The Best Meal Starters 2025

1. Pioneer Peppered Gravy Mix, 2.75 oz – Deliciously Smooth Gravy for Meats, Biscuits, and More – Easy-to-Make Flavorful Meal Addition

Pioneer Peppered Gravy Mix is the perfect way to add rich, creamy white country gravy with a delightful peppery kick to your favorite classic Southern dishes. Whether you’re looking to top golden biscuits, crispy country fried steak, mashed potatoes, or any other comfort food staple, this gravy mix provides that perfect, homemade flavor you crave. The creamy texture and bold peppery flavor bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia to any meal, making it an ideal choice for both family dinners and special occasions. Since 1851, Pioneer has been a trusted name in the world of gravy, and it has earned its reputation as a leader in delivering flavorful, easy-to-make mixes. Over the years, Pioneer has developed a loyal following of home cooks who rely on its products to bring the taste of scratch-made cooking to their tables, without the long hours spent in the kitchen. Pioneer Peppered Gravy Mix continues this tradition, offering a convenient, high-quality solution for creating authentic Southern-style meals at home. This 2.75 oz packet is packed with premium ingredients, carefully selected to ensure the highest standards of quality and taste. Whether you are preparing a weeknight meal for your family or hosting a gathering of friends, you can trust Pioneer to deliver exceptional flavor with minimal effort. Simply mix the contents with water and cook, and you’ll have a silky-smooth gravy ready to pour over your favorite dishes. It’s a quick and easy way to elevate your meals and bring that homemade touch to your kitchen, even when time is tight. One of the key selling points of Pioneer Peppered Gravy Mix is its versatility. While it’s excellent as a topping for biscuits, country fried steak, or mashed potatoes, it can be used in a variety of other Southern-inspired dishes, from chicken and dumplings to sausage gravy or even as a flavorful base for soups and stews. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to get creative and explore new ways to enjoy this rich, peppery gravy. The mix provides just the right balance of creamy texture and peppery seasoning, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. At Pioneer, the focus is on making home-style cooking accessible to everyone. The brand understands that time in the kitchen is precious, and it strives to make meal preparation easier without sacrificing taste. Pioneer Peppered Gravy Mix helps you create memorable, comfort-filled meals in minutes, giving you more time to spend with your loved ones. The convenience of an easy-to-use mix paired with the authentic flavor of scratch-made cooking is a winning combination that will have you coming back for more. With Pioneer Peppered Gravy Mix, you can confidently bring the comforting tastes of Southern cuisine to your table. The premium ingredients, time-tested recipe, and commitment to quality make this gravy mix a must-have in any kitchen. It’s the perfect way to add a homemade touch to your meals, whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home. No matter the occasion, Pioneer Gravy is there to make your meals easier, tastier, and more enjoyable. For generations, families have trusted Pioneer to deliver delicious, satisfying meals that bring everyone together. Pioneer Peppered Gravy Mix is just one example of the brand’s dedication to providing high-quality, flavorful products that make it easier for you to prepare the meals you love. So why not bring the flavors of home-style cooking into your kitchen today? Let Pioneer take the stress out of mealtime, and enjoy the comforting, creamy taste of southern-style gravy with every bite. Order your Pioneer Peppered Gravy Mix today from Walmart and discover the ease and flavor of home-style cooking with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you are new to the kitchen or a seasoned chef, Pioneer has you covered with a product that combines convenience, quality, and flavor all in one. You’ll be glad you did!

Each Pioneer Peppered Gravy Mix Packet Makes 2 Cups of Gravy in Simple & Easy 1, 2, 3 Type Preparation Method; Ready in Minutes Packed Full of Premium Ingredients and Conveniently Pre-Portioned; Just Add Water and Mix Well for a Lump Free Gravy Delight! Pioneer Peppered Gravy Mix can be used to Top Biscuits, Country Fried Steak, Mash Potatoes and More A Southern Style Classic Gravy that is Famous as a Comfort Food Staple With a Peppery Kick; Deliciously Flavored, Hearty & Versatile, Sure to Compliment Your Home Cooked Meals and Side Dishes With Made From Scratch Taste One Taste and You'll Understand Why Pioneer Has Been a Leader in Gravy Since 1851

2. McCormick Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce Mix, 1.25 oz Envelope

McCormick Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce Mix, 1.25 oz Envelope. McCormick Creamy Garlic Alfredo Pasta Sauce Mix is the prime option when you need to whip up a hearty meal for the family. A blend of garlic, parsley, and onion creates a strong and flavorful creamy pasta sauce that the whole family will crave. Heat milk and butter with the sauce mix as the pasta cooks, then drizzle the sauce to taste on the pasta and add meat, shrimp, chicken, or veggies to deliver a decadent dinner. *Except for those naturally occurring glutamates This McCormick Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce Mix is in a Paper packet that is 1.25 ounces. Store this shelf-stable item at an ambient temperature.

