Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef with Compound Butter

Introduction

There’s something about a beautifully roasted beef roast, slathered in garlic butter and fragrant herbs, that makes any occasion feel special. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend meal, Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef with Compound Butter brings the perfect balance of savory, rich flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. This roast beef is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, thanks to a simple yet delicious garlic butter rub that gets infused deep into the meat as it cooks.

The compound butter, packed with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon zest, takes this roast to the next level. When you slice into the beef, you’ll be greeted with a perfectly cooked center and a crispy, flavorful exterior. I first tried this recipe during a family holiday dinner, and it instantly became a favorite. It’s easy to make but looks and tastes so impressive—your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, they’ll never guess how simple it is to pull off!

If you’ve never roasted a beef roast before, don’t worry! This recipe is totally beginner-friendly. The garlic butter creates a crust that locks in the juices, leaving you with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef with Compound Butter is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a five-star chef—without all the stress. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Minimal prep, maximum flavor: With just a few simple ingredients, this roast beef is packed with flavor. The garlic butter and herbs elevate the taste of the meat, making it savory and aromatic.
• Impressive presentation: This dish looks so impressive when you bring it to the table. It’s perfect for dinner parties or holidays. Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen, but this recipe is incredibly easy to pull off.
• Tender, juicy roast: The compound butter melts into the beef as it cooks, keeping the roast juicy and tender while giving it a rich flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the herbs and seasonings to match your preferences. If you love rosemary, throw some extra in! Want a bit of heat? Add red pepper flakes. This recipe can be made your own.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to roasting meat, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s one of those dishes that looks complicated, but really, it’s all about the quality ingredients and letting the flavors develop as the beef roasts in the oven.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes prep time and roasting time)
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: 350-400 calories (depending on portion size)
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef with Compound Butter:

• For the Roast Beef:
  • 3-4 lb beef roast (such as ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Compound Butter:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

The beef roast is the star of this recipe, so be sure to choose a cut that you love! Ribeye or sirloin is perfect for a juicy, tender roast, but you can also use a leaner cut like tenderloin if you prefer. The compound butter is packed with fresh herbs, making it the perfect complement to the savory beef. The lemon zest adds a touch of brightness that really elevates the whole dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get into the fun part: cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a flavorful, succulent roast beef that will impress everyone at your dinner table.

1. Prepare the Compound Butter
Start by making the compound butter. In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the fresh herbs, garlic powder, lemon zest, and salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the herbs are evenly distributed. You can use a fork or a spatula to combine. Once it’s all mixed, set it aside to firm up a little bit at room temperature while you prep the beef.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Beef
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat will help give your roast beef a nice, crispy exterior. Next, take the beef roast and pat it dry with paper towels. This is important because it helps the garlic butter and seasoning stick to the meat. Drizzle the olive oil over the roast and rub it all over to coat.

3. Season the Beef
Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme all over the beef. Season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—this is what will make the crust flavorful and aromatic.

4. Sear the Beef
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a little more olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the beef roast into the skillet. Sear the roast on all sides for about 3-4 minutes each, until you get a beautiful, brown crust. This step locks in the flavors and juices, so don’t skip it!

5. Roast the Beef
Once the beef is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the beef for about 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting for an additional 1-1.5 hours, or until the roast reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: 125°F (51°C) for rare, 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, and 145°F (63°C) for medium.

6. Add the Compound Butter
About 10-15 minutes before the roast is done, remove it from the oven. Place several dollops of the compound butter on top of the hot roast. The heat from the beef will melt the butter, infusing the meat with all those fresh herb and garlic flavors.

7. Rest the Roast
Once the beef has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender roast. Don’t skip this step—it’s crucial for keeping the roast moist!

8. Slice and Serve
After resting, it’s time to carve! Slice the beef against the grain into thin slices. Be sure to serve it with the delicious, melted compound butter on top.

How to Serve

This Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef with Compound Butter is perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve with roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts complement the rich flavors of the beef beautifully.
• Pair with mashed potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes is the ideal base for this savory roast beef.
• Top with extra compound butter: For an extra indulgent touch, serve the beef with more of that delicious compound butter drizzled over the top.

It’s also delicious served with a simple green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.

Additional Tips

To ensure your roast beef turns out perfect, here are five extra tips:

1. Don’t skimp on seasoning: The garlic, rosemary, and thyme are what make the beef so flavorful. Be sure to season generously!
2. Room-temperature meat: Let your beef roast sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
3. Searing is key: Don’t skip the searing step! It creates that beautiful brown crust that adds texture and flavor to the beef.
4. Use a meat thermometer: For the perfect roast every time, invest in a good meat thermometer to track the temperature of the beef as it roasts.
5. Rest the meat: Resting the beef after roasting helps retain the juices, so the roast stays moist and flavorful.

Recipe Variations

This Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef can be easily customized to suit your tastes:

• Herb Variations: If you love a particular herb, feel free to swap or add more. Fresh sage or tarragon would also work wonderfully in the compound butter.
• Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture or compound butter for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian main dish, try making the compound butter and serving it over roasted vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms for a hearty, flavor-packed dish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your roast beef with sides that will complement its rich, savory flavor:

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted with olive oil, salt, and rosemary would be a great side.
• Wine Pairings: A glass of full-bodied red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, pairs beautifully with roast beef.
• For kids: Serve the beef with mashed potatoes and a side of green beans or corn for a family-friendly meal everyone will enjoy.

Freezing and Storage

This roast beef makes for excellent leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

• Storage: Store leftover roast beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a low oven to avoid drying out the beef.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftover roast beef. Simply slice it into portions and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

Special Equipment

Here are a few tools that will help you achieve the best results:

• Roasting Pan or Oven-Safe Skillet: A heavy-duty pan will help roast the beef evenly.
• Meat Thermometer: Essential for ensuring the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Useful for straining the ricotta in other recipes, though not needed here.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin all work well for this recipe. Choose based on your preferred level of tenderness and flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead?
You can prep the compound butter in advance and store it in the fridge. The roast can also be seasoned ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few hours before roasting.

How do I know when the roast is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C). For medium, 145°F (63°C).

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used, but fresh herbs provide the best flavor. If using dried herbs, use about half the amount specified in the recipe.

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Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef with Compound Butter—it’s the perfect meal for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something special. Don’t forget to share your photos with me on Instagram or leave a comment below with how your roast turned out. Happy cooking!