time finding it talk to your grocery store's office and ask if they sell it or go online and see who sells it in your neighborhood. If all else fails look in Walmart. I noticed the new jar is plastic instead of glass and the modern version dried beef is little rounds instead of the shaggy rough cut pieces that I think I remember. This stuff is not real beef but some kind of beef processed product. Anyway I have some now and I am going to fix dried beef gravy tomorrow and try it.

I could never get my gravy to taste like mothers. A friend and I were talking and she mentioned her mother added hard boiled eggs. That was it!!! I now mash up or finely chop 3-4 hard boiled eggs. Made all the difference. Now it tastes like mothers.

Super Saver stores in Lincoln, Nebraska and possibly other stores in Omaha as well, carry whole dried beef in large "roasts" and will slice, shred or cut the same in whatever amount you wish and to your specification. $14.98 per pound. It is "NOT" in any way too salty and can be eaten out of package if you should so desire to do so. Way superior to the jarred variety. The jars (2.25 oz) are much, much to salty.

Dried beef is by the tuna or hash in the market :) I use bacon grease instead of butter.