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Top Round Roast Beef with Herb Crust and Rich Beaf Gravy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Ivy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Top Round Roast Beef recipe delivers a tender, flavorful roast perfect for a hearty family meal. Coated in a fragrant herb and garlic rub, the beef is seared at high heat to lock in juices, then slow-roasted to your preferred doneness. An optional homemade beef gravy using pan drippings enhances the dish with rich, savory depth.


Ingredients

Beef and Herb Rub

  • 3-4 lb top round roast
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1-2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary (or 1-2 tsp dried rosemary)
  • ½ tsp ground mustard
  • ½-1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cracked pepper
  • 1-1½ tsp sea salt (adjust as desired)

Optional Beef Gravy

  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 2-3 cups beef broth
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven. Set your oven to 450°F to prepare for searing the roast.
  2. Prepare Herb Mixture. Let the roast sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to promote even cooking. Meanwhile, whisk together olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, ground mustard, onion powder, cracked pepper, and sea salt in a small bowl.
  3. Season the Roast. Pat the top round roast dry with paper towels. Place it on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Spread the herb mixture thoroughly on all sides of the roast, pressing it gently into the meat to adhere.
  4. Sear the Roast. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes to sear all sides of the roast, locking in flavor and juices.
  5. Roast at Lower Temperature. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Continue roasting for 40-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches about 5°-10°F below your target doneness (135°F for medium-rare, 150°F for medium, 160°F for well done), because the temperature will rise slightly during resting.
  6. Rest the Meat. Remove the roast from the oven, loosely tent with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy slices.
  7. Make Optional Gravy. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Gradually whisk in flour one tablespoon at a time until smooth.
  8. Incorporate Broth and Seasonings. Slowly add 2 cups beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  9. Thicken the Gravy. Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened to your liking. Use extra broth to thin if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve. Slice the roast beef against the grain and serve with the warm gravy spooned over the top.

Notes

  • Letting the meat come to room temperature before cooking helps achieve even doneness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature for perfect results.
  • Resting the roast is crucial to retain juices and ensure tender slices.
  • The gravy is optional but complements the roast beautifully.
  • Adjust seasoning of the herb rub and gravy to your taste preferences.