🛒 Ingredients
For the Roast Beef:
- 🥩 4–5 lb beef rib roast or top sirloin roast (room temperature)
- 🧂 2 tsp salt
- 🌶️ 1 tsp black pepper
- 🌿 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Herb Crust:
- 🌿 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 🌿 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 🌿 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍞 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 🧈 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
- 🌶️ 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 🍋 1 tsp Dijon mustard
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Roast
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a roasting pan with foil and place a roasting rack inside.
- Season the Beef:
- Pat the roast dry with paper towels. Rub it all over with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Place the beef on the roasting rack, fat side up.
Prepare the Herb Crust
- Make the Crust Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Mix until it resembles a coarse paste.
- Apply the Herb Crust:
- Press the herb mixture evenly onto the top and sides of the beef, forming a thick crust.
Roast the Beef
- Initial Searing:
- Roast the beef at 450°F (230°C) for 15–20 minutes to create a golden crust.
- Lower the Temperature:
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting for 1–1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches:
- 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare
- 135°F (57°C) for medium
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting for 1–1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches:
- Rest the Beef:
- Remove the roast from the oven, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Slice and Serve
- Carve the Roast:
- Slice the beef into thick pieces and arrange on a serving platter.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a few slices of roasted lemon or pomegranate arils for a festive presentation.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🍷 Wine Pairing: Serve with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
- 🥕 Sides to Serve: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or sautéed green beans.
- 🧄 Extra Flavor: Add a few whole garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs to the roasting pan while cooking.
- 🧊 Make Ahead: Season the beef and apply the herb crust up to a day in advance.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Roast Beef pairs perfectly with creamy horseradish sauce, buttery Yorkshire pudding, or a rich red wine reduction for a truly indulgent meal.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The Herb-Crusted Holiday Roast Beef combines juicy, tender meat with a fragrant, golden herb crust. It’s the perfect centerpiece for holiday dinners, offering both a stunning presentation and exceptional flavor that will impress your guests.