Top Round Roast Beef with Shrimp and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe

Name: top round roast beef
Prep time: PT-487726H4M50S
Total time: PT-487727H49M50S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 two-to-four pound beef top round roast main protein; – 3 tablespoons high-heat cooking oil for searing; – 2 to 3 teaspoons kosher salt enhances natural flavor; – 1 teaspoon ground black pepper adds balanced spice; – 2 cups unsalted beef broth and/or red wine creates flavorful jus; – 2 teaspoons dried oregano; – 2 teaspoons dried thyme; – 2 teaspoons crushed dried rosemary; – 2 teaspoons ground coriander; – 2 teaspoons onion powder; – 2 teaspoons ground cumin; – 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; – 1 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1 teaspoon ground fennel seed; – 1 teaspoon dry mustard

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Why You’ll Love This top round roast beef

Ease of preparation: This top round roast beef recipe is easy to follow with minimal prep, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Simply seasoning and roasting the beef yields a tender and flavorful centerpiece without complicated techniques.
Health benefits: Featuring lean top round beef rich in protein and essential nutrients, this recipe supports muscle maintenance and overall wellness. Its low fat content makes it a nutritious, heart-friendly choice among roast beef recipes.
Versatility: This top round roast beef adapts well to various dietary needs. Whether gluten-free, low-calorie, or paleo, you can customize seasonings and side dishes to suit your preferences, including serving with a savory shrimp stir fry or veggie stir-fried noodles.
Distinctive flavor: The natural beef flavor is deepened by a blend of herbs and spices and enhanced through proper searing and roasting techniques. This approach creates a perfectly caramelized crust while preserving juicy, tender meat inside, making it a standout roast beef recipe.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This top round roast beef
2. Essential Ingredients for top round roast beef
3. How to Prepare the Perfect top round roast beef: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your top round roast beef
5. Mastering top round roast beef: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store top round roast beef: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About top round roast beef
8. top round roast beef

Essential Ingredients for top round roast beef

Main Ingredients:

1 two-to-four pound (900g to 1.8kg) beef top round roast, at room temperature – main protein, tender and lean
3 tablespoons high-heat cooking oil, pastured lard, or beef tallow – for searing and developing crust
2 to 3 teaspoons kosher salt – enhances natural flavor and seasoning
1 teaspoon ground black pepper – adds balanced spice
2 cups (480 ml) unsalted beef broth and/or red wine – creates flavorful jus and keeps roast moist
Optional spice mix (to taste):
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons crushed dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground fennel seed
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: While the roast itself is beef-based, plant-based protein alternatives like seitan or jackfruit can replace it for vegan adaptations.
Gluten-free: Ensure all spices and broth are gluten-free certified, as this roast beef recipe contains no wheat ingredients inherently.
Low-calorie: Use lean top round cuts, limit added fats, and serve alongside low-calorie vegetable sides for a light yet satisfying meal.

How to Prepare the Perfect top round roast beef: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prep your roast

Remove the top round roast from the refrigerator about an hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat the surface dry with paper towels to encourage better browning later.

Second Step: Season

In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, and optional spices of your choice to create a rub. Coat the entire roast evenly with this seasoning blend to flavor the meat thoroughly.

Third Step: Sear the roast

Heat your chosen cooking fat (oil, lard, or beef tallow) in a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the roast for 2 to 3 minutes on all large flat sides and the smaller ends, developing a deep, flavorful crust.

Fourth Step: Roast

Transfer the roast upright on a rack or directly into the skillet if oven-safe. Place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Roast times vary, so use a thermometer to track internal temperature:

Rare: 125°F (51°C), about 30 minutes
Medium: 140°F (60°C), about 40 minutes

Remove roast when it reaches desired doneness.

Final Step: Rest and slice

Tent the roast loosely with foil and rest for 15-30 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and tenderize the meat. Slice thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness.

Optional: Make beef jus

Return the skillet to the stove, add broth and/or red wine, and reduce over medium-high heat, scraping browned bits to create a rich jus. Season to taste and serve alongside the sliced roast.

Tip: Using a meat thermometer instead of relying on time alone guarantees perfectly cooked top round roast beef every time.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your top round roast beef

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Replace top round beef with lean turkey breast or pork loin for a lighter but satisfying roast alternative.
For plant-based diets, use seasoned seitan or portobello mushrooms as meat substitutes.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Swap rosemary for thyme or oregano depending on flavor preference.
Use a gluten-free gravy or mushroom sauce to complement the roast beef for gluten-sensitive diets.
Serve with roasted root vegetables, sautéed greens, or a fresh veggie stir fry incorporating shrimp or steak for a flavorful balance.

Mastering top round roast beef: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques: Try sous vide pre-cooking to evenly tenderize the roast before roasting for enhanced juiciness and texture.
Flavor variations: Experiment with spice blends including smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne to add a subtle heat and smoky aroma.
Presentation tips: Slice thinly and arrange on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges to add freshness and visual appeal.
Make-ahead options: Marinate the roast overnight for deeper flavor penetration and cook fresh on serving day to save time.

How to Store top round roast beef: Best Practices

Storage Method	Guidelines	Duration
Refrigeration	Cool roast beef completely before placing in airtight containers; consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.	3-4 days
Freezing	Wrap tightly in foil or vacuum seal; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.	Up to 3 months
Reheating	Gently warm in oven or covered skillet, adding beef jus or broth to maintain moisture and tenderness.	As needed
Meal prep	Slice before storing to simplify portioning. Pair with prepared shrimp stir fry or veggie sides for quick meals.	Varies

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About top round roast beef

How long should I roast a top round beef to get medium doneness?

Roast a three-pound top round beef at 375°F for about 40 to 45 minutes to reach medium doneness. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast; medium is reached at an internal temperature of 135°F to 140°F. After removing from the oven, let the roast rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.

What is the best way to make top round roast beef tender?

Since top round is a lean cut with tough fibers, slow cooking methods work best for tenderness. You can roast it at a low temperature (around 300°F) for a longer time until fork-tender or braise it in broth after browning. Alternatively, roasting quickly to rare doneness (125°F internal temp) helps preserve tenderness. Slicing thinly against the grain also improves chewiness.

Should I cover the roast while cooking top round beef in the oven?

It’s generally better to leave the roast uncovered during cooking. This promotes browning and develops a flavorful crust. If the outside gets too dark before the inside is ready, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning while the roast finishes cooking.

What kind of pan should I use when roasting a top round beef roast?

For even cooking and a crispy crust, use a pan with low sides such as a roasting pan with a rack or a sheet pan. A cast iron skillet also works well for searing before roasting. The low sides allow hot air to circulate around the meat, encouraging even cooking and browning on all sides.

How do I know when my top round roast beef is properly cooked?

The most accurate way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the roast to check the internal temperature: 125°F for rare, 135°F to 140°F for medium, and 145°F for medium-well. Relying on cooking times alone can lead to under- or overcooking, as roast size and oven heat vary.

1 thought on “Top Round Roast Beef with Savory Shrimp and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe”

Michelle Tan

July 15, 2025 at 12:52 am

This recipe was a lifesaver for my family dinner last night! The roast came out perfectly tender and flavorful. I’m thinking of adding a garlic herb butter next time. 😊

★★★★★

Top Round Roast Beef with Savory Shrimp and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe