Want a perfect feast? This Herb Rubbed Top Round Roast Beef is the cheap cut with tons of flavor that will leave your guests totally impressed!
What is top round roast?
Ever wonder what the perfect cut for supper is when you are looking to feed a crowd but not break the bank? Wanting something that isn’t just another roasted turkey.
Top round is a cut from the round section, meaning the top hind quarter. Think glutes, a worked but an essential part of the body. However, without a slow cook in the oven, this cut can become tough.
How to prevent a top round from being tough
Top round is already going to be more tender than bottom round roasts. But that only solves part of the problem. Because it is still a tougher cut than cuts off the ribs like filets. However, you can avoid overly chewy bits by slicing top round roast against the grain. Avoid making the cuts too thick. Top round is the cut favored for roast beef sliced for deli style sandwiches. So, thin slices are best, like a half inch or less.
More tips to keep your top round tender
So even if the leaner cuts do require a bit more love and tenderness, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy. In fact, a well cooked top round can rival even the best filet mignon in flavor, juiciness, and tenderness.
Salting your meat first is a good idea. That helps draw moisture into the meat. You can also marinate the meat too. Thirty minutes to two hours in some buttermilk is great. Don’t go longer or you risk losing the texture and becoming too tender. (Yes, there is such a thing…)
But is top round roast tender?
Short answer, yes, when prepared correctly. Because top round is a muscle without much fat, there is minimal marbling to melt and create that perfect juice slice.
So, you have to cook it properly to give the beef time to become fork tender.
How to cook a top round roast?
All cuts from the round section are perfect for roasting and braising. The slow long cook methods help infuse flavor into the top round while the beef becomes tender.
Both braising and roasting allow the beef to cook at a gentle temperature to produce a tender bite. This recipe is a perfect example of oven roasting top round.
My pro tip? make sure to have a thermometer on hand to not overcook the beef. A beautiful medium-rare is what you are aiming for. Cook the top round roast between 135 and 140 degrees and allow a proper rest of at least 15 minutes before slicing to guarentee that tender, flavorful bite.
Grab an inexpensive one and a bunch of fresh herbs and let’s get to making something that your dinner guests will rave about. (I am all about being savvy with my cash and getting the most bang for my buck when it comes to entertaining).
This roast recipe is hard to mess up, quick to
What to serve with top round roasts
Now that you have the main dish all sorted out, check out these mashed chipotle cheddar potatoes and easy thyme infused biscuits to serve up alongside. Be a regular Martha Stewart with your bad self.
I find that with red meat, it really is simple. Not a lot of fuss or frills beforehand and you will serve the best slice of beef to eager and salivating guests. From start to finish, breeze through a big holiday meal like a boss, leaving plenty of time and energy for sipping wine and laughing the night away with friends.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.
Want some big recipe Inspiration? Try my favorite recipes!
- Perfect Eye of Round Roast
- Stout Braised Short Ribs
- Perfect Oven Roasted Rack of Pork
- Perfect Pan Seared Rib Eye
- Steak and Potato Soup
If you’ve tried my Herb Rubbed Top Round Roast recipe, or any other recipe on GirlCarnivore.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below. I get inspired by your feedback and comments! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram @girlcarnivore as well as on Twitter and Facebook.
Herb Rubbed Top Round Roast Beef
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley chopped fine
- 2 tbsp minced fresh thyme
- 1 shallot minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 4-5 lbs top round roast fat trimmed if needed
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp pepper
Instructions
- Mix the parsley, thyme, and shallot in a small bowl.
- Remove 2 tbs of the herb mix to another bowl and set aside.
- Add the mustard add 1 tbs of the oil to the remaining herb mix and stir to combine.
- With the previously reserved herbs, mash in the butter with a fork to mix everything well.
- Butterfly the roast by carefully cutting down the center of the roast, folding the cut end of the beef back, flattening, until you have cut almost entirely through. This allows for a better seasoning application throughout the beef.
- While spread flat, season liberally with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Using your fingers, spread the mustard mixture evenly over the interior of the meat.
- Fold the meat back up and tie with kitchen twine.
- Cover and allow the beef to rest in the fridge at least 4 hours.
- When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining oil.
- Sear the beef on all sides, until just browned, about 5 minutes per side.
- Transfer to oven and allow to cook 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the meat temps at 125 degrees F.
- Carefully transfer the beef to a cutting board to rest.
- Spread a generous dollop of the herb butter over the roast and cover with foil.
- Allow to rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Amy says
I’ve never had too much luck with top round. I think it’s time to try again.
Amanda Titi says
I am going to try this next week! Am I right to assume to bake uncovered? Also the roast in my freezer is only a 2lb, I’m assuming it will still turn out good as long as I cut back the cooking time. Thanks for this recipe!
Kita says
Hi Amanda, I am sorry for not seeing this sooner! I was traveling and just am now going through comments on the site. Please let me know how this turned out for you!
Ameera Adeyola says
This was Delish!! Will make again. Thank you
Sarah says
Made this for Sunday dinner tonight – I used a different rub (I started prepping according to the certified angus recipe and then saw this after I had already covered the meat in it), but the low and slow cooking was spot on. I’ve never had such a tender roast, and my kids were shocked that this was roast beef – usually it’s so tough, but tonight’s meat was like butter. 275 til 135 is the only way I’ll ever cook rump/round roast from now on, and will definitely try the herb rub next time. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe – amazing!
Kitty says
Outstanding! Tender, medium rare, sliced thin…served with garlic mashed Yukon gold potatoes and gravy!
My husband raved about it!
And easy to prepare. I had a 2 1/2 pound roast and it took about an hour with the same technique.
I can’t wait for French dip sandwiches with the leftovers.
Thanks for the recipe.
stephen dicerbo says
Followed the parasmeters here for a top round, and had great success . Can’t wait for the sandwiches !
pics here:
https://www.facebook.com/A-Retirees-Recipe-Test-Kitchen-504859156294635/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1205107872936423
Linda says
Came out great tender with a wonderful flavor thank you
Mike says
So roast uncovered or covered?
Kita says
I roasted uncovered, however keep an eye on it, you know your oven. Be sure to cover if you feel things are getting too crispy. Enjoy!
Mike says
Thanks so much Kita looks like it’ll be a hit!
Molly says
Made this for dinner tonight & YUM! It was fabulous! The meat was tender & delicious. We did use fresh rosemary instead of thyme. I discovered too late that the thyme was killed by frost. So snipped some rosemary & delish.
Christy says
Outstanding flavor, but really tough. Could it be prepared the same way, but cooked in a crock pot?
Kita says
Hey Christy, I am a huge fan of my slow cooker, however, I do not feel that this recipe would be the same if cooked in a slow cooker. I tend to find that crock-pots tend to make beef perfect for that fork fall apart texture, like a pot roast or shredded beef, but not perfect for a sliced meat. Check the slow cooker recipe archives on here as well as PasstheSushi.com for some great slow cooker beef recipes. Thanks!
Aaron Paolino says
This roast beef recipe is one of the best that I have tried! Great Post!
Sharon says
Omg I’ll never make this roast any other way 😊 Thank you
Christina Williams says
I have a 2.5 lb top round roast in the oven now, it smells heavenly, I can’t wait to taste it! Will post on results later. I love this website, so many great recipe ideas!
Jenn MacDonald says
This was so good and easy to make. I screw up most cooking recipes, so if I managed it, anyone can.
Jennifer says
What if you don’t like mustard?
Kita says
Hey Jennifer, the mustard acts as a binder and really leaves no flavor. However, if you want, you could just use more oil. It wont be as tacky as the mustard though.