McCormick Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce Mix, 1.25 oz Envelope Creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce made easy No MSG Added* McCormick Recipe Mixes provide your family with real food made easy Add to chicken pot pie for an Alfredo twist on the classic PREP TIP: Mix cubed cooked chicken into the sauce and serve over pasta This product is in a Paper Envelope

3. McCormick No Artificial Flavors Mushroom Gravy Mix, 0.75 oz Envelope

McCormick No Artificial Flavors Mushroom Gravy Mix, 0.75 oz Envelope. Crafted with a signature blend of McCormick spices, mushroom, onion, and garlic, McCormick Mushroom Gravy Mix is a perfect pantry staple for preparing holiday gravy and weeknight family dinners. With no MSG added and no artificial flavors, this rich, lump-free gravy is ready in just 5 minutes. Keep Mushroom Gravy Mix on hand to prepare savory mushroom gravy in a flash! Simply combine seasoning mix with 1 cup cold water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 1 minute. Serve with roast beef and pork, classic sides like mashed potatoes, or use as a flavoring base to create delicious meals out of leftovers― like hot meat sandwiches, stews, and casseroles. Add a splash of red wine and McCormick Italian Seasoning to prepared gravy for an elevated, Mushroom & Wine Gravy. Drizzle over sliced chicken and roasted mushrooms, or toss with pulled beef and serve over egg noodles. Prepare a creamy gravy using ½ cup milk and ½ cup water. Toss prepared meatballs in creamy gravy and pile into rolls for a twist on meatball subs or pour prepared gravy over slow-cooker pork chops for a comforting, low-maintenance meal. Keep a stash on hand and use as a meal starter for weeknight family dinners. In a skillet, sauté celery and add cooked chicken, pimentos, peas, a splash of wine, gravy mix, and equal parts milk and water. Bring to a simmer and serve over noodles for easy chicken á la king! The sky’s the limit when it comes to making tasty meals and dishes with Mushroom Gravy Mix. This McCormick Mushroom Gravy Mix is in a Plastic packet that is 0.75 ounces. Store this shelf-stable item at an ambient temperature.

McCormick No Artificial Flavors Mushroom Gravy Mix, 0.75 oz Envelope PANTRY STAPLE: Prepare lump-free mushroom gravy in minutes! Simply whisk mix with cold water, bring to a boil, and simmer for rich gravy to serve alongside beef, pork, hot meat sandwiches, and mashed potatoes. SAVORY FLAVOR: Crafted with McCormick spices, mushrooms, onion, and garlic, Mushroom Gravy Mix adds richness to everyday family dinners and holiday roasts and sides. VERSATILE MIX: Serve mushroom gravy as a stand-alone sauce for roast beef or pork, on hot meat sandwiches, and mashed potatoes. EASY TO PREPARE: Whisk 1 pkg. Mushroom Gravy Mix with 1 cup water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 1 minute. FEEL GOOD INGREDIENT: Made with no MSG added (except those naturally occurring glutamates) and no artificial flavors. Mushroom Gravy Total Time: 5 minutes Makes 1 cup. You Will Need 1 pkg. McCormick Gravy Mix 1 cup cold water Microwave Directions: 1. Stir water into Gravy Mix in 1-1/2 quart microwavable bowl. 2. Microwave on high 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened, stirring after each minute. Microwave ovens vary; cook time is approximate. Must be cooked for food safety. This product is in a Plastic Envelope

4. Knorr Creamy Alfredo Pasta Sauce Mix, 1.6 Oz Regular Pouch

**Please note: packaging may vary ** Our Knorr Sauce Mix Alfredo is a delicious, velvety mix of cheeses that can enhance everything from pasta to veal. A perfect creamy pasta sauce for any occasion, it works wonders in dishes like our delicious Chicken Alfredo Florentine. This delicious sauce mix contains no artificial flavors and no added MSG, except those naturally occurring glutamates. For our Knorr Alfredo sauce, our chefs took the classic Italian recipe, in all its glory, and transformed it into a quick-to-prepare sauce mix that will take just about any dish you can imagine to the next level. When it comes to the perfect vehicle for Alfredo, you just can’t beat good, old-fashioned pasta. Toss it with just-cooked fettuccine to really incorporate the flavor. Pile with plenty of grated Parmesan, and you've got the perfect dinner for your family. Our Sauce Mixes are fantastic whenever you’re looking for a delicious meal topping in a pinch. With a wide range of sauce mixes to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find something to help you turn a simply wonderful dinner into a winning one. From a velvety, cream-based version of our Pesto Pasta Sauce to a buttery Béarnaise that’s all but tailor-made for a medium-rare steak, our mixes will make every dish from your home kitchen taste like it came straight from a high-end restaurant.

