Meat & fish
How to make classic roast beef with horseradish cream and au jus for properly rested, thinly sliced meat served with roasted root vegetables.
This evergreen guide walks you through selecting beef, preparing a generous roast, crafting sharp horseradish cream, and producing au jus, all while pairing with fragrant roasted roots for a complete, comforting feast.
August 07, 2025 - 3 min Read
A classic roast beef starts with choosing a sturdy, well-marbled cut and allowing it to come to room temperature before searing for a flavorful crust. Begin by patting the roast dry, then seasoning generously with salt and cracked black pepper. Heat a heavy pan or Dutch oven until shimmering, then brown the meat on all sides to lock in juices. Transfer to a roasting rack and slide into a hot oven, adjusting temperature to mid-range so the center gently rises to a rosy warmth. Restless, quick-cook methods may yield a tougher finish, but patience and steady heat reward you with even color and tender slices perfect for serving.
As the roast nears doneness, prepare a bright horseradish cream to accompany the beef. In a small bowl, whisk together finely grated horseradish, sour cream or crème fraîche, a touch of Dijon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The goal is a silky, lightly piquant sauce that lets the beef shine without overpowering it. Taste and adjust balance, adding more horseradish if you crave bite, or more cream to mellow the heat. A brief chill time helps flavors meld, so plan to refrigerate the mixture until service. When ready, fold in fresh chives for a green, aromatic lift.
Building a simple, deeply flavored au jus from pan drippings.
Resting the beef after roasting is essential to redistribute juices and ensure each slice stays moist. Remove the roast from the oven and loosely tent with foil, allowing at least 15 minutes for smaller roasts and up to 25 minutes for larger ones. During this window, the meat’s internal temperature will finish its climb and the fibers will relax, making slicing easier and more uniform. If you cut too soon, the juices escape and the meat can feel dry. Use a sharp carving knife and slice across the grain in thin, even ribbons. As you plate, reserve any pan juices to reinforce the au jus or to deepen the sauce later.
While the beef rests, roast a variety of root vegetables to anchor the plate. Peel and cut carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and onions into uniform chunks so they cook evenly. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of rosemary or thyme. Roast in a hot oven, turning occasionally, until edges caramelize and interiors become tender. The vegetables should emerge with a gentle caramel and a savory aroma that harmonizes with the beef’s richness. When finished, keep them warm in a low oven or covered dish. Their sweetness provides balance to the assertive meat and horseradish cream.
Techniques for uniform slices and consistent flavor.
The au jus begins with the pan you used for searing and roasting. Pour off excess fat, leaving a thin film to intensify flavor as it heats. Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef stock or red wine, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spatula. These caramelized residues contain the foundation of your jus. Reduce the liquid by a third or more, allowing it to concentrate and mingle with any herbs you added earlier. Strain if you prefer a smoother finish, then whisk in a small amount of butter for gloss. A subtle salt check at this stage ensures the jus tastes balanced and ready to serve.
Finish the jus with a touch of aromatics to echo the horseradish cream. A bay leaf, a few sprigs of thyme, and a hint of garlic can deepen the profile without overpowering the beef. For a cleaner finish, strain again after simmering. Keep the jus warm but not boiling, as heat can intensify astringent notes from horseradish in the sauce if it contacts the beef. If you want an even richer texture, whisk in a tiny pat of cold butter just before serving, letting it emulsify and shine with a glossy sheen that clings to the meat.
Timing, planning, and practical kitchen tips.
When it’s time to carve, place the roast on a steady carving board and cut with smooth, confident strokes. Aim for slices about 1/4 inch thick; their uniformity helps each bite deliver consistent juiciness and flavor. Don’t rush the process by slicing while the meat is still hot and tense—the rest period will yield more forgiving texture. If you notice a pronounced outer crust, you can trim a thin layer to reveal a tender interior. Present the slices in a neat fan, with horseradish cream dolloped sparingly on the side and the au jus in a warm gravy boat for dipping.
To keep the dish evergreen, offer variations that suit different palates. Those who love a sharper bite can intensify the horseradish or add a whisper of horseradish pickle brine to the cream. For a milder approach, blend more sour cream and a touch of yogurt to soften heat while preserving tang. If you prefer a dairy-free route, substitute coconut cream or almond yogurt, balancing with lemon juice and a splash of olive oil. Pairings can shift with season: root vegetables in winter, or a bright green salad with Dijon vinaigrette for contrast. The core technique remains, ensuring tender meat and glossy jus every time.
Seasonal notes and traditions to inspire repeat meals.
Success hinges on timing and equipment, so plan ahead. Remove the beef from the fridge well before cooking to reach room temperature, then preheat the oven to a consistent heat. Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature with precision; aim for a rosy center, typically around 130–135°F (54–57°C) for medium-rare, though personal preference matters. Rest time is your best friend, absorbing juices and enhancing tenderness. When the roast rests, keep heat low so the crust doesn’t soften. Heat the jus gently until steaming, and keep the horseradish cream chilled until service to maintain texture and bite.
A well-balanced dinner relies on proportional plating and temperature harmony. Start with a generous bed of roasted roots, then lay slices of roast in a neat stack, showing the rosy interior. Spoon a line of horseradish cream alongside each portion and ladle a little jus over the meat to finish. If you’ve prepared extra vegetables, arrange them around the edges for a colorful frame. Garnish with a light scattering of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add brightness. A small wedge of crusty bread completes the setup, soaking up the sauce and catching any caramelized bits from the pan.
This dish lends itself to festive occasions and everyday family dinners alike. The horseradish cream echoes the sharp, clean flavor of traditional accompaniments, while the au jus ties the plate with the roasting method. The roasted roots anchor the meal with sweetness and earthiness, creating balance that endures through repeated servings. Consider varying the starch—mushroom polenta, creamy mashed potatoes, or a parsnip purée can all work well. When entertaining, a larger roast is feasible; scale the quantities and keep the same resting, carving, and serving cadence to ensure consistent results across servings.
As you gain confidence, you’ll judge the roast by feel as well as thermometer readings. The crust should be deeply browned but not bitter, the interior lush and properly rested, and the sauce glossy with a hint of brightness from aromatics. Practice makes precision, and every trial teaches adjustments to heat, timing, and seasoning. The core idea remains constant: methodical preparation, patient resting, and thoughtful saucing elevate a simple beef roast into a memorable centerpiece that rewards steady hands and a calm kitchen. With these techniques, you’ll consistently deliver succulence, balance, and warmth on the table.
