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Tender Roast Beef (A Foolproof “Reverse Sear” Recipe!)

The whole, homemade, impressive, and crusted Roast Beef being carved as the centerpiece at a fun and sophisticated Christmas party.

A classic and flavorful recipe for a Roast Beef, perfect as the centerpiece for a holiday dinner. This recipe features a 6-pound bottom round roast coated in a savory, umami-rich rub made from a paste of anchovies, Dijon mustard, fresh rosemary, and garlic. The roast is cooked using the ‘reverse sear’ method: it’s slow-roasted at a very low temperature (225°F) until it reaches 110°F, and then finished under the broiler for a perfectly browned, flavorful crust.

Ingredients

  • 1 (6-lb.) bottom round roast
  • 1 (2-oz.) can anchovy fillets, drained and patted dry
  • 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. canola oil
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 tsp. grated garlic (from 3 large garlic cloves)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Let the roast rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
  2. Preheat the oven to 225°F. Line a broiler-safe rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a broiler-safe wire rack inside.
  3. Finely chop the anchovy fillets and use the flat side of a large knife to drag it back and forth over them to form a paste.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together the anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, canola oil, fresh rosemary, and grated garlic until thoroughly combined.
  5. Sprinkle the roast all over with the kosher salt and black pepper, pressing to adhere.
  6. Rub the mustard mixture all over the roast, coating it evenly.
  7. Place the roast, fat side up, on the prepared wire rack.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the roast registers 110°F.
  9. Remove the roast from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to broil and preheat for 5 minutes.
  10. Return the roast to the oven on the middle rack. Broil for about 4 minutes, until the mustard mixture is browned and forms a crust.
  11. Transfer the roast to a cutting board and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 20 minutes. (The internal temperature will continue to rise to about 130°F for medium-rare.)
  12. Thinly slice the roast against the grain and serve immediately.

Notes

  • This recipe uses a ‘reverse sear’ method—slow-roasting first at a low temperature and then searing under the broiler at the end. This is a key technique for ensuring an evenly cooked interior and a crispy crust.
  • Letting the roast sit at room temperature for 2 hours before cooking is a crucial step that helps it to cook more evenly.
  • Resting the roast for a full 20 minutes before carving is essential for the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender when sliced.
  • The anchovy paste adds a deep umami flavor (savory, not fishy) to the crust.