Knorr Alfredo Sauce Mix has a velvety blend of cheeses that complements pasta, chicken, fish, and veal dishes perfectly. This Alfredo sauce mix is a classic pairing of Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, spinach, and parsley. This creamy pasta sauce mix is perfect for weeknight dinners and other simple meals — each mix makes 1-3/4 cups of homestyle sauce. This savory sauce is ready in just 6 minutes, and contains no artificial flavors or added MSG, except those naturally occurring glutamates. Unlike fresh sauces, this pantry essential is ready whenever you need it, making it a convenient mix to have on hand. Looking for easy dinner inspiration for this sauce mix? Find recipes like Chicken Alfredo Florentine and more at our website.

5. McCormick Meat Loaf Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz Envelope

McCormick Meat Loaf Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz Envelope. McCormick Meat Loaf Seasoning Mix offers a simple and convenient way to make a delicious, homemade Meat Loaf. With a robust blend of herbs and spices, this seasoning mix enhances the natural flavors of ground beef or your preferred meat loaf mix, creating a comforting dish that everyone will love. Simply combine the seasoning mix with meat, breadcrumbs, and egg, and bake until perfectly cooked. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-use seasoning packet delivers delicious results every time. While key to a perfect meat loaf, our seasoning mix can also be used to infuse memorable flavor into brisket and pit beef. Serve your beef dishes with classic sides like potatoes, carrots, peas, mashed potatoes, and brown gravy. This McCormick Meat Loaf Seasoning Mix is in a Paper packet that is 1.5 ounces. Store this shelf-stable item at an ambient temperature.

McCormick Meat Loaf Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz Envelope EASY-TO-USE: Meat Loaf Seasoning Mix simplifies meal prep, offering a quick and easy way to create a delicious, homemade meat loaf. VERSATILE: Ideal for ground beef, brisket and even pit beef, this seasoning mix ensures flavorful, tender results every time. RICH HERB AND SPICE BLEND: Crafted with a blend of savory herbs and spices, our meat loaf seasoning mix enhances the natural flavors of your meat loaf CONVENIENT SEASONING PACKET: The easy-to-use seasoning packet makes meal prep a breeze. Simply combine with meat loaf mix and bake until perfectly cooked. HEARTY FAMILY DINNERS: McCormick Meat Loaf Seasoning Mix helps you create a memorable family dinner on the busiest of weeknights. Serve with classic sides like potatoes, carrots, peas, and mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Prep Time: 10 minutes. Cook Time: 1 hour. Makes 10 servings. You Will Need . 1 pkg. McCormick Seasoning Mix . 2 lbs. lean ground beef or turkey . 2 eggs, lightly beaten . 1/2 cup milk . 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs or 1 cup soft bread crumbs (2 slices bread) . 1/2 cup French's Tomato Ketchup (optional) Directions 1. Mix all ingredients except ketchup, in large bowl until well blended. 2. Shape meat mixture into a loaf. Place in foil-lined baking pan or 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Top with ketchup, if desired. 3. Bake in preheated 375°F oven 1 hour or until cooked through. This product is in a Paper Envelope

6. McCormick Sloppy Joes Seasoning Mix, 1.31 oz Envelope

McCormick Sloppy Joes Seasoning Mix, 1.31 oz Envelope. Get classic comfort food on the table in just 20 minutes with McCormick Sloppy Joes Seasoning Mix. A delicious blend of spices like onion, garlic, paprika, and more, it adds signature Sloppy Joes flavor to ground meat for a memorable meal any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly dinner or dining solo, this convenient seasoning mix is the solution. Combine one packet with ground meat, tomato paste, and water before simmering on the stovetop. From there, you can serve on pillowy hamburger buns for signature Sloppy Joes. Or prepare meat as directed and spread it over a pizza crust with cheese for a fun twist. It’s easy to prepare and gives your family endless options at the dinner table … Sloppy Joes meatball subs, Sloppy Joes nachos, Sloppy Joes dip, Sloppy Joes meatloaf … the list goes on! Welcome to the world of McCormick spices. From sweet to savory to spicy, we have all the flavors you need to elevate your next meal. With our wide variety of flavors to explore, your next favorite spice is always just around the corner. This McCormick Sloppy Joes Seasoning Mix is in a Paper packet that is 1.31 ounces. Store this shelf-stable item at an ambient temperature.

