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Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round} Recipe

Easy Christmas Beef Roast {Eye of Round} Recipe

5.2 from 25 reviews

This Easy Christmas Beef Roast featuring Eye of Round is a flavorful and elegant holiday main course that’s simple to prepare. Seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic, seared to perfection, and roasted alongside tender baby carrots and red potatoes, this roast promises juicy slices and a rich homemade gravy made from pan drippings and red wine. Perfect for festive gatherings or a special family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Herb Rub:

  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary leaves stripped and minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves stripped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic minced and divided
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Beef and Vegetables:

  • Drizzle of olive oil
  • 2 1/2 pound eye of round roast
  • 1 pound small or baby carrots
  • 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, cubed

Gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 3 tablespoons white whole wheat flour (see notes for alternatives)
  • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth or stock
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Prepare Herb Rub: In a small bowl, combine the minced rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Mix well using a fork and set aside.
  2. Sear the Roast: Pat the eye of round roast very dry with a paper towel. Preheat your oven to 425℉ (220℃). Heat a large, heavy ovenproof skillet (such as cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Drizzle olive oil into the hot pan and carefully place the roast in it, leaving it undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a rich golden-brown crust. Sear all sides evenly.
  3. Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the baby carrots and cubed red potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and about one teaspoon of the prepared herb mixture. Brush the remaining herb rub all over the roast.
  4. Roast in the Oven: Arrange the seasoned vegetables around the roast in the pan. Place the pan in the oven and roast until the internal temperature of the beef reaches 135℉ (57℃) for medium-rare, approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
  5. Rest the Roast and Vegetables: Remove the roast from the oven, transfer it to a cutting board, and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Keep the vegetables warm by covering them on a serving platter or roast them further on a greased sheet pan for 10-20 minutes if they need more tenderness.
  6. Make the Gravy: Place the empty roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and melt it. Add the minced shallot and reserved clove of garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the red wine (if using), whisking constantly for 1 minute. Then add the beef broth and bay leaf, whisking until smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Slice and Serve: Once rested, slice the roast as thinly as possible using a sharp knife or serrated knife. Serve the beef slices hot with the roasted vegetables and pan gravy. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • White whole wheat flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
  • For a non-alcoholic gravy, omit the red wine and increase beef broth accordingly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness; 135℉ is medium-rare. Adjust roasting time if you prefer your beef more or less cooked.
  • Resting the meat is essential to keep it juicy and tender when sliced.
  • Eye of round is a lean cut; cooking it to medium-rare and slicing thinly helps keep it tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef roast, eye of round roast, Christmas roast, holiday beef recipe, herb crust beef, roasted vegetables, homemade gravy