Description
A show-stopping herb-crusted roast beef featuring a fragrant blend of fresh rosemary and thyme, coated in a tangy Dijon mustard rub, roasted to perfection and finished with a rich, velvety pan gravy. This elegant yet simple dish is perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion, offering classic American flavors with a succulent tender roast.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 3 lb beef roast (top sirloin, eye of round, or tenderloin)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Herb Crust and Rub
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
Pan Gravy
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for initial high-heat roasting.
- Season the Beef: Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels to ensure a good crust forms. Evenly season all sides with salt and black pepper.
- Prepare the Herb Rub: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Mix well to create a flavorful herb paste.
- Apply Herb Rub: Thoroughly rub the herb mixture all over the surface of the beef roast to coat evenly, sealing in moisture and flavor.
- Initial Roast: Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan and cook at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to develop a caramelized crust.
- Reduce Heat and Continue Roasting: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and roast the beef for an additional 45–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Rest the Roast: Remove the beef from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices before slicing.
- Make the Pan Gravy: Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Whisk in the flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Simmer gently until the sauce is smooth and has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Slice the rested roast beef and serve with the warm pan gravy. This pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the roast reaches perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Allowing the meat to rest after roasting ensures juicy, tender slices.
- Pair this roast with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- For a gluten-free gravy, use cornstarch instead of flour.
- Leftover roast beef can be refrigerated and used in sandwiches or salads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Holiday Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American Classic