You know that magical moment when you dunk a crusty French dip sandwich into rich, savory au jus and it transforms from good to absolutely heavenly? That’s what this easy au jus recipe does – it turns simple meals into something special with just 20 minutes and basic pantry ingredients. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped up this quick sauce for last-minute gatherings. My family still talks about the time I served it with store-bought roast beef at a football party and everyone thought I’d spent hours cooking! The best part? This au jus recipe easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Au Jus Recipe
Trust me, once you try this au jus, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! Here’s why it’s become my go-to:
- Lightning fast – Ready in just 20 minutes flat (perfect when you’re starving after work)
- Pantry staples only – No fancy ingredients needed, just butter, flour, and a few spices
- Game-changer for meals – Turns basic roast beef or sandwiches into restaurant-worthy dishes
- Make it your own – Easily adjust flavors with extra garlic, a splash of wine, or a pinch of herbs
I’ve used this recipe for everything from casual weeknight dinners to holiday prime rib – it never disappoints!
Ingredients for an Easy Au Jus Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple yet flavorful au jus – I bet you’ve got most of it in your kitchen right now! The beauty of this recipe is how these basic ingredients come together to create something so much greater than the sum of its parts.
- 2 tbsp butter – The rich base that makes everything better (I always use unsalted so I can control the seasoning)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – Our trusty thickener that gives the au jus its perfect consistency
- 2 cups beef broth – I recommend low-sodium beef broth so you can adjust the salt to your taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – That magical umami boost that makes flavors pop
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Because everything’s better with garlic
- ½ tsp onion powder – Adds depth without chopping onions
- Salt and pepper – To taste (start light, you can always add more!)
Want to get fancy? Sometimes I’ll add a splash of red wine or a bay leaf while simmering – but honestly, the basic version is so good on its own!
How to Make Easy Au Jus: Step-by-Step
Okay, friends, let’s make some magic happen! This easy au jus comes together so quickly you’ll barely have time to slice your bread. Here’s exactly how I do it – with all my little tricks for perfect results every time.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to foam slightly and smell nutty – about 1-2 minutes. Don’t let it brown!
- Whisk in the flour and keep stirring for about a minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste and gives your au jus that beautiful golden color. It should look like wet sand when it’s ready.
- Slowly add the beef broth, whisking constantly (I mean it – don’t stop whisking!). This is the secret to smooth, lump-free au jus. Pour in about ¼ cup at a time, letting it fully incorporate before adding more.
- Bring to a simmer and stir in the Worcestershire, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes – you’ll see it thicken slightly and develop a rich, glossy texture.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. I always start with just a pinch, then adjust after the flavors have melded. Serve it piping hot with your favorite roast beef or sandwiches!
Pro Tip for Lump-Free Au Jus
Here’s my golden rule: never stop whisking when adding the broth! A steady stream of liquid plus constant whisking prevents flour clumps from forming. If you do get a few lumps, don’t panic – just strain the au jus through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Au Jus
Oh, the possibilities with this easy au jus! My absolute favorite way to serve it is with a crusty French dip sandwich – the way the bread soaks up that rich, savory goodness makes my mouth water just thinking about it. But don’t stop there! Here are all the delicious ways I love to use it:
- Classic French dip – Pile thinly sliced roast beef on a toasted baguette and serve with a bowl of warm au jus for dipping (pro tip: make extra because everyone always wants seconds!)
- Sunday roast beef – Drizzle it over sliced prime rib or roast beef for an instant flavor upgrade that’ll have your guests raving
- Mashed potato gravy – Swap your usual gravy for this au jus – it’s heavenly over creamy mashed potatoes
- Cheese steak sandwiches – Take your Philly cheesesteak to the next level with a side of au jus for dipping
Want to make it extra special? Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a pretty presentation. And don’t forget the garlic bread – trust me, you’ll want something to sop up every last drop of that delicious au jus!
Easy Au Jus Recipe Variations
One of my favorite things about this easy au jus recipe is how adaptable it is! Once you’ve mastered the basic version, try these fun twists to mix things up. I’ve tested them all and each brings something special to the table.
Red wine upgrade: For special occasions, I’ll swap out ½ cup of the beef broth for dry red wine. It adds incredible depth and richness – perfect for holiday prime rib. Just simmer it a bit longer to cook off the alcohol.
Lighter version: When I want something less intense, I use chicken broth instead of beef. It creates a milder au jus that’s still delicious, especially with turkey sandwiches or roasted chicken.
Spicy kick: My husband loves when I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. The heat balances beautifully with the savory flavors – just go easy at first and taste as you go!
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Play around with different herbs, swap broths, or adjust seasonings until it’s exactly how you like it!
Storing and Reheating Your Au Jus
Here’s the good news – this easy au jus keeps beautifully! I always make extra because it reheats like a dream. Just pour any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it again, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of fresh beef broth to bring back that perfect consistency. Stir it frequently and never let it boil – we want to keep all that delicious flavor intact!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze au jus?
Absolutely! I freeze leftover au jus all the time – it’s a lifesaver for quick meals later. Just pour it into an airtight container (leave some room for expansion) and it’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of fresh broth to bring back that perfect consistency.
Can I make it gluten-free?
You bet! I’ve made this for gluten-free friends by simply swapping the all-purpose flour for cornstarch. Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch instead of 2 tablespoons flour, and mix it with a little cold broth before adding to the melted butter. It thickens just as nicely and tastes equally delicious – no one will know the difference!
What’s a Worcestershire substitute?
No Worcestershire sauce? No problem! My go-to substitute is 1 teaspoon soy sauce + ½ teaspoon lemon juice. It gives that same tangy, umami kick that makes the au jus so flavorful. If you’re feeling fancy, a dash of fish sauce works too. Just taste as you go – you might need to adjust the salt slightly since soy sauce is saltier than Worcestershire.
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – all nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The beauty of homemade means you control what goes in!
Easy Au Jus
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned.
- Gradually add beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.