McCormick Sloppy Joes Seasoning Mix, 1.31 oz Envelope FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Convenient seasoning mix that helps you get a kid-friendly, family-loved dinner on the table in just 20 minutes. CONVENIENT SEASONING: Make weeknight meals easier – combine one packet with ground beef or turkey, tomato paste, and water. Simmer and spoon over hamburger buns to serve. SAVORY FLAVOR: Made with ingredients like onion, garlic, paprika, chili pepper, and red bell pepper for classic Sloppy Joes flavor. VERSATILE: Use it to make traditional Sloppy Joes. Or get creative and prepare Sloppy Joes pizza, Sloppy Joes meatball subs, Sloppy Joes nachos, and more. MAKES EIGHT SERVINGS: One packet of seasoning can be used to flavor up to 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey. Sloppy Joes: Prep Time: 5 Minutes; Cook Time: 15 Minutes. Makes 8 Servings. You Will Need: 1 pkg. McCormick seasoning mix, 1 lb. lean ground beef or turkey, 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste (Substitution: Use 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce in place of tomato paste and water. 1-1/4 cups water, 8 hamburger rolls. Directions: 1. Brown meat in large skillet on medium-high heat. 2. Stir in seasoning mix, tomato paste and water. 3. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve in rolls. This product is in a Paper Envelope

7. McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix, 1.3 oz Envelope

McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix, 1.3 oz Envelope. McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix offers an easy and convenient way to make a flavorful pot roast. Perfect for slow cookers and Instant Pots, this dry mix combines the perfect blend of herbs and spices to enhance your roast beef, brisket, or Sunday roast with rich, home-style flavor. Simply trim and put beef into the cooker, add chopped potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, mix with water and seasoning mix, and let your cooker do the work. Whether you opt for the slow cooker 8 hours on low, 4 hours on high, or the Instant Pot 30-minute option, you'll enjoy a delicious and hearty meal any night of the week. Welcome to the world of McCormick spices! From sweet to savory to spicy, we have all the flavors you need to elevate your next meal. With our wide variety of ingredients to explore, your next favorite spice is always just around the corner. This McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix is in a Paper packet that is 1.3 ounces. Store this shelf-stable item at an ambient temperature.

McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix, 1.3 oz Envelope EASY AND CONVENIENT: McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix makes preparing a flavorful pot roast a breeze. Perfect for slow cookers and Instant Pots, it saves you time while delivering delicious homestyle flavor. BLEND OF AROMATIC HERBS: Seasoning mix enhances the natural flavors of your roast beef, brisket, or Sunday roast, bringing out rich, savory flavors that everyone will love. SIMPLE PREPARATION: Trim your beef, add chopped potatoes and carrots, then mix with water and seasoning mix. Let your slow cooker or Instant Pot do the work while you enjoy the aroma of a savory, home-cooked meal. DELICIOUS POT ROAST: Whether you choose 8 hours on low, 4 hours on high in a slow cooker or 30 minutes in an Instant Pot, our seasoning mix ensures a delicious and tender pot roast every time, perfect for family dinners. VERSATILE COOKING: Ideal for slow cookers, Instant Pots and Insta pots, this seasoning mix enhances pot roast, brisket, and other cuts of beef, effortlessly creating hearty and delicious meals. HOME-STYLE FLAVOR: Treat your family to the home-style flavor of a slow-simmered pot roast with McCormick’s expertly crafted seasoning mix. Savory Pot Roast: Prep Time: 10 minutes. Makes 10 servings. You will need: 1 pkg. McCormick Seasoning Mix; 2-1/2 to 3 lbs boneless chunk or rump roast, trimmed; 5 cups cut-up fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, onions and potatoes; 1 cup water. This product is in a Paper Envelope

8. McCormick Classic Beef Stew Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz Envelope

McCormick Classic Beef Stew Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz Envelope. McCormick Classic Beef Stew Seasoning Mix makes it easy to prepare a delicious, homemade beef stew. This convenient seasoning packet combines savory herbs and spices to create a hearty, flavorful stew right in your slow cooker. Our blend of herbs and spices, including onion, paprika and thyme, bring out the best in any beef stew. Simply combine the seasoning mix with your favorite stew meat, such as brisket or roast beef, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables in your slow cooker or crock pot for a hearty, homemade beef stew, without the fuss. Perfect for any occasion. Welcome to the world of McCormick spices. From sweet to savory to spicy, we have all the flavors you need to elevate your next meal. With our wide variety of flavors to explore, your next favorite spice is always just around the corner. This McCormick Classic Beef Stew Seasoning Mix is in a Paper packet that is 1.5 ounces. Store this shelf-stable item at an ambient temperature.

