Name: Easy Herb Roast Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 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 comforting and satisfying about a classic roast that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. This Easy Herb Roast Beef Recipe is one of those dishes—you get tender, juicy beef infused with fragrant herbs and garlic, perfect for any family dinner or special occasion. I promise it’s easier than it looks and so worth the effort!

Two white plates with a thin brown rim hold a dish of mashed potatoes and slices of cooked beef. Each plate has one layer of creamy white mashed potatoes spread as a base, topped with two pieces of medium-cooked beef slices showing a pink center and brown edges. A brown gravy sauce is poured over the meat and some of the potatoes, with small green herbs sprinkled on top. The plates sit on a white marbled surface with two glasses of red wine nearby and a blue and white striped cloth with a fork at the bottom right. 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 Herb Roast Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Herb Roast Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Herb Roast Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made my fair share of roast beef recipes, but this Easy Herb Roast Beef Recipe stands out because of its simplicity and flavor. A blend of fresh herbs and garlic makes the roast incredibly aromatic without any fuss. Let me tell you why it quickly became a staple in my kitchen.

Foolproof Herb Rub: The combination of rosemary, thyme, and chives creates a flavorful crust that’s not overwhelming but perfectly balanced.
Juicy and Tender: Using a top round roast and proper cooking times gives you tender beef that isn’t dry – something I know isn’t always easy to nail!
Simple Yet Elegant: This recipe feels fancy enough for guests but takes less than 10 minutes to prep – lifesaver for busy days.
Perfect Gravy Every Time: The garlic butter pan sauce is rich and luscious, perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes or your favorite sides.

Two white plates with a thin brown rim each hold a serving of mashed potatoes as the bottom layer, smooth and creamy with a pale white color. On top of the mashed potatoes, two slices of medium-cooked roast beef are placed in each plate, showing a light pink center with a browned outer edge. A golden-brown gravy is drizzled over the beef and mashed potatoes, creating a glossy texture with some small specks of black pepper visible. Small green herb pieces, likely chopped chives, are sprinkled on top of the beef and gravy for color and freshness. The plates rest on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth visible on the left side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because it keeps things simple and relies on fresh herbs and garlic to elevate the beef’s natural flavor. When shopping, choose fresh herbs—they make all the difference!

Flat lay of a fresh, raw top round beef roast with rich red color and fine marbling, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary with green needle-like leaves, fresh thyme sprigs with small green leaves, bright green thinly sliced chives scattered delicately, two whole uncracked garlic bulbs with white papery skins, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing white all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl with rich dark brown beef stock, a small white ceramic bowl of pale creamy unsalted butter cut into chunks, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black peppercorns placed symmetrically around the roast, all arranged neatly with perfect symmetry, 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: A lean cut with great flavor, perfect for roasting and slicing thinly.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the herb rub stick and promotes a beautiful crust during roasting.
Rosemary, Thyme, Chives: These fresh herbs add layers of earthy, aromatic goodness.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides that signature savory kick that complements the herbs.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the beef’s natural taste.
Unsalted Butter: Used for the silky pan sauce that finishes the dish.
Flour: Thickens the pan sauce gently to create a luscious gravy.
Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and depth to the gravy.
Beef Stock: The base of the pan sauce, bringing rich, meaty flavor back to the plate.

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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

One of the fun things about this Easy Herb Roast Beef Recipe is that it’s a great canvas for your own tweaks. I sometimes switch up the herbs depending on what’s fresh or what mood I’m in—and you’ll enjoy making it yours too.

Variation: I’ve swapped in fresh oregano or tarragon instead of chives for a different herbal twist—it always feels like a new dish when I do.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, skip the butter and finish the sauce with a splash of olive oil and extra beef stock.
Seasonal adjustment: In cooler months, I like to add a dash of smoked paprika to the herb rub for a cozy warmth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Herb Roast Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Roast and Herb Rub

First, pat your top round roast dry with paper towels — this helps the rub adhere nicely and promotes browning. Then mix the minced rosemary, thyme, chives, garlic, salt, and pepper with olive oil to create a fragrant paste. Rub it all over the roast generously, making sure every inch is coated. I like to let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes if I have the time, which helps the flavors penetrate and gives more even cooking.

Step 2: Roast to Juicy Perfection

Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan to help air circulate and cook evenly. Roast it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your preferred doneness (I aim for 130°F for medium-rare). Remember, the roast will keep cooking a bit as it rests, so pulling it off the heat a little early is the secret to keep it juicy. Let it rest covered loosely with foil for 15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Whip Up That Unforgettable Gravy

While your roast rests, melt butter in the roasting pan over medium heat, scraping up those lovely brown bits from the bottom—they’re packed with flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in beef stock and Dijon mustard. Simmer until the sauce thickens into a silky gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste and pour over your sliced roast. It’s the finishing touch that brings everything together.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things from making this Easy Herb Roast Beef Recipe over and over, and these tips have saved me from common pitfalls and helped me get consistently delicious results.

Bring to Room Temperature: Taking the roast out of the fridge an hour before cooking helps it cook evenly and prevents that cold center problem.
Don’t Skip the Resting: Letting the roast rest after cooking is key to juicy slices. I always cover it loosely with foil and walk away for at least 15 minutes.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This little gadget is a game-changer for perfect doneness – it removes guesswork completely.
Scrape Those Brown Bits: When making the gravy, don’t forget to deglaze the pan well—that’s where the flavor magic lives!

How to Serve Easy Herb Roast Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few fresh chopped chives over the sliced roast just before serving—it adds a nice pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the herb rub. A few fresh rosemary sprigs on the platter also make it look beautiful and inviting.

Side Dishes

For me, this roast calls for creamy mashed potatoes—nothing beats creamy buttery spuds soaking up that homemade gravy. Roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or green beans tossed simply with olive oil and garlic round the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I serve this for holiday dinners, I arrange the thinly sliced roast fanned out on a large platter with the gravy in a bowl alongside. Adding seasonal fresh herbs and edible flowers makes the presentation extra special and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover roast tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. I also keep the gravy separate to reheat and pour over warmed slices—it keeps the meat from drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, I slice the roast first, portion it out, and freeze in airtight bags. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating. I freeze the gravy separately in small containers to keep the texture perfect.

Reheating

The best way to reheat roast beef is gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of beef stock or water to retain moisture. I avoid microwaving because it can make the beef tough. Reheat the gravy separately and pour over warm beef just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

While top round is lean and great for roasting, you can use other cuts like sirloin or rib roast. Just be sure to adjust cooking times and monitor internal temperature for best results.

How do I know when the roast beef is done?

Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way. For medium-rare, look for 130°F internal temperature. Remember the roast will continue cooking a bit as it rests. If you prefer medium, aim for 140°F.

Can I prepare the herb rub and roast ahead of time?

Yes! You can apply the herb rub and refrigerate the roast overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.

What should I serve with this roast beef?

Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad all pair beautifully with the Easy Herb Roast Beef Recipe. Don’t forget the gravy—it’s essential!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Herb Roast Beef Recipe has become my go-to when I want something comforting, delicious, and not intimidating. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll love how simple it is to create impressive, juicy roast beef that your family and friends will rave about. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!