I love a delicious roast beef dinner. It’s a family favorite, especially when we have something or someone to celebrate. You will need an awesome Au Jus recipe with a concentrated burst of savory goodness. This homemade Au Jus is versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to take your meal to the next level. The savory, rich flavor elevates your meals and will leave everyone wanting more. I use it as a drizzle over roast beef or as a dip!

Table of contents
What is Au Jus?
If you are a meat lover, you have probably heard of Au Jus. It’s often served alongside roasted meats like beef or lamb. You can pair it with delicious side dishes like this creamy potato mash and creamy cauliflower mash. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for dipping or drizzling.
Origins and French Term
Au jus (pronounced “oh zhoo”) is a classic French sauce, meaning “with juice.” It refers to a thin, flavorful sauce made from the natural juices of cooked meat. The sauce is typically used to enhance the flavor of the meat and is often served alongside dishes such as prime rib or French dip sandwiches.
Why I Love Au Jus
- It’s Pure Flavor: Au Jus captures the essence of the meat it’s paired with, whether it’s beef, lamb, or pork. Made from pan drippings, broth, and aromatic ingredients.
- Au Jus is Versatile: Whether it’s a juicy prime rib, a roast beef sandwich, or even roasted vegetables, Au Jus is the perfect companion. It enhances everything it touches, making even leftovers feel gourmet.
- Simple To Make Yet Sophisticated: The beauty of this Au Jus lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, it delivers a flavor that feels elegant and refined. It’s the kind of sauce that impresses without overwhelming the dish.
- It’s Comforting: There’s nothing quite like dipping a piece of crusty bread into warm, savory Au Jus. It’s comforting, hearty, and has that “melt-in-your-mouth” quality that makes you feel like everything is right in the world.
Whether I’m enjoying it as a dip or a drizzle, Au Jus never fails to make a meal memorable. It’s a small touch with a big impact, and that’s why I love it. ??
Ingredients You’ll Need

- Pan Drippings: From roasted beef, prime rib, or lamb.
- Beef broth or beef stock: I use low-sodium; this enhances the beef flavor.
- Herbs & spices: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and dry red wine
- Corn starch or all-purpose flour: to thicken the Jus.
- Unsalted butter: for the richness and extra depth of the Jus flavor.
How to Make Au Jus


1. Collect the Pan Drippings
- After roasting meat, pour the drippings into a heatproof bowl or cup. Let it sit for a few minutes so the fat rises to the top
- Skim off the fat using a spoon, leaving behind the flavorful juices.
2. Deglaze the Pan
- In a medium saucepan, you used to sear the beef, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the red wine to the saucepan, scraping the bottom to release the brown bits (called fond). These bits add depth and richness to your sauce.
- Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Add Broth and Pan Drippings


- Pour in the beef broth and reserved pan drippings. Stir well to combine.
4. Enhance the Flavor


- Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Allow it to simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
5. Thicken (Optional)
- If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, mix the flour or cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk it into the sauce, simmering for another 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Strain and Serve
- Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving bowl.
- Return the strained liquid to the saucepan put on low heat.
- Adjust seasoning as required (salt and pepper).
- Serve warm alongside your roast, or use it as a dip for sandwiches like a classic French dip.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use Quality Broth: If you don’t have pan drippings, use a high-quality beef broth and a dash of soy sauce or bouillon for added depth.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and optional bay leaves, or parsley can add a unique twist.
- Skip the Wine: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute wine with additional broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for complexity.
Can you Freeze Au Jus?
If you have made a large batch of Au Jus or have some leftovers, you may be wondering if you can freeze it. The good news is that you can! Freezing Au Jus is a great way to have it on hand whenever you need it without having to make it from scratch every time.
- Before freezing your Au Jus, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature.
- To properly freeze your Au Jus, you will need an airtight container or a freezer bag.
- If you are using an airtight container, make sure it is freezer-safe. You can also use mason jars, but make sure you leave plenty of room at the top for expansion.

Thawing and Reheating Tips
- To thaw your frozen au jus, place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can also thaw it in the microwave or a bowl of warm water. Once thawed, you can reheat the au jus on the stove or in the microwave. Make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent any clumps from forming.
- It’s important to note that frozen au jus can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Once thawed, it should be consumed within 3–4 days. If you have frozen your au jus in ice cube trays, you can pop out a few cubes at a time to use in recipes.
Other recipes: Gin Holiday Cocktails: Festive Drinks to Enjoy This Season
Serving Suggestions

- Prime Rib or Roast Beef: Serve Au Jus as a dipping sauce or pour it lightly over slices of perfectly cooked prime rib or roast beef. The rich, savory flavors complement the tender meat beautifully.
- Classic French Dip Sandwiches: French dip sandwiches are a classic way to use Au Jus. Serve the sandwich with a small bowl of Au Jus for dipping.
- Over Mashed Potatoes: Drizzle warm Au Jus over creamy mashed potatoes for a rich and savory twist. It works as a flavorful alternative to traditional gravy.
- Paired with Yorkshire Pudding: Use Au Jus as a dipping sauce for Yorkshire pudding. The fluffy, golden pastry soaks up the sauce, creating a perfect bite.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a gourmet touch to roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts by drizzling Au Jus over them before serving.
- As a Pasta Sauce: Toss cooked pasta, such as egg noodles or fettuccine, with Au Jus for a light and savory sauce. Add shredded roast beef or mushrooms for a hearty dish.
Creative Uses for Leftover Au Jus
Don’t let any leftover Au Jus go to waste! Here are some ideas for using it up:
- Use it as a marinade for your next meat dish. The savory flavor of the Au Jus will add a rich, delicious taste to your meat.
Au Jus Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup red wine - optional
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- drippings from roast beef - optional
- 1 sprig rosemary
- ½ tbsp dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon corn starch or all-purpose flour - optional
Instructions
Collect Pan drippings
- After roasting meat, pour the drippings into a heatproof bowl or cup. Let it sit for a few minutes so the fat rises to the top.
- Skim off the excess fat using a spoon, leaving behind the flavorful juices.
Deglaze the Pan
- In a medium saucepan, you used to sear the beef, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the red wine to the saucepan, scraping the bottom to release the brown bits. These bits add depth and richness to your sauce.
- Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Broth and Pan Drippings
- Pour in the beef broth and reserved pan drippings. Stir well to combine.
Enhance the Flavor
- Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary sprigs, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Allow it to simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
Thicken (Optional)
- If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, mix the flour or cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk it into the sauce, simmering for another 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Strain (Optional)
- If desired, strain the Au Jus using a fine mesh sieve or strainer to remove solids.
- Return the strained liquid to the saucepan on low heat.
Season
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. (Adjust the seasoning as needed).
Serve
- Pour the Au Jus into a bowl or individual serving cups.
- Serve alongside roast beef or other beef dishes for dipping.
Notes
- Au Jus adds a delightful touch to your beef dishes, providing a flavorful and juicy experience. Feel free to customize the seasoning and adjust the wine quantity to match your preferences. Enjoy the classic taste of Au jus with your favorite beef roast or steak.
- You can make Au Jus using more than just beef! Try making Au Jus with pan drippings from chicken and even turkey. Use chicken broth instead of beef broth and white wine instead of red wine.
- Use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce.
- Add unsalted butter and thyme to achieve different flavors, and use cornstarch to thicken your jus as desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed and personalised calculations.