Traditional Roast Beef

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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There's something timeless about a traditional roast beef dinner. This recipe is all about simplicity and maximizing flavor with minimal fuss, making it perfect for a family gathering or a cozy Sunday meal.

Ingredients for Traditional Roast Beef

The star of this dish is the beef rib roast. It’s a flavorful cut that’s naturally tender, making it ideal for roasting. A little olive oil ensures the seasonings adhere to the meat and helps achieve that beautiful crust. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the beef, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat. Garlic powder and dried thyme introduce aromatic notes that complement the richness of the meat. Finally, beef broth is used to create a simple yet flavorful gravy that ties the whole meal together.

Tips & Tricks

  • Let the roast come to room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking.
  • If you don’t have a roasting rack, crumple up some foil to make a makeshift one.
  • Use a sharp knife for slicing to ensure clean cuts and maintain the meat's structure.

Serving Suggestions

This roast pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light, crisp salad. A nice glass of red wine, perhaps a Cabernet Sauvignon, would complement the beef’s richness beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While rib roast is ideal, a sirloin or top round roast works well too.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness.

Traditional Roast Beef Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking right from the start. While the oven heats, take your beef rib roast and pat it dry with paper towels — this helps the seasoning stick better. Rub it generously with olive oil, which will help create a beautiful sear on the outside.

Next, season your roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Be sure to cover all sides evenly — don't be shy, this is where the flavor magic happens. Once seasoned, place the roast on a rack inside a roasting pan with the fat side facing up. This allows the fat to render down through the meat, keeping it juicy.

Pop the roast into the oven and let it cook for about 2 hours. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for a perfect medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check — it’s the most reliable method.

Once done, take the roast out and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite succulent. Meanwhile, make the gravy: place the roasting pan over medium heat and deglaze with beef broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Simmer until it’s slightly thickened.

Finally, carve your roast beef and drizzle with that lovely homemade gravy. Time to dig in!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses only a few staple ingredients to create a rich, satisfying meal.
  • Perfectly tender with a deliciously crispy exterior.
  • Easy to prepare, freeing you up to enjoy time with family or guests.

Ingredients

4 lbs beef rib roast
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 cup beef broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Rub the beef roast with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme, ensuring even coverage.
3. Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan with the fat side up.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
5. Remove from the oven and let rest for 20 minutes before carving.
6. For the gravy, deglaze the roasting pan with beef broth over medium heat, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Simmer until slightly thickened.
7. Serve the roast beef sliced, drizzled with the homemade gravy.

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