Name: Easy Prime Rib Au Jus Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups beef broth or stock; 1/2 cup prime rib drippings; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 cup red wine (optional); 1 clove garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots or onions; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; 1 tablespoon butter (optional); 1 sprig thyme or rosemary (optional)

Prime rib is already a showstopper, but when I discovered how simple it was to elevate it with a rich, savory au jus sauce, I knew I had to share this recipe. The deep, beefy flavor of this sauce brings out the best in a perfectly roasted prime rib, and the way it seeps into every slice makes each bite unforgettable. It’s not just about adding moisture—this au jus infuses the meat with a complex depth that turns a good roast into a five-star meal.

I’ve served this Easy Prime Rib Au Jus Sauce at holiday dinners and special Sunday meals, and every single time, I get asked for the recipe. It’s one of those no-fail additions that makes your guests think you spent hours on it, when in reality, it comes together quickly with just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to experiment with roasts, this sauce will take your dish to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Prime Rib Au Jus Sauce

This au jus is the kind of recipe that adds elegance without extra effort. It’s:

Quick and easy to prepare
Packed with bold, beefy flavors
Made from simple ingredients
Perfectly complements prime rib and other cuts
Ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or even a cozy weeknight treat

What Kind of Broth Should I Use?

For the best flavor, use a high-quality beef broth or beef stock—preferably one that’s low in sodium so you can control the seasoning. If you have homemade beef stock from leftover bones, even better. For a more luxurious version, a splash of red wine or drippings from your roast can intensify the richness.

Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use beef bouillon dissolved in hot water, though the flavor may be saltier, so adjust accordingly. For a slightly different depth, mushroom broth works surprisingly well, especially if you’re aiming for a more umami-rich profile. Garlic lovers can add minced garlic or garlic powder, and for a more herby flavor, toss in some rosemary or thyme.

Ingredients for this Easy Prime Rib Au Jus Sauce

Beef broth or stock – The foundational base of your sauce. Opt for low-sodium to give you more control over seasoning.
Prime rib drippings – If available, these deepen the flavor significantly, giving the sauce that signature roast essence.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds a layer of umami with a slight tang to enhance the richness of the meat.
Red wine (optional) – Brings a bold, aromatic depth. Use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Garlic (minced or powder) – Offers a warm, savory touch that ties everything together.
Shallots or onions (finely chopped) – Introduce a subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor.
Black pepper – For a sharp bite and depth. Freshly ground is best.
Salt – To balance and intensify all the flavors. Use sparingly if drippings or broth are already salty.
Butter (optional) – Swirled in at the end, butter adds silkiness and body to the sauce.
Fresh herbs (optional) – Thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf for a fragrant twist.

Step 1: Collect the Prime Rib Drippings

Once your prime rib is roasted, pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a fat separator or let them sit to skim off excess fat. Save about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the drippings for the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended)

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt a bit of butter and sauté chopped shallots or onions until translucent. Add garlic next and cook until fragrant. This step adds a rounded base flavor to your sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze With Red Wine (If Using)

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the alcohol evaporates and the flavors concentrate.

Step 4: Add Broth and Drippings

Stir in the beef broth and reserved drippings. Mix well and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Season and Add Worcestershire

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you’re adding herbs, now’s the time—toss in a sprig of thyme or a bay leaf for an aromatic boost.

Step 6: Strain the Sauce (Optional)

For a smooth, elegant presentation, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids. This leaves you with a silky au jus that pours beautifully.

Step 7: Finish With Butter (Optional)

Swirl in a small knob of butter off the heat to finish the sauce with a glossy texture and rich mouthfeel. Serve hot alongside your sliced prime rib.

How Long to Prepare the Easy Prime Rib Au Jus Sauce

Preparation Time: The hands-on time for this sauce is surprisingly quick. From gathering ingredients to chopping aromatics, it takes about 5–10 minutes. If you’re using pan drippings, factor in a few extra minutes to separate the fat.

Cooking Time: Once the sauce is on the stove, it takes around 15–20 minutes to develop its flavor through simmering. If using wine, you’ll spend a few minutes reducing it before adding broth. The entire process can be wrapped up in 25–30 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Easy Prime Rib Au Jus Sauce

Use low-sodium broth to avoid an overly salty sauce—especially if using salty drippings.
Don’t skip the deglazing step if you’ve sautéed aromatics; it lifts all those flavorful bits into your sauce.
Let the sauce simmer rather than boil to retain the delicate depth and avoid reducing it too fast.
Swirl in butter at the end for a luxurious, velvety finish.
Always taste before serving—every batch of broth and drippings varies in salt and flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the fat separation: Excess fat will make the sauce greasy and overpowering.
Over-seasoning too early: Wait until the end to add salt so you don’t overdo it, especially with drippings involved.
Boiling aggressively: This can reduce the sauce too much and concentrate salt levels beyond balance.
Using overly sweet wine: Stick to dry reds for balance; sweet wine can throw off the sauce.
Neglecting to strain (if needed): If your sauce contains solids, straining can greatly improve the texture.

What to Serve With Easy Prime Rib Au Jus Sauce?

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and smooth, these soak up the sauce beautifully and make the meal extra hearty.

2. Yorkshire Pudding

A British classic that’s practically made to hold au jus—perfectly crisp and fluffy.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their slightly bitter edge balances the richness of the sauce and meat.

4. Creamed Spinach

Silky, savory, and a great contrast in texture.

5. Crusty French Bread

Simple but effective—perfect for sopping up every last drop.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Let the sauce cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors may deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing: Pour cooled sauce into a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating: Warm on low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if it thickened in storage.

Estimated Nutrition

Calories: 60–80 per serving
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Sodium: Depends on broth/drippings used (approx. 300–600mg)
Sugar: <1g
Fiber: 0g

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make au jus without drippings?

Use high-quality beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and aromatics like garlic and onion. While it won’t have the roast’s essence, it’ll still be flavorful.

Can I thicken the sauce?

Au jus is meant to be thin, but if you prefer a thicker version, whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Always double-check the labels.

Can I use this sauce for other meats?

Absolutely. It pairs well with roast beef, steak, lamb, or even a hearty mushroom dish.

What wine works best?

A dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot is ideal. Avoid sweet reds or anything too bold that might overpower the sauce.

Conclusion

This Easy Prime Rib Au Jus Sauce is more than just an accompaniment—it’s a game-changer for any roast. With minimal effort and maximum payoff, it brings restaurant-level depth and elegance to your table. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weekend dinner, this sauce will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds).