Name: Juiciest Top Round Roast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef top round roast trimmed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional; 1 cup low sodium beef broth; ½ cup dry red wine or additional beef broth; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour

A perfectly cooked top round roast is the kind of dinner that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking what smells so good. This lean cut of beef turns unbelievably tender and juicy when you treat it right, with a hot oven sear, gentle roasting, and a quick rest before slicing.

Whether you’re planning a Sunday dinner, a holiday meal, or just want a reliable beef roast you can count on, this Juiciest Top Round Roast has you covered. With a simple garlic-herb rub and a rich pan jus, it feels special enough for company but is easy enough for a weeknight if you get it in the oven early.

Why You’ll Love This Juiciest Top Round Roast

Budget-friendly cut, restaurant-level results. Top round is one of the more affordable roasts, but when cooked low and slow after a high-heat sear, it turns out tender, flavorful, and impressive.
Lean but still incredibly juicy. This roast doesn’t have a lot of marbling, so we rely on a good rub, proper oven temperature, and resting time to keep every slice moist.
Hands-off cooking. Once the roast is in the oven, your job is mostly done. You can focus on whipping up a few easy sides while the beef roasts.
Perfect for slicing thin. Top round is ideal for those classic, thin slices of beef—great for dinner, sandwiches the next day, or piling onto mashed potatoes.
A flavorful pan jus built right in. Using the drippings from the pan, you can whisk together a simple, glossy gravy that tastes like it simmered all day.

What Cut of Beef Is Top Round Roast?

Top round roast comes from the rear leg of the cow, a hardworking muscle that stays fairly lean. That means it doesn’t have the big, luxurious fat cap you see on cuts like ribeye or prime rib, but it does have a deep beefy flavor.

Because it’s lean, top round does best with two things: high heat to develop a crust and lower, slower roasting until it reaches your ideal doneness. A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Pull the roast at 125–130°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium, then let it rest so the juices redistribute.

When you slice, always cut against the grain into thin slices. This shortens the muscle fibers and makes every bite tender instead of chewy.

Ingredients for the Juiciest Top Round Roast

Before you preheat the oven, take a minute to get familiar with what you’ll need. Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor, tenderness, and that gorgeous, glossy jus.

Top round roast: The star of the show. Aim for about 3 pounds, which feeds a family and leaves a little extra for leftovers.
Olive oil: Helps the spice rub cling to the meat and encourages a deep, caramelized crust in the hot oven.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the roast all the way through. Salting before roasting also helps the meat stay juicy.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a warm, slightly sharp bite that pairs beautifully with beef.
Garlic powder: Gives you even, savory garlic flavor without the risk of fresh garlic burning on the surface.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dry rub.
Dried thyme and dried rosemary: Classic herbs for beef that bring an earthy, aromatic note to every slice.
Smoked paprika (optional): A touch of smokiness and color for the crust without needing a grill.
Low-sodium beef broth: Forms the base of your pan jus and keeps any browned bits from going to waste.
Dry red wine or extra broth: Adds body and acidity to the sauce, making it taste rich and complex.
Unsalted butter: Whisked into the pan juices to finish them with a silky texture.
All-purpose flour: Helps lightly thicken the jus into a pourable gravy that clings to the meat.

How To Make the Juiciest Top Round Roast

This roast looks impressive, but the method is straightforward: sear in a hot oven, gently roast to temperature, rest, and use the drippings for an easy pan jus.

Step 1: Bring the Roast to Room Temperature

Take the top round roast out of the refrigerator 30–45 minutes before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Letting it lose the fridge chill helps it cook more evenly from edge to center.

Step 2: Season with a Garlic-Herb Rub

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Rub this mixture all over the roast, making sure to cover every surface and pressing it into any crevices.

Step 3: Sear in a Hot Oven

Set the roast on a rack inside a roasting pan so hot air can circulate around it. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes. This high-heat blast gives the meat a beautiful browned crust without the mess of searing on the stovetop.