McCormick Classic Beef Stew Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz Envelope EASY-TO-USE SEASONING MIX: Classic Beef Stew Seasoning Mix simplifies meal prep, offering a quick and easy way to create a hearty, homemade beef stew with rich flavor. PERFECT FOR SLOW COOKERS: Ideal for slow cooker, this seasoning mix ensures tender, flavorful stew meat every time. Let your cooker do the work while you enjoy the aroma of a slow-simmered beef stew with minimal effort. RICH HERB AND SPICE BLEND: Crafted with onion, paprika and thyme, our seasoning mix infuses stew with an aromatic, warm and savory taste. CONVENIENT: Our easy-to-use seasoning packet makes meal prep a breeze. Simply sprinkle the packet contents over stew meat, vegetables and water in your slow cooker, crock pot or Dutch oven and let the blend of herbs and spices create a flavorful, home-cooked meal. HEARTY HOMEMADE STEW: Classic Beef Stew Seasoning Mix creates a hearty, homemade beef stew that’s perfect for any occasion. This versatile mix is great for beef, brisket, pit beef, and even roast beef, delivering rich, savory flavor every time. Total Time: 2 hours Makes 8 servings. You Will Need . 1 pkg. McCormick Seasoning Mix . 2 lbs. beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes . 3 Tbsp. flour . 2 Tbsp. oil . 3 cups water . 5 cups cut-up fresh vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery Directions 1. Coat beef with flour. Heat oil in large deep skillet or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add beef; cook until browned on all sides. 2. Stir in Seasoning Mix and water. 3. Bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add vegetables; simmer 1 hour or until beef and vegetables are tender, stirring. Thicken stew with additional flour, if desired. Must be cooked for food safety. This product is in a Paper Envelope

9. McCormick Italian Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz Envelope

McCormick Italian Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz Envelope. Spaghetti night made easy with an unforgettable tomato sauce made with a combination of mushrooms, garlic, basil and blue cheese. With McCormick Italian Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix, a pasta sauce with the authentic Italian flavor you crave is ready in 15 minutes.Our convenient sauce mix is crafted with McCormick herbs & spices and contains no artificial flavors or added MSG*, so you can it feel good about serving it to your family. All you need is a 6-ounce can of tomato paste. Add ground beef or turkey if you prefer a hearty meat sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes and it’s ready to toss with spaghetti or your favorite pasta. (Prep Tip: Start the water for the pasta before you do anything else!)*Except those naturally occurring glutamates. This McCormick Italian Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix is in a Paper packet that is 1.5 ounces. Store this shelf-stable item at an ambient temperature.

McCormick Italian Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz Envelope McCormick Italian Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix is ready in 15 minutes Made with a combination of mushrooms, garlic, basil and blue cheese Made with McCormick herbs & spices Contains no artificial flavors or added MSG* All you need is a 6-ounce can of tomato paste For meat sauce, add 1/2 lb. ground beef or turkey Convenient gravy mix to keep on hand in your pantry This product is in a Paper Envelope

10. McCormick Beef Stroganoff Sauce Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz Envelope

McCormick Beef Stroganoff Sauce Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz Envelope. Make a creamy, savory dish your family will love using McCormick Beef Stroganoff Sauce Seasoning Mix. This classic dish of sautéed beef in a creamy garlic-onion sauce is delicious over hot noodles. Made with McCormick spices, no artificial flavors or MSG added*. Authentic Beef Stroganoff is tasty and easy! McCormick Beef Stroganoff Sauce Mix delivers homemade taste that's delicious and delightfully simple to make. Turn ordinary noodle dishes into an extraordinary event. Sprinkle our signature blend of seasonings, including garlic and onion, on beef for a hearty meal that’s ready to serve in just 20 minutes. *Except for naturally occurring glutamates This McCormick Beef Stroganoff Sauce Seasoning Mix is in a Paper packet that is 1.5 ounces. Store this shelf-stable item at an ambient temperature.

McCormick Beef Stroganoff Sauce Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz Envelope Homemade beef stroganoff made easy Made with McCormick spices Ready in 20 minutes No artificial flavors No MSG added* This product is in a Paper Envelope