Easy Christmas Beef Roast

Discover the joy of sharing an Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round} that promises to be the centerpiece of your holiday feast. This recipe combines the tender, flavorful eye of round roast with fresh herbs, savory garlic, and perfectly roasted vegetables, creating a dish that feels both festive and comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand at a traditional roast for the first time, this recipe delivers impressive taste with straightforward steps, making it a must-try for your Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to bringing out the full flavor and perfect texture of this roast. Each component from the herbs to the vegetables plays its own essential role in creating the overall harmony of this dish.

• Fresh rosemary and thyme: Infuse the roast with aromatic, woodsy notes that elevate the flavor profile.
• Salt and cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting the natural taste of the beef.
• Garlic: Adds deep, savory richness and balances the herb rub beautifully.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the meat to golden perfection and lightly coats the vegetables for roasting.
• Eye of round roast (2 1/2 pounds): A lean cut that delivers tender, flavorful slices when cooked right.
• Baby carrots and red potatoes: Bring color, sweetness, and hearty texture to the dish.
• Butter, shallot, and flour: Form the base of a luscious, homemade gravy.
• Red wine (optional): Adds depth and a hint of acidity to the gravy, balancing the richness.
• Beef broth and bay leaf: Create a savory, fragrant sauce to complete the roast experience.

How to Make Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round}

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Rub and Vegetables

Start by mixing fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and most of the garlic with a teaspoon of olive oil to create a fragrant herb rub. This mixture is your flavor foundation that will cling to the roast and subtly coat the vegetables, enhancing every bite with savory herbal goodness.

Step 2: Sear the Roast

Pat the eye of round roast completely dry to ensure a beautiful sear. Preheat your oven to 425℉. Heat an ovenproof skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the roast for about 3 minutes on each side until a rich, golden crust forms. This step locks in the juices and develops deep, caramelized flavors essential for that perfect roast.

Step 3: Roast with Vegetables

In a large bowl, toss carrots and cubed red potatoes with a little olive oil and some of the herb rub. Brush the remaining herb rub generously onto the roast, then nestle the veggies around it in the skillet. Roast everything at 425℉ until the internal temperature reaches 135℉, approximately 30-40 minutes. This way, the vegetables soak up some of the beef’s savory essence while roasting to tender perfection.

Step 4: Rest the Roast and Finish the Vegetables

Once the roast hits the ideal temperature, transfer it to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil to rest for 20 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and flavorful. If the vegetables need more time to soften, roast them further on a greased baking sheet while you prepare the gravy.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

Using the pan drippings, melt butter and sauté minced shallot with the remaining garlic clove for an aromatic base. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then slowly add red wine (if using) and beef broth along with a bay leaf. Simmer gently until the gravy thickens and develops a rich, velvety texture. Taste and adjust seasoning to complement the roast perfectly.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round}

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme leaves adds a vibrant pop of color and an extra burst of herbaceous brightness. Adding freshly cracked black pepper just before serving also wakes up the flavors, making each tender slice and vegetable bite even more delightful.

Side Dishes

This roast pairs exceptionally well with classic holiday sides like a crisp green salad, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery dinner rolls. Roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans also complement the hearty beef, adding fresh textures and balancing the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round} on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by the roasted vegetables for a rustic, inviting centerpiece. Alternatively, arrange thin slices of roast fanned out on a platter with gravy in a separate sauce boat for guests to pour to their liking. For a festive feel, garnish the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and a few cranberries or pomegranate seeds to add pops of holiday color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover beef roast and vegetables in airtight containers once cooled. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days without losing much moisture or flavor—perfect for delicious next-day sandwiches or reheated meals.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap slices of roast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Vegetables can be frozen separately in airtight containers. Both can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy your Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round} long after the holiday season.

Reheating

To reheat the beef, gently warm it in a preheated oven at 300℉ wrapped in foil with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture. Vegetables reheat well on the stovetop over medium heat or in the oven until just warmed through. Reheat the gravy separately on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid lumps, and make the meal feel freshly cooked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this roast?

While eye of round is lean and perfect for roasting, you can use other cuts like top round or sirloin tip roast. Just be mindful that cooking times and tenderness might vary slightly.

Is the red wine necessary in the gravy?

The red wine adds a lovely depth and richness but is completely optional. You can skip it or substitute with additional beef broth without losing too much flavor.

How do I know when the roast is done?

The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer; aim for 135℉ for medium rare. The roast will continue to cook slightly while resting, resulting in tender, juicy beef.

Can I prepare the herb rub ahead of time?

Absolutely! The herb rub can be mixed a day in advance and refrigerated. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully, making your roast even more flavorful.

What if I don’t have a cast iron or ovenproof skillet?

You can sear the roast in any heavy-bottomed skillet and then transfer it to a roasting pan for the oven. Just remember to toss the veggies in the pan around the roast before placing it in the oven to capture all those delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round} is one of those recipes that brings warmth and celebration straight to the dinner table with minimal fuss. The blend of fragrant herbs, perfectly roasted vegetables, and silky gravy make it a true holiday standout. I can’t wait for you to try it and share with your loved ones—it might just become your new Christmas tradition!

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