Classic Roast Beef with Herb Crust
Best roast beef recipes? Sorted! This herb-crusted recipe delivers tender, juicy beef every time. Sunday lunch perfection, made easy. Get the secrets here!

- The Perfect Sunday Roast: Your Ticket to Tender Beef
- Classic Roast Beef with Herb Crust Recipe Card
- Essential Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavour
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for the Win
- Step-by-Step to the Best Roast Beef
- Pro Tips for a Next-Level Roast
- Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce to Success
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, let's talk roast beef recipes ! Ever feel like Sunday lunch is supposed to be amazing but often falls flat? Yeah, me too. I've been there, wrestling with tough, flavourless roasts.
The Perfect Sunday Roast: Your Ticket to Tender Beef
This isn’t just any roast beef recipe . it's the classic, best roast beef recipe , the kind that makes everyone gather around the table with happy faces.
Forget those dry, disappointing attempts from the past. this one delivers tender roast beef , guaranteed.
We're talking about a perfect roast beef with a crispy, herb-infused crust. this recipe pays homage to traditional sunday lunches with its rich flavour and comforting aroma.
This roast beef recipe is fairly simple to do.
What's Cooking?
This recipe is inspired by, you know, the classic British Sunday roast. It should take around 2 hours, but trust me, it's worth every single second. Expect to serve 6-8 hungry people.
Why You'll Absolutely Love It
The star of this show is the juicy, tender roast beef . it's a protein powerhouse. seriously, it's perfect for a family gathering or a special occasion! think christmas, easter, or just a regular sunday you wanna make extra special.
It’s the best roast beef because of the sear.
Classic Roast Beef with Herb Crust Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb (1.35-1.8 kg) Beef Roast (Ribeye, Top Sirloin, or Rump Roast recommended)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Sea Salt
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Fresh Thyme, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Olive Oil
🥄 Instructions:
- Take the roast out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil.
- Rub the Dijon mustard all over the beef. Then, press the herb crust mixture onto the entire surface of the roast. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (or in the roasting pan on the stovetop) over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until nicely browned (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Transfer the skillet (or roast to the prepared roasting pan) to the preheated oven. Roast until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness: Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C), Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C), Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C), Medium-Well: 140-145°F (60-63°C), Well Done: 145°F+ (63°C+).
- Remove the roast from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Carve the roast against the grain into thin slices. Serve immediately.
Essential Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavour
Don't stress about complicated ingredients. For the beef, you'll need a 3-4 lb ( Beef Roasts ). Olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper are your staples.
The herb crust is where the magic happens. Fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, and more olive oil. This recipe is amazing.
Okay, let's dive into what you need to make the best roast beef . No fuss, just the good stuff. Think of this as a chat, not a lecture, yeah?
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: The Beef Itself
Right, so you'll need a 3-4 lb (that's 1.35-1.8 kg ) beef roast . look for ribeye, top sirloin, or rump roast.
Honestly, quality is key here. a good cut of beef makes all the difference for tender roast beef . try and avoid the cheap cuts, treat yourself! you'll also need 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) of olive oil.
Seasoning Notes: Making It Pop
For our perfect roast beef , we are going to use 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) of dijon mustard.
I find it adds a little zing , you know? plus 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) of sea salt and ½ teaspoon ( 2.
5 ml ) of freshly ground black pepper. crucially, we need our herb crust with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh rosemary , finely chopped, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh thyme , finely chopped, and 2 cloves garlic , minced.
Garlic, honestly, makes everything better.
Equipment Needed: No Fancy Gadgets
You don't need a ton of gear. a roasting pan is essential. if it has a rack, even better. a meat thermometer is crucial .
I can't stress this enough. get a good one! seriously, the best roast relies on knowing the internal temp. a basting spoon is super useful, and then obviously a carving knife and cutting board.
Honestly, that's it. No fancy stuff. If you don’t have a roasting pan, a large oven-safe skillet works.
