Easy Roast Beef Recipe
Craving some juicy
roast beef but don’t feel like wrestling with a giant hunk o’ meat? Yeah, I’ve
been there. This one’s perfect for those “let’s not feed an army tonight” kinda
evenings—just enough for two, maybe a little leftover for a killer sandwich
tomorrow. The outside gets all crispy and golden, inside stays pink and melts
in your mouth. No culinary gymnastics required. Seriously, you’ll wonder why
you ever bothered with those chewy, bland roasts before.
Cook Time: 30-45 min (depends on how thick your chunk o’ beef is, and how
done you like it)
Total: Call it 45-60 min
Difficulty: Eh, not rocket science, but you gotta pay attention
Feeds: 2 hungry people
WHAT YOU NEED
- 1 lb. (about 450g) beef
roast (eye of round, top round, or sirloin tip—just don’t get all fancy
and drop a week’s rent on tenderloin unless you’re feeling bougie)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp coarse salt
(kosher/sea, don’t overthink it)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper,
freshly ground if you can swing it
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced flex on your future self)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
(optional, but hey, why not?)
- Optional: One lonely sprig
of rosemary or thyme
Stuff to Cook With - Roasting pan + rack (or
fake it with a baking dish + rack)
- Small bowl (for your
flavor-mashup)
- Paper towels (for the
mess, trust)
- Meat thermometer
(non-negotiable unless you like beef jerky)
- Aluminum foil
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife (seriously,
don’t hack at it with a butter knife)
HOW TO DO IT
Step 1.
Get the Meat
Ready
Pull your roast out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before you wanna cook—cold meat =
uneven cooking. Pat that thing dry like you mean it (think: “I’m making steak,
not steaming it”).
Step 2.
Season the
Heck Out of It
Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, whatever in your bowl.
Slather that all over the beef. If you’re using fresh herbs, just kinda smoosh
them on there.
Step 3.
Crank the Oven
Set that bad boy to 400°F (200°C). No, don’t skip preheating, you monster.
Step 4.
Sear
(Optional, but honestly, do it)
Heat an oven-safe skillet (cast iron if you’ve got it) on med-high. Brown your
roast on all sides—takes about 2-3 min per side. Makes it taste like you know
what you’re doing. Toss it on your rack in the roasting pan.
- No oven-safe skillet? No
problem, just skip it and go straight to roasting.
Step 5.
Roast Time
Pop the beef in the oven.
- Rare (125-130°F/52-54°C):
25-30 min
- Medium-rare
(130-135°F/54-57°C): 30-35 min
- Medium
(135-140°F/57-60°C): 35-40 min
- Medium-well
(140-145°F/60-63°C): 40-45 min
Stick your thermometer in the thickest part (not touching bone, obviously). Don’t just guess.
Step 6.
Let It Chill
(Rest)
When it’s at your temp, yank it out. Move to a cutting board, tent with foil,
and let it hang out for 10-15 min. This is NOT optional unless you want a sad,
dry roast. Juices gotta redistribute, man.
Step 7.
Slice &
Serve
Slice thin, go against the grain. Serve it up, bask in your own glory, eat.
MACROS (per
person, ballpark)
v Calories: 300-400
v Protein: 45-55g
v Fat: 12-20g
v Carbs: Who are we kidding? Zero.
EXTRA TIPS
& RANDOM WISDOM
- Raging Hot Oven? Some folks blast the roast at 450°F for 15
min then drop to 325°F, but honestly, that’s extra steps for little guys
like this.
- Flavor Bombs:
- Smash some fresh herbs
with your salt and pepper.
- Slather a bit of Dijon
mustard on first for tang and extra crust.
- Pour a splash of beef
broth or red wine in the pan for the last 15 min—makes for killer pan
drippings.
- Don’t Overcook: Seriously. Just don’t.
- Quick Gravy: After roasting, skim fat, deglaze with wine
or broth, simmer, and thicken with a quick cornstarch slurry. Fancy in
five minutes.
- Leftovers: Thin slices = next-level sandwiches. You’re
welcome.
FAQs
1- Q: Why bother resting the roast?
A: Because if you cut into it right away, all the juices run out and you’re
left with sad, dry meat. Just… don’t.
2- Q: Best cut
for a small roast?
A: Eye of round, top round, or sirloin tip. Lean, tasty, won’t break the bank.
Tenderloin’s awesome, but it costs way more.
3- Q: Can I
skip searing?
A: Yeah, but you’re missing out on flavor and that pro-looking crust. Your
call.
4- Q: My roast
cooked too fast/slow. What gives?
A: Ovens are liars, meat thickness varies, and maybe your roast was
half-frozen. It happens. This is why the meat thermometer is your best friend.
That’s it. Go
forth and roast like a legend.
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