The holidays are a time for togetherness, laughter, and of course, delicious food! And what says holiday feast better than a perfectly roasted beef? This recipe isn't just for seasoned chefs; it's designed to be straightforward and delicious, perfect for even the busiest holiday schedules. Get ready to impress your guests with this juicy, flavorful roast beef, a dish that’s sure to become a holiday staple. This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas and makes a fantastic healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb beef roast (sirloin, tenderloin, or rib roast work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 cups beef broth
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Roast:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve a nice sear.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the roast, ensuring it's evenly coated. This simple step elevates the flavor immensely!
Roasting the Beef:
- Place the chopped carrots, celery, and onion in the bottom of a large roasting pan. This creates a flavorful base for the beef broth.
- Place the seasoned roast on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the beef broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Roast for approximately 2-2.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast registers 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, or your desired doneness. Remember to let the roast rest for at least 15-20 minutes after cooking before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your holiday roast beef with your favorite sides. Roasted potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and Yorkshire puddings are all classic accompaniments. Don’t forget the gravy! You can easily make a delicious gravy using the pan drippings. Simply strain the drippings, skim off excess fat, and whisk in some cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Tips for Perfect Roast Beef:
- Let it rest: Allowing the roast to rest is crucial for a juicy and tender result.
- Use a meat thermometer: Don't rely on guesswork! A meat thermometer ensures your roast is cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space in the roasting pan for even cooking.
- Baste occasionally: Basting the roast with pan juices helps keep it moist.
Variations:
- Add some herbs: Experiment with other herbs like sage or parsley.
- Use different vegetables: Try adding other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- Make it a red wine roast: Substitute the beef broth with red wine for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 350-400
- Protein: Around 35-40g
- Fat: Around 20-25g
This holiday roast beef recipe is a surefire way to make your holiday gathering memorable. It's a delicious and relatively easy homemade cooking recipe that's perfect for any skill level. Happy cooking, and happy holidays!