Roast beef recipes don't have to be daunting! i’ve even adapted this basic method for pot roast with gravy , it´s simple and works wonders with a cheaper cut! even tried it in the crock pot .
And i've seen some great pot roast crock pot recipes out there if you want the really lazy version! for example cozy cook on their website! cooking roast beef can be fun, and once you master this basic roast beef recipe , the possibilities are endless! this classic roast with gravy is one of my popular dinner recipes .
I remember the first time i tried making a roast beef recipe . i was terrified! honestly, i thought it was way too fancy for me, i remember i saw the cozy cook doing some videos and decided to try something that day.
But with a little patience and the right ingredients, you can create something truly special. think about it: “cooking is at once child's play and adult's joy.
And cooking done with care is an act of love.” – craig claiborne. so, gather your ingredients and let's get started!

Right then, let's dive into mastering the art of cooking roast beef . Honestly, there's nothing quite like the aroma of a perfect roast beef wafting through the house on a Sunday afternoon, is there? It's practically a national treasure!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for the Win
First things first, let's talk prep. the french call it mise en place , and basically, it just means getting all your ducks in a row before you start cooking.
It's a game-changer, trust me!
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Essential prep: get that 3-4 lb beef roast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to cook.
This helps it cook evenly. pat it dry with paper towels; you want a good sear.
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Time-Saving Tips: Chop your rosemary and thyme beforehand. Mince that garlic. Have everything measured out. This makes the whole process smoother.
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Safety First: Always wash your hands after handling raw meat. And for heaven's sake, keep that cutting board separate from your veggies!
Step-by-Step to the Best Roast Beef
Alright, here's the nitty-gritty. Follow these steps, and you'll have a tender roast beef that'll have everyone begging for seconds. We are aiming for recipes for roast that are foolproof .
- Mix 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary, 2 tablespoons chopped thyme, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. This is your flavour bomb!
- Rub 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard all over the roast. Then, press that herb mixture on everywhere . Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a roasting pan (or oven-safe skillet) over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides (about 3- 4 minutes per side ) until golden brown. Don't skip this! It's key for a flavourful crust.
- Roast in a preheated oven (check your ovens temperature) until the internal temp hits your desired doneness (use a meat thermometer!). Rare: 125- 130° F . Medium-Rare: 130- 135° F .
- Let the roast rest for 15- 20 minutes before carving. Cover loosely with foil. This lets the juices redistribute, making it tender !
Pro Tips for a Next-Level Roast
Want to take your roast beef recipe from good to amazing ? Here are a few tricks I've picked up over the years.
- Don't Overcook It! Seriously, nobody likes shoe leather. A meat thermometer is your best friend here.
- Gravy Time : Save those pan drippings for the best gravy ever. Honestly, that's what puts it over the top, think roast with gravy ! Even a simple gravy made with beef broth and flour can work wonders. Pot roast with gravy is also a great shout if you like it really saucy!
- Make-Ahead Option: You can sear the roast the day before and keep it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before roasting.
Honestly, finding the best roast beef recipe is like finding the holy grail of Sunday dinners!
Let me know if you try it out. if you want to change it up, crock pot roast or pot roast crock pot recipes could also be your next adventure! if you would rather eat birds, then maybe crock pot chicken recipe is more up to your street.
Alright, let's talk about the nitty-gritty of making this best roast beef recipe work for you . after all, roast beef recipes can seem daunting, but trust me, it's easier than you think.
These little notes are like cheat codes to perfect roast beef .
Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce to Success
Plating and Presentation Ideas: Show Off Your Best Roast !
Honestly, presentation makes all the difference. before you even think about tucking into this tender roast beef , take a minute to admire your handiwork.
Get those carving skills in order. slice that beef roasts thinly across the grain. arrange it artfully on a platter with a sprig of rosemary.
Drizzle with some lovely roast with gravy . trust me, it elevates the whole experience. think about adding some vibrant green veggies for contrast.