Step 4: Lower the Heat and Roast Until Juicy

Without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C). Continue roasting until the roast reaches your desired internal temperature, checking with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part.

For medium-rare, remove at 125–130°F.
For medium, remove at 135°F.

For a 3-pound roast, this typically takes 45–60 minutes after the initial sear, but it’s always better to rely on the thermometer than the clock.

Step 5: Rest the Roast

Transfer the roast to a cutting board, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. During this time, the juices settle back into the meat and the temperature rises a few degrees, finishing it perfectly.

Step 6: Make a Simple Pan Jus

While the beef rests, place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat (if your pan isn’t stovetop-safe, scrape the drippings into a skillet). Pour off all but a tablespoon or two of fat.

Add the flour and whisk until it forms a thin paste with the fat and drippings. Slowly whisk in the beef broth and red wine (or extra broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened, then whisk in the butter until glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp carving knife, slice the roast thinly against the grain. Arrange the slices on a platter and spoon some of the warm pan jus over the top, serving the rest on the side so everyone can add more.

Serving and Storing Your Juiciest Top Round Roast

A 3-pound top round roast will comfortably feed 6 people, especially when you add a couple of side dishes. Slice it thinly so everyone gets plenty of those tender, pink slices with a ribbon of browned crust.

For serving, spoon a little of the pan jus over the sliced meat right before it hits the table. It keeps the beef moist and makes every plate look like it came from a steakhouse.

Leftovers are one of the best parts of this recipe. Let any remaining beef cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm the slices gently in a covered skillet with a splash of beef broth or leftover jus over low heat. Avoid microwaving on high, which can make lean beef tough and dry.

What to Serve With Juiciest Top Round Roast?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with a big bowl of buttery mashed potatoes to catch every drop of that savory jus.

Roasted Vegetables

Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or a mix of root vegetables tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized make a colorful, easy side.

Yorkshire Pudding or Dinner Rolls

Light, airy Yorkshire pudding or soft dinner rolls turn this roast into a classic Sunday-style feast and are perfect for mopping up sauce.

Green Salad with Vinaigrette

Balance the richness of the beef with a crisp salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette—arugula, baby greens, or romaine all work well.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Quick-sautéed green beans with garlic and a little butter add crunch and freshness without stealing time or oven space.

Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Serve a small bowl of tangy horseradish sauce on the side for anyone who loves a bit of heat with their roast beef.

Duchess Potatoes

For a holiday or special occasion, swap regular mash for piped, golden Duchess potatoes—they look fancy but pair effortlessly with this roast.

Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If this Juiciest Top Round Roast becomes a favorite, you’ll love exploring more hearty beef recipes that bring big comfort to the dinner table:

Try Best Ever Prime Rib for an ultra-luxurious centerpiece that’s perfect for holidays and celebrations: https://noranosh.com/best-ever-prime-rib/
Keep things cozy with No Peek Beef Tips Recipe, a tender, oven-baked classic that makes its own gravy: https://noranosh.com/no-peek-beef-tips-recipe/
Craving pasta? Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce wraps savory beef in velvety noodles for the ultimate comfort bowl: https://noranosh.com/beef-pasta-in-a-creamy-garlic-sauce/
For a set-it-and-forget-it option, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes deliver big flavor with minimal effort: https://noranosh.com/slow-cooker-garlic-butter-beef-bites-potatoes/
When you want something saucy and nostalgic, Ground Beef Stroganoff is always a hit with tender beef and creamy mushroom gravy: https://noranosh.com/ground-beef-stroganoff/

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📌 Save this Juiciest Top Round Roast to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it easily whenever you’re planning a special meal or cozy Sunday supper.

When you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic medium-rare, or cook it a little more for your crew? Did you use red wine in the pan jus or stick with broth?

Sharing your tweaks and questions helps everyone cook with more confidence, so don’t be shy—drop a comment and let’s talk roast beef.

For even more easy dinner ideas, holiday mains, and everyday food inspiration, follow along on Pinterest where I share fresh recipes all the time: https://www.pinterest.com/noranoshrecipes/