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Dinner · Part 2 of 3: Instructions

Juicy Garlic Herb Roast Beef with Crispy Baby Potatoes Step-by-step instructions

A beautifully roasted beef with golden baby potatoes in an oval pan, showing a juicy, tender slice.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
4
Includes 15 min resting

Before you start

Before starting, ensure that the oven is fully preheated to the required temperature, as this is crucial for achieving the right texture on both the beef and the potatoes. Take the beef out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before seasoning to allow it to come closer to room temperature, which promotes more even cooking.

Prepare the garlic and herbs by chopping them finely to ensure they distribute evenly across the surfaces of the ingredients, creating a consistent flavor in every bite of this savory meal.

Ingredients at a glance (4)
  • 2 lb beef roast
  • 1.5 lb baby potatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme

Instructions

Seasoning and Preparation

  1. Seasoning the Beef and Potatoes
    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs. Place the beef roast and baby potatoes in the oval roasting pan. Rub the garlic herb mixture evenly over the beef and toss the potatoes with the herbs.
    Look for The beef should be well-coated and the potatoes glistening with the herb mixture.
    Tip Ensure the potatoes are cut to a similar size to promote even cooking.

At this point, the beef should be well-coated in the garlic and herb mixture, and the potatoes should be evenly distributed around the roast. Check that the oven has reached the correct temperature before placing the pan inside, as a stable heat environment is essential for the initial stage of cooking. The aroma of the fresh garlic and herbs should be noticeable as you prepare to transfer the roasting pan into the oven for the next phase of the process.

Roasting

  1. Roasting to Perfection
    Place the roasting pan in the center of the oven. Roast the beef and potatoes until the potatoes are tender and golden, and the beef reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. Let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes.
    Look for The potatoes should be fork-tender and the beef juices should run clear when pierced.
    Safe temperature 145°F (63°C) internal temperature (steaks, chops and roasts)
    Tip Use a meat thermometer to check the center of the roast for accuracy.

During this phase, the kitchen will fill with the savory scent of roasting beef and herbs. The potatoes should be developing a golden color and should feel tender when pierced with a fork. Check the internal temperature of the beef using a meat thermometer to ensure it is approaching the desired level of doneness. The juices in the pan should be bubbling and clear, indicating that the beef is rendering properly and the potatoes are absorbing those delicious flavors.

Resting and Serving

  1. Resting and Serving
    Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the beef to a cutting board. Let the meat rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. While the beef rests, give the potatoes a quick stir in the pan juices. Slice the beef against the grain and serve alongside the crispy potatoes.
    Look for The beef should be pink in the center and the potatoes should have a slight crunch on the edges.
    Tip Resting is essential for keeping the meat juices inside the slices.

Once removed from the oven, the beef should appear firm on the outside with a slight browning. As it rests, the internal temperature will stabilize, ensuring that the meat is tender when sliced. The potatoes should look crispy on the edges and soft in the center.

Before serving, verify that the beef has rested for the full duration to ensure the best possible texture. The final dish should look vibrant, with the pink center of the beef contrasting against the golden roasted potatoes.

Common mistakes

Avoid the common mistake of overcrowding the roasting pan, as this can cause the ingredients to steam rather than roast, resulting in soggy potatoes and unevenly cooked beef.

Another error to avoid is slicing the meat immediately upon removing it from the oven; always allow for the recommended resting time to ensure the juices remain inside the beef. Finally, be mindful of the salt content in the seasoning, as balancing the flavors early on prevents the dish from becoming overly salty during the roasting process.

How to tell it’s done

The beef is perfectly done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), indicating a medium-rare level of doneness. At this stage, the center of the roast will be pink and incredibly juicy, while the exterior will have developed a savory, aromatic crust.

Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast to verify the temperature. Allowing the roast to rest for at least 15 minutes is vital, as it lets the internal juices redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist final result.

  • Steaks, chops and roasts: 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, then a 3-minute rest

Coming up in Part 3: common questions

  • Can the beef be cooked to a higher level of doneness?
  • Is it necessary to peel the baby potatoes?
  • What is the best way to slice the beef?

Also in Part 3: variations (Lemon Herb Roast, Spicy Garlic Beef), storage and make-ahead, and the printable recipe card.

Up next · Part 3 of 3

2 variations · storage & make-ahead · 3 answers · printable card

Tips, FAQ & printable recipe (Part 3)← Back to the ingredients (Part 1)