Name: Easy Roast Beef with Herbs 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 truly comforting about a perfectly cooked roast that fills your kitchen with savory aromas and promises a delicious meal. This Easy Roast Beef with Herbs Recipe delivers just that—simple, flavorful, and juicy roast beef that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Two white plates with a brown rim hold a dish with three layers. The bottom layer is creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes that look soft and white. On top, there are two thick slices of cooked beef, brown on the edges with a slightly pink center. A smooth brown gravy sauce is poured over the beef and mashed potatoes, pooling slightly on the plate. Small green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding some color and texture. Around the plates are two clear glasses filled halfway with dark red wine, and a blue and white striped cloth napkin is partially visible near one plate. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface. 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 with Herbs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Roast Beef with Herbs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Roast Beef with Herbs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I couldn’t wait to share this recipe because it’s one of my go-to dishes when I want something impressive but not complicated. What I love most is how effortlessly the herbs and garlic infuse the beef with flavor, making every bite juicy and tender without any fuss.

Simplicity Meets Flavor: A straightforward herb and garlic rub creates a depth of taste without needing hours of prep.
Perfectly Juicy: The cooking method ensures the beef stays tender and moist, no dry edges here.
Versatile Side Pairings: This roast works beautifully with everything from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it's a weeknight dinner or special celebration, this roast fits right in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together to highlight the natural beef flavor while enhancing it with fragrant herbs and garlic. When you shop, look for a nice top round roast with good marbling for the best texture.

Flat lay of a fresh raw top round roast with deep red color and natural marbling, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl holding bright green minced rosemary, another with finely chopped fresh thyme leaves, a small white dish with thinly sliced vibrant green chives, a small white bowl containing minced garlic cloves with a creamy white color, two clean whole brown eggs with smooth shells, a small white dish with coarse sea salt crystals, a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns, a small white dish holding a pat of unsalted light yellow butter, a small white bowl containing fine pale flour, a small white bowl with smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, and a small white bowl filled with rich brown beef stock — all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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: Lean but tender when cooked right, this cut is excellent for roasting and slicing.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the herbs stick and adds subtle richness.
Minced rosemary: Its piney aroma pairs perfectly with beef.
Minced thyme: Adds earthiness that balances the garlic notes.
Thinly sliced chives: Offers a mild onion flavor that brightens the rub.
Minced garlic cloves: Garlic is a no-brainer with roast beef, giving that savory punch.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the meat’s full flavor.
Unsalted butter: Used in the gravy for richness without overpowering.
Flour: Thickens the gravy to a luscious consistency.
Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of tang and depth to the gravy.
Beef stock: Forms the gravy base, intensifying the beef 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 like to tweak this Easy Roast Beef with Herbs Recipe based on the season or my mood—sometimes adding a splash of red wine to the gravy or swapping in fresh sage instead of thyme for a slightly different aroma. It's versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

Variation: Once, I rubbed a pinch of smoked paprika into the herb mix, and it gave the roast a subtle smoky warmth that was a big hit with family dinner guests.
Diet-friendly: For lower sodium, I dial back the salt and use homemade beef stock without added salt—still delicious!
Seasonal touch: In spring, I sometimes add fresh mint chopped into the herb rub to freshen things up.

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

A single raw beef steak is placed on a black metal grid. The steak is deep red with a fresh and moist texture, topped with small pieces of white garlic and finely chopped green herbs scattered evenly across the surface. The background beneath the grid is a dark surface with specks of color that resembles seasoning or spices. The photo is close-up, showing the natural texture and marbling of the meat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep your roast and herb rub

Start by patting your top round roast dry with paper towels—that helps the herb rub stick and creates a nice crust. Mix the minced rosemary, thyme, chives, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil together to form a paste. Then massage this all over your roast, making sure every bit is coated. I like to do this a few hours ahead, or even overnight, to let the flavors seep in deep.

Step 2: Roast with care

Place the roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Roasting time usually runs about 50 minutes for a medium-rare finish, but I always keep an eye on it with a meat thermometer—around 130°F internal temperature is perfect before resting. Don’t skip the resting step; tent it loosely with foil and let it rest 15 minutes to redistribute juices for that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Step 3: Make the luscious gravy

While the beef rests, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly pour in beef stock and stir constantly until thickened. Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and season to taste with salt and pepper. This gravy pairs perfectly with every slice.

Top Tip

From my personal kitchen trials, I’ve learned a few tips that make this Easy Roast Beef with Herbs Recipe consistently shine each time you make it.

Room Temperature Meat: I always let the roast sit out for about 30 minutes before roasting—it cooks more evenly and prevents those cold, underdone centers.
Herb Finely Chopped: Using very finely minced herbs helps the flavor penetrate better and keeps the rub from falling off.
Resting is Crucial: Don’t rush this step; resting seals in the juices for tender, moist slices.
Thermometer Use: Invest in a good meat thermometer—it’s the only way to take the guesswork out of perfect roast beef.

How to Serve Easy Roast Beef with Herbs Recipe

roast beef with herbs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs on top just before serving—it looks beautiful and adds that extra fresh aroma that wakes up your senses as you dig in.

Side Dishes

This roast beef is a dream partner for creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. And of course, don’t forget plenty of that rich herb gravy on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated thin slices of the roast over a bed of horseradish mashed potatoes with a drizzle of gravy, topped with edible flowers and microgreens for that restaurant-worthy look. It’s easier than it sounds and always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap leftover roast beef tightly in foil and place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making reheats even tastier.

Freezing

I’ve frozen sliced roast beef before with great results—just wrap slices individually in parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep tenderness intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a warm skillet with a bit of beef stock or water, covering the pan to steam gently. This keeps the beef from drying out and reinvigorates that roast flavor beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Easy Roast Beef with Herbs Recipe?

Absolutely! While top round is ideal for its balance of tenderness and affordability, you can also use sirloin tip roast or ribeye roast if you prefer a fattier cut. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I know when the roast beef is perfectly cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is your best bet. For medium-rare, aim for about 130°F internal temperature before resting. Remember, the temperature will rise a few degrees while resting.

Can I prepare the herb rub in advance?

Yes, prepping the herb rub and applying it a few hours or even the night before roasting lets the flavors deepen and penetrate the meat for an even more flavorful roast.

What’s the best way to make the gravy even richer?

Try adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for added depth. Just be sure to simmer it long enough to cook off the alcohol for best flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Roast Beef with Herbs Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s foolproof yet impressive enough to serve guests without the stress. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll achieve delicious, tender roast beef every time. I promise once you try it, this recipe will become your new standby for family dinners and celebrations alike. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!