Juicy Top Round Roast with Caramelized Onion Gravy

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Juicy Top Round Roast with Caramelized Onion Gravy

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a roast cooking in the oven. This Top Round Roast recipe is simple, elegant, and full of flavor — perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Made with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of olive oil, it delivers a tender and juicy roast that pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or oven-roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare: Just season, sear, and roast — no complicated steps or ingredients.
  • Elegant and hearty: Ideal for Sunday dinners, celebrations, or holiday meals.
  • Full of flavor: The simple herb and garlic rub adds deep, savory flavor to this lean cut.
  • Budget-friendly: Top round roast is an affordable way to enjoy a classic roast beef dinner.

Ingredients

For the Roast

  • 4 pounds beef top round roast, at room temperature
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (or thyme)

For the Onion Gravy

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Roast

Remove the beef from the refrigerator 1–2 hours before cooking so it can come to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly from edge to center.

2. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 250°F (120°C).

3. Season the Meat

Pat the roast dry with paper towels. Tie it with kitchen twine to help it cook evenly, then season generously on all sides with salt and pepper.

4. Sear the Roast

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned — about 2 minutes per side. This adds flavor and locks in the juices.

5. Make the Herb Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and remaining olive oil. Stir until it forms a paste, then rub it all over the roast.

6. Roast in the Oven

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook uncovered for about 20–25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness (see temperature guide below).

7. Rest the Roast

Remove from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Loosely cover with foil and let rest for 15–20 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.

How to Make the Caramelized Onion Gravy

  1. In the same skillet used for searing, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and golden brown.
  3. Pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the onion mixture and simmer until the gravy thickens.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.

Slice the roast thinly against the grain and serve with warm onion gravy.

Doneness Temperature Guide

Use a meat thermometer for best results:

  • Rare: 115°F (46°C)
  • Medium Rare: 125°F (52°C)
  • Medium: 135°F (57°C)
  • Medium Well: 145°F (63°C)
  • Well Done: 155°F (68°C)

Tips for Success

  • Bring meat to room temperature: This prevents uneven cooking.
  • Sear for flavor: Don’t skip the browning step — it adds incredible depth.
  • Slice against the grain: This ensures each slice is tender and easy to chew.
  • Let it rest: Give the meat time to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Make ahead: The roast can be cooked in advance and reheated gently with the gravy.

Serving Suggestions

This roast pairs wonderfully with:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes or baked mashed potato casserole
  • Roasted seasonal vegetables or sautéed green beans
  • Cheesy cauliflower gratin or potato au gratin
  • Fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette

Storing and Reheating

  • To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat: Warm slices in a skillet with a spoonful of gravy or in the microwave until heated through.

Final Thoughts

This Top Round Roast with Caramelized Onion Gravy is the perfect combination of simplicity and sophistication. It’s easy to prepare, affordable, and guaranteed to impress your family or guests. Serve it with your favorite sides for a hearty meal that feels like home.

 

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