This is The Best Roast Beef Recipe that you will serve guests this holiday season. Olive oil is mixed with freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley and garlic to create a flavorful crust. Pair this with a cabernet sauvignon and your favorite side dishes.
Beef roasts are a holiday classic and perfect for feeding a crowd—whether for Christmas or a cozy Sunday dinner. This is my go-to Roast Beef Recipe, and it never fails to impress. It is one of my go-to flavorful cut of beef for a holiday meal.
If you like holiday beef dishes you also might like this Slow Cooker Beef Mexican Brisket, Greek Beef Stew with Orzo or this Lebanese Greens with Beef.
I always look for dishes that are both crowd-pleasing and foolproof during the holidays. This spoon roast fits the bill. It uses a top round sirloin roast coated in a flavorful mix of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, parsley, and thyme, creating a savory herb crust.
Slow roasting helps to create a tender and juicy roast, it’s a standout centerpiece that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. I especially love that it cooks in the oven while I prep the rest of the meal. Fresh herbs really elevate the flavor and make this roast shine.
I like to serve this roast beef with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted balsamic mushrooms and green beans. I also like to serve a rich gravy with it for added flavor. You can use the leftovers for roast beef sandwiches which are always delicious.
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s an overview of the simple ingredients we’re using. Jump to the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and printable instructions.
- Beef: This recipe uses a Top round beef roast. It is a lean, flavorful cut that’s ideal for roasting and perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: The olive oil helps the herb and garlic mixture adhere to the roast and creates a golden, flavorful crust.
- Garlic (or garlic powder): Minced garlic adds bold, savory flavor. Fresh garlic is preferred for depth, but garlic powder is a great substitute for the seasoning mixture.
- Fresh Herbs: The fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano and parsley add earthy, bright flavors to the beef.
How to Make a Spoon Roast
Step 1 : Prepare the Beef: Take your beef out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature on the counter for about a 1/2 hour.
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
Step 2: Create Garlic Mixture: Combine all of the spices and garlic in a small bowl along with the olive oil. Coat the beef with the herb and garlic mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
Step 3: Bake Roast: Place the roast on a wire rack inside a shallow baking dish or use a roasting pan with a wire rack. Sprinkle with a bit more salt and pepper.
Roast for 15 minutes at 450 degrees F. Reduce temperature to 325°F and roast an additional 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes or until the beef reads medium rare (125- to 130°F) doneness on an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part of the roast. Remove from the oven and tent with tin foil for 15 minutes. Slice into thin pieces and serve with fresh parsley, sautéed mushroom and a delicious salad like this Lemon Arugula Salad.
Beef Roast Cooking Tips
- Before cooking, place the roast fat side up on a wire rack in a shallow roasting pan. The only exception is a rib roast, as the ribs act as a natural rack. Positioning the roast this way promotes even cooking and a tender result.
- Oven roasting is ideal for holidays because it uses low heat over a longer time, allowing for a “set it and forget it” approach that produces perfectly cooked roast beef.
- For larger cuts, use an oven-safe meat thermometer that stays in the roast throughout cooking. This prevents frequent oven opening and avoids piercing the meat multiple times, which can cause moisture loss.
- After roasting, transfer the beef to a carving board and loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Use this time to make a flavorful au jus from the drippings.
Storage Tips
You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days wrapped in aluminum foil or in an air tight container. You also can freeze the beef. I would double-wrap it in foil or plastic and then freeze it in a ziplock bag.
Recipe FAQ
A top sirloin roast done in this low and slow method in the oven will take you approximately 22 minutes per pound of meat. This also depends on the thickness of your roast, if you let it come to room temperature and a lot of other factors. Use a thermometer and start checking after the hour point of cooking.
You will want to start with the heat turned high for 15 minutes and then turn the temperature down and cook the roast beef low and slow. This helps tenderize the meat and prevents it from becoming tough.
When you go to the store you might feel overwhelmed with the choices of beef. For roast beef you will want to buy prime rib, ribeye or beef tenderloin if you are serving a group of guests and are willing to spend more money. For cheaper cuts of beef that are still green options try sirloin tip, bottom round or a rump roast.
More Beef Recipes
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The Best Roast Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pound Beef Top Round Roast
- 2 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 3 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Take your beef out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature on the counter for about a 1/2 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
- Combine all of the spices and garlic in a small bowl along with the olive oil.
- Coat the beef with the herb and garlic mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
- Place the roast on a wire rack inside a shallow baking dish or use a roasting pan with a wire rack. Sprinkle with a bit more salt and pepper.
- Roast for 15 minutes at 450 degrees F.
- Reduce temperature to 325°F and roast an additional 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes or until medium rare (125- to 130°F) doneness.
- Remove from the oven and tent with tin foil for 15 minutes. Slice into thin pieces and serve with fresh parsley, sautéed mushroom and any additional favorite sides.
Notes
- A top sirloin roast done in this low and slow method in the oeven will take you approximately 22 minutes per pound of meat.
- This also depends on the thickness of your roast, if you let it come to room temperature and a lot of other factors. Use a thermometer and start checking after the hour point of cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This Roast beef recipe is absolutely delicious! The flavor is rich and savory, with the perfect balance of seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the beef. The roast comes out tender and juicy, with a beautifully caramelized crust. I love how easy it is to follow, and the instructions ensure that even a beginner in the kitchen can make a perfect roast. The addition of garlic, herbs, and a bit of wine or broth creates a mouthwatering aroma while it cooks. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion—definitely a keeper!
I am so glad!