This Unbelievably Easy Roast Beef proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated steps or fancy ingredients. With just a handful of pantry staples and a simple oven method, you’ll get tender, juicy roast beef with a beautifully browned crust—every single time.
It’s the perfect recipe for beginners, busy weeknights, or anyone who wants classic roast beef without the stress.
Why This Recipe Is So Easy
-
Minimal prep—no marinating required
-
One pan and no stovetop searing
-
Foolproof high-heat then low-heat method
-
Works with common, affordable cuts
Best Beef Cuts for This Recipe
-
Sirloin Roast – Best balance of flavor and price
-
Top Round or Bottom Round – Lean and simple
-
Rib Roast – Richer, but just as easy
Ingredients (That’s It!)
-
3–4 lb (1.3–1.8 kg) beef roast
-
2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
-
2 tsp kosher salt
-
1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
-
1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
Optional (but tasty)
-
1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Instructions
1. Prep the Beef
Remove beef from the refrigerator 45 minutes before cooking. Pat completely dry.
Rub the roast with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional herbs.
2. Roast—No Fuss
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
Place roast in a shallow roasting pan or on a rack, fat side up. Roast uncovered for 20 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting until internal temperature reaches:
-
Medium-rare: 125–130°F (52–54°C)
-
Medium: 135–140°F (57–60°C)
Plan about 15 minutes per pound, but always rely on a meat thermometer.
3. Rest & Slice
Remove roast from oven and tent loosely with foil. Rest 15–20 minutes.
Slice against the grain and serve.
Optional Easy Pan Juices
Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add ½ cup beef broth or water, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes for instant au jus.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or simple dinner rolls. Leftovers make incredible roast beef sandwiches.
Foolproof Tips
-
Dry beef = better browning
-
No need to cover the roast
-
Resting keeps meat juicy
-
Don’t overthink it—this recipe really is easy
Storage & Leftovers
-
Refrigerate up to 4 days
-
Reheat gently with a splash of broth
-
Slice thin for cold sandwiches
Final Thoughts
This Unbelievably Easy Roast Beef is proof that great meals don’t have to be complicated. Simple, dependable, and delicious—it’s the roast beef recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
- 1 2.5 lb boneless eye-round roast, tied
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced to a paste






