Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round} Recipe

If you want to impress your loved ones this holiday season with a dish that’s both approachable and packed with festive flavor, this Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round} is exactly what you need. Succulent, tender despite its lean cut, and enhanced with a fragrant herb rub, this roast is a centerpiece-worthy meal that fills your kitchen with the warm aromas of rosemary, thyme, and garlic. It’s perfect for creating those cozy moments around the table where stories flow and plates get delightfully messy. Plus, it’s a recipe that feels fancy but is wonderfully straightforward, making your Christmas dinner feel effortless and exceptional.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards making this Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round} shine. Each item plays a crucial role: from the fresh herbs that elevate the flavor to the veggies that add texture and color that make the plate pop.

• Fresh rosemary: Minced leaves bring a piney, aromatic depth that’s essential to the herb rub’s charm.
• Fresh thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness that balances the boldness of the roast.
• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper: Basic yet vital seasonings that enhance the natural beef flavor.
• Garlic: Four cloves, freshly minced, for that unmistakable savory punch.
• Olive oil: A drizzle to help crisp the roast’s exterior and gently coat the veggies.
• Eye of round roast (2½ pounds): A lean, budget-friendly cut that, when cooked right, turns tender and delicious.
• Baby carrots: Sweet, colorful, and the perfect roasted companion to the beef.
• Red potatoes: Cubed to absorb flavors and roast to a golden crust.
• Butter: For richness in the gravy that pulls everything together.
• Shallot: Adds a mild onion note with a hint of sweetness to the gravy.
• White whole wheat flour: Used as a thickening agent that keeps the gravy silky.
• Red wine (optional): Brings a subtle depth and complexity to the gravy.
• Low sodium beef broth or stock: The base for a rich, savory sauce that complements the roast.
• Bay leaf: Infuses a gentle herbal fragrance into the gravy as it simmers.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Rub

Start by combining the minced rosemary, thyme, salt, cracked black pepper, three cloves of minced garlic, and a teaspoon of olive oil in a small bowl. Mixing these together with a fork releases their oils and flavors, ensuring every inch of your roast is imbued with savory goodness. This simple herb rub is the foundation of the beautiful aroma that will fill your kitchen.

Step 2: Sear the Roast

Pat your eye of round roast completely dry using a paper towel. This step is important because moisture can prevent a good sear. Preheat your oven to 425℉ while heating a heavy, ovenproof skillet—cast iron or stainless steel works best—over medium-high heat. Drizzle olive oil into the pan, then carefully lay the roast in place. Let it sit, undisturbed, for about 3 minutes to develop a gorgeous golden crust. Repeat on all sides to lock in flavor and juices.

Step 3: Roast with Vegetables

In a large bowl, gently toss your baby carrots and cubed red potatoes with a light drizzle of olive oil and a teaspoon of your mixed herb rub—this adds continuity in flavor across the dish. Brush the remaining herb rub onto your seared roast. Arrange the veggies evenly around the roast in your skillet and place everything in the oven. Roast until the internal temperature hits 135℉, about 30 to 40 minutes. This method ensures the beef stays juicy, and the vegetables get tender and caramelized.

Step 4: Rest the Roast and Finish the Veggies

Once out of the oven, transfer the roast to a cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20 minutes—this allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice moist and tender. Keep the vegetables warm by covering them on a serving platter. If they need extra softening, pop them back in the oven on a greased sheet pan for 10 to 20 minutes while you move on to gravy.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

Place the empty skillet on the stove over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced shallot and the remaining clove of garlic, cooking them for about one minute until soft and fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons of white whole wheat flour and whisk it continually for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw taste. If you’re using red wine, add it now and whisk for about a minute to blend in. Slowly pour in 2 cups of beef broth and add the bay leaf. Keep whisking as the gravy thickens over 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings to get that perfect balance of flavor.

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

Garnishes

Fresh herbs are your friend here! Sprinkle a little extra freshly chopped rosemary or thyme on top of the sliced roast and vegetables just before serving. This not only brightens the plate with green but adds a fresh punch of herbal aroma that feels both festive and comforting.

Side Dishes

Though the roast and roasted veggies hold their own as a meal, pairing them with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette can add a welcome freshness. Alternatively, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls are classics that work beautifully to soak up all that savory gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a striking presentation, slice the beef thinly at an angle and fan the slices out over your serving platter, nestling the roasted carrots and potatoes alongside. Drizzle some of the gravy over the meat and finish with a scattering of fresh herb leaves. This elevates your Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round} from delicious to downright beautiful, perfect for a memorable holiday table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, wrap leftover beef slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store alongside any extra gravy and vegetables in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the beef separated from the moisture of the veggies helps maintain the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep leftovers longer, freezing is a great option. Place the beef slices and veggies in freezer-safe bags or containers, and be sure to keep the gravy in a separate container. These can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label everything with the date to keep your freezer organized and your meals stress-free.

Reheating

For best results when reheating, thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the fridge. Warm the beef gently in a covered skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Reheat the gravy separately in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, and roast or microwave veggies until heated through. This approach keeps everything tasting bright and fresh as if just made.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While the eye of round is lean and works well with this recipe, other cuts like top round or sirloin tip can be used with similar roasting times. Just keep an eye on internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

Why is it important to rest the roast after cooking?

Resting allows the juices inside the beef to redistribute evenly. If you sliced it immediately, those flavorful juices would spill out and the meat might end up dry. A 20-minute rest lets it stay tender and juicy.

Can I make the gravy without red wine?

Yes, the red wine is optional but adds lovely depth. If you prefer, just skip it and add a bit more beef broth instead. The gravy will still be rich and delicious.

Is the eye of round roast tough to cook?

Not at all! It’s a lean cut that benefits from careful searing and roasting to medium rare or medium. Low and slow cooking or using a meat thermometer to hit 135℉ helps ensure it stays tender rather than chewy.

How do I know when the vegetables are perfectly roasted?

Look for tender carrots and potatoes that can be easily pierced with a fork and have developed golden edges. They should be soft but not mushy, complementing the beef perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round} is truly a recipe you’ll want to keep in your holiday arsenal year after year. It’s simple enough to not stress over but impressive enough to make everyone around the table smile. With the aromatic herb rub, tender-roasted beef, and luscious homemade gravy, it creates a timeless festive meal that warms hearts and plates alike. Go ahead, bring this delicious tradition into your kitchen and enjoy every flavorful, joyous bite.

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