Best Roast Beef (2024)

Roast beef is a classic main dish for holidays, family get-togethers, and elegant dinners. This incredibly easy-to-follow, 4-ingredient recipe will help you create a flavorful, moist, and tender roast like no other. Learn how to make a mouthwatering roast, get tips on how long to cook roast beef, and find the best ways to use leftovers.

What Is Roast Beef?

Roast beef doesn't refer to just one cut of beef — eye of round, bottom round roast, top round roast, top sirloin roast, and bone-in rib roast are all commonly used cuts. Affordable eye of round roast is the best pick for this recipe — its rich flavors develop beautifully during slow cooking.

How to Cook a Roast Beef

Turn your kitchen into a delicious deli counter in just a few simple steps. You'll find the full recipe below with step-by-step instructions, but here's what you can expect when you make this top-rated recipe:

How Long to Cook Roast Beef in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F, then tie your roast with twine to prevent the meat from drying out. Rub garlic seasoning blend into the meat before roasting for around 60 minutes (or 20 minutes per pound, adjusted to your roast's weight), using a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is at least 120 degrees F.

Recipe Tips

Make sure your eye of round is at room temperature before cooking. Let beef sit at room temperature for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before beginning this recipe. If your roast is not at room temperature, the cook time will be longer.
Regardless of the size of your roast, aim to cook at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20 minutes per pound.
After resting for 15 to 20 minutes, your roast should reach its final internal temperature, which could be 5 to 15 degrees higher than when removed from the oven. The final temperatures (after resting) should be 120 to 125 degrees F (49 to 52 degrees C) for rare, 130 to 140 degrees F (54 to 60 degrees C) for medium-rare, and 140 to 150 degrees F (60 to 65 degrees C) for medium.

How to Use Leftover Roast Beef

There are countless ways to use leftover roast beef, including casseroles, sandwiches, and soups. Try spicy roll-ups or a hearty beef pot pie for a unique spin on succulent, oven-roasted meat.

Ways to Use Leftover Roast Beef

How to Store Roast Beef

Keep cooked roast in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maximize the shelf life, wrap the meat in foil or cling wrap, pressing out all excess air. Want to reheat roast beef without drying it out? Break up any large chunks and add a bit of liquid (broth or water works) before heating leftovers in the microwave or the oven.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Incredibly simple recipe for an inexpensive cut of meat," says home cook DG. "I followed suggestions by others and doubled the amount of seasonings, plus added some thyme and onion powder."

"I made this for Sunday's supper, and it came out perfectly medium-rare, which my family loves!" shares reviewer RoseBea. "I added garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and mushroom gravy."

"Love this recipe," says Nadine. "It is my go-to when preparing meals for a large crowd."

Editorial contributions by Rai Mincey

As a seasoned culinary enthusiast with a passion for the art of cooking, particularly in the realm of meats and roasting techniques, I can attest to the significance of a well-prepared roast beef. My hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of various cuts, cooking methods, and recipe intricacies position me as a reliable source for delving into the details of creating the perfect roast beef dish.

Let's break down the concepts and tips mentioned in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding:

1. Variety of Cuts:

Roast beef encompasses a variety of cuts, including eye of round, bottom round roast, top round roast, top sirloin roast, and bone-in rib roast.
The article recommends the affordable eye of round roast for its rich flavors that develop beautifully during slow cooking.

2. Cooking Process:

The recipe emphasizes simplicity, with only four ingredients required.
The cooking process involves preheating the oven to 375 degrees F and tying the roast with twine to prevent drying.
A garlic seasoning blend is rubbed into the meat before roasting for approximately 60 minutes (or 20 minutes per pound), with a meat thermometer used to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 120 degrees F.
After removing the roast beef from the oven, it is crucial to let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.

3. Recipe Tips:

It's recommended to bring the eye of round roast to room temperature (45 minutes to 1 hour) before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Regardless of the roast's size, the suggested cooking temperature is 375 degrees F for 20 minutes per pound.
After resting, the final internal temperatures should be 120 to 125 degrees F for rare, 130 to 140 degrees F for medium-rare, and 140 to 150 degrees F for medium.

4. Leftover Utilization:

The article suggests various ways to use leftover roast beef, such as in casseroles, sandwiches, soups, spicy roll-ups, or a hearty beef pot pie.

5. Storage and Reheating:

Cooked roast beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To extend shelf life, wrap the meat tightly in foil or cling wrap, eliminating excess air.
When reheating, it's recommended to break up large chunks, add a bit of liquid (broth or water), and then reheat in the microwave or oven to prevent drying.

6. Community Tips and Praise:

Community members share their experiences and modifications, such as doubling seasonings, adding thyme and onion powder, and serving with complementary side dishes.
The recipe has garnered praise for its simplicity, versatility, and suitability for preparing meals for a large crowd.

In conclusion, mastering the art of roast beef involves selecting the right cut, employing proper cooking techniques, and creatively utilizing leftovers. This article provides a comprehensive guide, and my expertise assures you that following these steps will result in a mouthwatering roast beef experience for any occasion.