If you’re looking for a delicious and savory main dish to serve at your next dinner party or family gathering, a slow-roasted top round roast is an excellent choice. This cut of beef is versatile and flavorful, and when cooked slowly and with care, it becomes tender and juicy. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know to prepare a slow-roasted top round roast that’s sure to impress.
What is Top Round Roast?
Top round roast is a cut of beef that comes from the upper leg of the cow. It’s a lean cut of meat, which means it has less marbling than other cuts like ribeye or sirloin. While this makes it a healthier choice, it also means that it can be tough if not cooked correctly.
Why Slow Roast?
Slow-roasting is an excellent method for cooking top round roast because it allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, which results in a tender and juicy roast. Slow-roasting also gives the meat time to absorb the flavors of any seasonings or marinades you use, making for a flavorful and delicious dish.
Preparing the Top Round Roast
Before you start cooking your top round roast, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure that it’s properly prepared.
Seasoning
Seasoning is key to getting a flavorful and delicious roast. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or you can get more creative with your seasonings. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano can add a lot of flavor, as can spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
Tying the Roast
Tying your roast with kitchen twine is an important step that will help it cook evenly. To do this, simply fold the thin end of the roast under itself to create a uniform shape, then tie it tightly with twine. This will help the roast cook more evenly, which is important for getting that tender, juicy texture.
Letting it Rest
Once you’ve seasoned and tied your roast, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before you start cooking. This will allow the meat to come up to room temperature, which will help it cook more evenly. It also gives the seasonings time to absorb into the meat.
Cooking the Top Round Roast
Now that your top round roast is prepared, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s what you need to do:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 275┬░F (135┬░C). This low temperature will allow the meat to cook slowly and evenly, which is key to getting a tender and juicy roast.
Searing the Roast
Searing the roast is an optional step, but it can add a lot of flavor to your roast. To do this, heat a large skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the roast and sear it on all sides until it’s browned. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Roasting the Roast
Once your roast is seared (if you chose to do so), transfer it to a roasting pan and place it in the oven. Roast the meat for about 2.5 to 3 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135┬░F (57┬░C) for medium-rare. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat.
Resting the Roast
Once the meat is cooked to your desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing.
