Roast Beef au Jus

There’s something truly comforting about making roast beef at home, especially when it’s simmered to perfection au jus (in its roasting juices). This recipe takes all the guesswork out of achieving tender, flavorful roast beef au jus. With just a handful of ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you can have a mouthwatering dinner that tastes like it came straight from a fancy steakhouse! Plus, it makes your whole house smell amazing.

Ingredients for Roast Beef au Jus

• Beef roast: The beef roast is the star of the dish, offering a tender, juicy texture that absorbs all the savory flavors of the jus. Use beef rump roast or bottom round roast. A chuck roast can be used if you prefer a more marbled cut with extra flavor.
• Onion: Onions add sweetness and depth to the broth, infusing the meat with a rich, aromatic flavor as it cooks. If you’re not a fan of onions, shallots are milder types of onion that you can use as an alternative.
• Reduced-sodium beef broth: This broth is the base of your jus, providing a robust and hearty flavor without overpowering the meat. Regular beef broth works too, but it will make it harder to adjust the seasoning since most of the salt in this recipe comes from the gravy packet.
• Au jus gravy mix: This mix thickens the cooking juices slightly and brings an extra boost of beefy flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, a mix of cornstarch and beef bouillon can make a good substitute.
• Garlic cloves: Garlic infuses the dish with a subtle warmth and aroma that enhances the savory notes of the beef. For more garlic flavor, add more cloves or even a sprinkle of garlic powder.
• Pepper: A touch of pepper adds mild heat. Adjust to taste or try freshly ground black pepper for a more intense flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Sear the roast

Cut the roast in half to help it cook evenly. In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, brown the meat on all sides over medium-high heat.

Editor’s Tip: This helps create a crust that locks in the juices and adds flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the slow cooker

Place the sliced onion in a 5-quart slow cooker. This will keep the roast off the bottom and add flavor as it cooks. Put the browned meat on top of the onions.

Step 3: Make the broth

In a bowl, combine the reduced-sodium beef broth, au jus gravy mix, halved garlic cloves and pepper. Pour this mixture over the meat and onions in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for six to seven hours, or until the meat is tender.

Step 4: Slice and serve

Remove the roast from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it stand for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Thinly slice the roast against the grain and return the slices to the slow cooker to soak up all those delicious juices. Serve warm with the cooking juices and onions.

Roast Beef au Jus Variations

• Thicken the gravy: To make a thicker, more luscious gravy, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Add carrots: Add sliced carrots to the slow cooker along with the onions. They’ll cook up tender and sweet, adding extra flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
• Swap the beef: Try this recipe with pork roast for a different twist. Pork shoulder works well and absorbs the savory flavors nicely.

How to Store Roast Beef au Jus

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm the beef and juices in a saucepan over low heat until they’re heated through, or microwave them in a covered dish.

Can you freeze roast beef au jus?

Yes, you can freeze this roast beef! Place the cooled slices in a freezer-safe container, making sure they’re covered in the jus to keep them moist. Freeze the roast beef au jus for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently in a skillet or in the microwave.

How long does roast beef au jus last?

When stored properly in the fridge, roast beef au jus will stay fresh for about 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and juiciness.

Can you make roast beef au jus ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the roast as directed and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until it’s warmed through. Then you can enjoy it on a plate or in French dip sandwiches.

Beef Roast Au Jus Recipe Tips

How do you make roast beef more tender?

To make roast beef more tender, cook it on low heat in a slow cooker. This gentle cooking method breaks down tough fibers, keeping the meat juicy. Letting the meat rest after cooking also helps to lock in the juices, making the slices softer.

What is the difference between jus and gravy?

Jus is a thin sauce made from the meat’s natural juices, usually with added broth or wine. Gravy is thicker because it’s made with a roux or a cornstarch slurry, giving it a creamy texture that coats the meat.

How do you fix bland roast beef?

If your roast beef lacks flavor, you can boost it by adding more seasoning to the broth, like garlic, herbs or a dash of soy sauce. Reheating the slices in the broth can also help soak up more flavor.

What’s the best cut of meat for roast beef?

The best cuts for roast beef include rump roast, bottom round and chuck roast. These cuts are ideal because they have the right balance of meat and fat, which melts down during cooking, making the roast tender and flavorful.