Name: Easy Roast Beef Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 1/2 pound top round roast; 2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons minced rosemary; 2 teaspoons minced thyme; 2 teaspoons thinly sliced chives; 2 minced garlic cloves; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 minced garlic clove; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; 1 1/2 cups beef stock; salt and pepper to taste

There’s something so comforting about a perfectly cooked roast, right? This Easy Roast Beef Recipe brings out deep, savory flavors with a simple garlic and herb rub that’s straightforward but anything but boring. It’s a juicy, satisfying roast that feels like a Sunday dinner classic, even if you throw it together on a weeknight.

Two white plates with a thin brown rim each show a layer of creamy white mashed potatoes spread evenly at the bottom. On top of the mashed potatoes, there are two slices of medium-cooked beef with a pink center and brown edges. A smooth brown gravy is poured over the beef and mashed potatoes, with small green herb bits sprinkled on top for garnish. Each plate sits on a white marbled surface next to a glass of deep red wine. A striped blue and white cloth is partly under one plate, and a silver fork rests nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Roast Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Roast Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Roast Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy Roast Beef Recipe has been one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something that tastes show-stopping but doesn’t make me sweat in the kitchen. The balance of fresh herbs and garlic creates a beautiful crust, while the meat stays juicy and tender inside.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have these herbs and seasonings on hand, making this recipe accessible anytime.
Juicy and Tender: The top round roast can dry out if you're not careful, but this method prevents that perfectly.
Rich Garlic and Herb Flavor: The fresh rosemary, thyme, and chives give it that irresistible aroma and flavor boost.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a special celebration, it fits right in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this roast beef recipe plays a part that you’ll appreciate when you taste the final result. The fresh herbs highlight the meat’s natural flavor without overpowering it, and the garlic adds just the right punch. Let’s dive into the key players.

Flat lay of a fresh whole top round roast with a deep red color and marbling, a small white bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, fresh green sprigs of rosemary, fresh green sprigs of thyme, thinly sliced bright green chives arranged neatly, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl of whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl with a chunk of pale yellow unsalted butter, a small white bowl filled with light beige all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, and a small white bowl of rich brown beef stock placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Top round roast: A lean cut that roasts beautifully but can be tough if overcooked, so the timing and seasoning are key.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the herbs and garlic adhere and adds a subtle buttery note while promoting a golden crust.
Minced rosemary, thyme, and chives: These herbs bring that fresh garden aroma and pair perfectly with beef.
Garlic cloves: Adds robust flavor; using minced garlic ensures it penetrates the roast.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; salt especially helps the beef retain moisture.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the gravy and prevents it from being too salty or overpowering.
Flour: Used to thicken the gravy naturally, giving it a lovely smooth texture.
Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang that brightens the gravy's flavor.
Beef stock: The base for the gravy, enriching it with deep, meaty flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this roast depending on the season or what mood I’m in. It’s really easy to add your own spin and still end up with that comforting roast beef you’re aiming for.

Variation: Once, I swapped fresh rosemary for dried mixed Italian herbs because that's what I had—turns out it still delivered great flavor and made prepping even quicker.
Dietary tweaks: For a low-sodium version, reduce the salt a bit and use low-sodium beef stock. You'll still get plenty of flavor from the herbs and garlic.
Seasonal changes: Sometimes I add a splash of red wine to the gravy for a richer depth during colder months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Roast Beef Recipe

A large, raw piece of red meat lies flat on a black metal grill rack, sprinkled over the top with small chunks of white garlic and green herbs. The surface of the meat is smooth with visible muscle fibers, and the seasoning is scattered unevenly across the entire piece. The background features a dark speckled texture underneath the grill rack. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preparing the Herb and Garlic Rub

Start by mixing the minced rosemary, thyme, chives, and garlic with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. I like to do this in a small bowl while my oven preheats. This blend will give your roast a gorgeous herb crust that locks in flavor—make sure to rub it evenly all over the beef so every bite is infused.

Step 2: Searing the Roast

Heat a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat, then sear the roast on all sides until nicely browned—about 2-3 minutes per side. This step caramelizes the meat’s surface, sealing in juices and adding those mouth-watering flavors we crave. Don’t skip this part!

Step 3: Roasting in the Oven

Transfer the pan to the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast for about 50 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 130-135°F for medium-rare. I always recommend using a meat thermometer; it’s the best way to avoid overcooking. Once it’s done, let it rest for at least 15 minutes—this keeps the juices locked inside for the perfect tender bite.

Step 4: Making the Gravy

While the roast rests, melt butter in the same pan over medium heat and stir in minced garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for a minute or two. Then whisk in beef stock and Dijon mustard, scraping up those browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper to your taste. This gravy is the perfect plate companion.

Top Tip

I’ve cooked dozens of roast beef dinners, and a few tweaks always make a big difference in the final outcome. These tips helped me nail the juiciest roast every time, and I want you to enjoy the same success.

Resting Time: Don’t rush! Letting the roast rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making your beef tender and juicy.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Guessing the doneness can lead to overcooking; aiming for medium-rare temps will always yield a moist roast.
Herb Rub Consistency: Make sure to mince your herbs finely and mix well with olive oil so the rub sticks and flavors the roast evenly.
Pan Drippings for Gravy: Scrape up all those browned bits after searing—they pack incredible flavor into your gravy!

How to Serve Easy Roast Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple—fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I also serve it with a few roasted garlic cloves on the side for an extra boost of flavor that everyone loves.

Side Dishes

This roast pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all that luscious gravy. Roasted root vegetables or green beans tossed in garlic butter are my go-to sides—they’re easy, comforting, and make the meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this roast thinly sliced on a platter with horseradish cream and crusty bread for a casual gathering, and also carved thick slices for a formal dinner with elegant plating. Either way, the key is to slice against the grain so it feels tender in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover roast beef tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate. The beef stays juicy for up to 3–4 days, making quick sandwiches or reheated meals a treat.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option! I slice the roast thinly before freezing and separate portions with parchment paper in freezer bags. It thaws quickly overnight and reheats well without losing moisture.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the beef slices with foil and warm them gently in the oven at around 275°F for 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the meat tender and prevents it from drying out like the microwave sometimes does.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the best cut of beef for this Easy Roast Beef Recipe?

Top round roast is a lean, affordable cut that’s perfect for this recipe when cooked to medium-rare. It’s flavorful and becomes tender with proper seasoning and resting.

How do I know when the roast is done?

Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare, and remember to let the roast rest before carving for best results.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

You can prepare the gravy a few hours ahead and gently reheat it before serving. Just whisk in a little extra beef stock or water if it becomes too thick.

What sides go best with this Easy Roast Beef Recipe?

Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a crisp green salad all complement the rich flavors of this roast beef perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Roast Beef Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen because it delivers on flavor, tenderness, and simplicity every single time. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do—there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with family or friends and sharing a meal that feels this comforting and rewarding. Give it a try next time you want that satisfying roast dinner without the fuss.