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Herb-Crusted Top Round Roast with Garlic Jus

This top round roast recipe yields a tender, flavorful roast with a crisp herb crust and a silky garlic jus. Perfect for weeknight gatherings or a relaxed weekend meal, it’s simple to prepare and impressive to serve.

Prep Time 15 min
🔥
Cook Time 30 min
Total Time 45 min
👥
Servings 4
Difficulty Medium
American High-Protein Dinner American High-Protein

About This Recipe

This top round roast recipe yields a tender, flavorful roast with a crisp herb crust and a silky garlic jus. Perfect for weeknight gatherings or a relaxed weekend meal, it’s simple to prepare and impressive to serve.

Ingredients

  • 2 to 2.5 lb top round roast, trimmed
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry chicken or vegetable stock (low-sodium)
  • 1 small yellow onion, quartered
  • 2 carrots, cut into large chunks
  • 1 celery stalk, cut into large chunks
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (optional, for thicker jus)

Nutrition Facts

450 Calories 23% daily value
30.00g Protein 60% daily value
40.00g Carbs 13% daily value
15.00g Fat 23% daily value
5.00g Fiber 20% daily value

Instructions

  1. 1
    Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the top round roast dry with paper towels and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes while you prepare the rub.
  2. 2
    Step 2: In a small bowl combine olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the roast, pressing gently so herbs adhere.
  3. 3
    Step 3: Heat a large ovenproof skillet or roasting pan over high heat. Add the roast and sear on all sides until deeply browned, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the roast to a plate.
  4. 4
    Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Return the roast to the skillet, placing it on top of the vegetables.
  5. 5
    Step 5: Roast in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 135°F (57°C) for medium. Cooking time will vary with roast size and oven.
  6. 6
    Step 6: Remove roast from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. 7
    Step 7: Meanwhile, make the garlic jus. Place the skillet with roasted vegetables over medium heat, add beef broth and stock, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and reduce by about one-third, about 5–8 minutes.
  8. 8
    Step 8: If you prefer a thicker jus, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 more minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. 9
    Step 9: Slice the roast thinly against the grain. Serve drizzled with garlic jus and roasted vegetables alongside.

💡 tips

For even cooking, bring the roast to room temperature before searing. Use an instant-read thermometer for precise doneness. Slice against the grain in thin slices to maximize tenderness. Leftover slices reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of broth to avoid drying.

🔄 substitutions

Swap rosemary and thyme for a tablespoon of Italian seasoning if fresh herbs aren’t available. Replace Dijon with whole-grain mustard or omit for a milder crust. Use low-sodium beef or mushroom broth as an alternative to beef stock.

📦 storage

Refrigerate leftover sliced roast in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Store the jus separately to preserve texture. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little broth or in the oven covered at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.