A bit of colour goes a long way.
Storage Tips: Keep That Roast Beef Recipe Going!
Leftover best roast beef ? don't bin it, that's just criminal! let it cool completely. wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil.
Chuck it in the fridge. it'll be good for 3-4 days. you can use it for sandwiches, salads, or even reheat it gently in gravy.
Freezing? yeah, you can, but it might lose a bit of its tenderness. slice it before freezing. when it's time, reheat in the gravy or stock.
Slow and low is the key.
Variations: Tweak Your Cooking Roast Beef Game!
Fancy a change? this best roast beef recipe is pretty versatile. watching the carbs? serve it with cauliflower mash or a big, green salad.
You can easily adapt. try a different herb crust. rosemary and garlic are classic, but thyme, oregano, or even a little chilli flake can add a nice twist.
Adapt with seasonal vegetables. what about a pot roast with gravy version? use a cheaper cut like chuck and slow-cook it with veggies.
Delish! some people also like crock pot roast
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, let's keep it real. roast beef isn't exactly a health food. but it is packed with protein and iron.
Just be mindful of the fat content. trim any excess fat before cooking. serving size matters too. a smaller portion goes a long way.
Paired with plenty of veggies, it can be part of a balanced diet. think of it as a treat, not an everyday meal, you know? if you want a similar alternative try a crock pot chicken recipe .
Look, this cozy cook is all about making delicious food accessible. don't be scared to give this roast beef recipe a go.
Play with the ingredients. have fun with it. even if it doesn't turn out perfect , it'll still taste pretty darn good.
Now get out there and try one of these popular dinner recipes . happy cooking! and for more options ask the amazing cozy cook! or even check on the cozy cook or search for pot roast crock pot recipes .

Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best cut of beef to use for roast beef recipes, and does it really matter?
While you can use several cuts, some are definitely better than others for a proper Sunday roast! Ribeye, Top Sirloin, or Rump Roast are all excellent choices, providing a good balance of flavour and tenderness. Cheaper cuts might save a few bob, but will result in a tougher, less enjoyable roast – sometimes it's worth spending a little extra for quality!
How do I ensure my roast beef isn't tough as old boots?
There are a few tricks to avoiding a tough roast. Firstly, don't skip searing! It creates a delicious crust and helps to retain moisture. Secondly, and most importantly, use a meat thermometer to cook it to the perfect internal temperature – don't guess! Finally, resting the beef is crucial, allowing the juices to redistribute, so you don't end up with all the flavour running out onto the cutting board. It's like letting the tea brew properly, you can't rush it!
Can I prepare roast beef ahead of time?
You can definitely get some of the prep work done in advance. The herb crust can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. You can also sear the roast a few hours before you plan to cook it. However, it's best to roast and carve the beef as close to serving time as possible to ensure it's at its absolute best. Nobody wants a soggy bottom…I mean, soggy roast!
What about leftovers? How long does cooked roast beef last in the fridge?
Leftover roast beef is fantastic! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should be good for 3-4 days. Use it in sandwiches, salads, or even reheated with a bit of gravy. Just make sure to get it into the fridge within a couple of hours of cooking to keep it safe. A bit like those left-over scones, straight into the fridge!
Can I freeze leftover roast beef?
You certainly can freeze it! For the best results, slice the roast beef first, wrap each portion tightly in cling film, and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen roast beef can last for about 2-3 months. When reheating, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and then gently warm it in gravy or broth to prevent it from drying out. Don't expect it to be exactly the same as fresh, but a good freeze can definitely save waste!
I'm watching my calories – is roast beef recipes a healthy option?
Roast beef can absolutely be part of a healthy diet. It's a great source of protein and essential nutrients. Opt for leaner cuts and trim away any excess fat before cooking. Consider serving it with plenty of vegetables instead of carb-heavy sides. Portion control is also key, like anything really!
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