Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef Recipe
If you are looking to impress your family and friends with a dish that is bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection, the Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef is your new best friend in the kitchen. This roast is a beautiful blend of juicy, tender beef smothered in a rich garlic butter infused with fresh herbs, creating an unforgettable combination that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe guarantees a center-stage dish that’s as aromatic as it is mouthwatering.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, resulting in a perfectly balanced dish that’s both hearty and elegant.
- 6 lbs (3kg) top sirloin: Choose a quality cut of beef for the best tenderness and flavor.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Acts as the luscious base for the herb and garlic infusion, keeping the meat moist.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a robust, aromatic punch that complements the beef.
- 1 sprig fresh sage: Adds an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with beef.
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary: Brings a fragrant, piney note that elevates the overall profile.
- 2 medium red onions, quartered: Roasted alongside the beef, they offer a sweet and savory counterpoint.
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the roast.
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness at the end.
How to Make Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef
Step 1: Bring the Beef to Room Temperature and Preheat Your Oven
This early step is key to even cooking. Take your top sirloin out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before roasting. Meanwhile, set your oven to a blazing 450ºF (230ºC) to kick-start that delicious crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Herb Garlic Butter
Using a food processor, blend the softened butter with minced garlic, fresh sage, rosemary, half a red onion, salt, and pepper. This compound butter is the heart of the Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef, infusing every bite with rich, herbaceous goodness.
Step 3: Coat the Beef and Arrange in Roasting Pan
Generously rub the herb butter all over the outside of your beef. Place it in a sturdy roasting pan or cast iron skillet, nestling the beef among the quartered red onions. This setup not only flavors the beef but creates sweet, caramelized onion sides as it roasts.
Step 4: Roast at High Heat Then Lower Temperature
Pop the beef in the oven and roast for 15 minutes at 450ºF to develop a beautiful crust. Then, lower the heat to 325ºF (160ºC) and continue roasting until your internal thermometer reads 135ºF (60ºC) for a perfect medium-rare finish. Depending on your roast’s size, expect about 45 minutes to an hour.
Step 5: Rest Before Slicing
Patience is vital here! Once out of the oven, tent the roast with foil and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is succulent and tender.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef

Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the sliced beef adds a vibrant color contrast and a subtle fresh note. If you like, adding lemon slices provides a bright, zesty hint that cuts the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
The roasted red onions from the pan accompany the roast perfectly, offering caramelized sweetness. Pair this with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the beef.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, slice the roast thinly and fan it out on a large platter surrounded by the roasted onions and sprigs of fresh herbs. Drizzle any pan juices on top to keep it glossy and flavorful. This makes an inviting centerpiece sure to draw compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your leftover Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 to 4 days to savor the flavors at their best.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked slices for up to 3 months. For best results, wrap the portions individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven (about 300ºF) covered with foil, or briefly in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the meat moist. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for the Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is great for tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with ribeye or a tenderloin roast, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
How do I know when the roast is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way. Aim for 135ºF (60ºC) internal temperature for medium rare. Remember, the roast will continue to cook slightly while resting.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent. Fresh herbs provide the best aroma and flavor for this recipe, though.
Can I prepare the herb butter in advance?
Yes! You can make the herb butter up to 2 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. This not only saves time but helps the flavors meld even more.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely. The Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef is perfect for gatherings since it serves multiple people and can be made ahead to reduce day-of stress.
Final Thoughts
The Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef is truly one of those dishes that feel like a celebration on a plate. Juicy, flavorful, and beautifully aromatic, it’s perfect for creating memorable meals with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; once you experience how those rich garlic and herb butter flavors kiss the tender beef, it may very well become your go-to roast for all special occasions or cozy dinners alike.
PrintGarlic Butter Herb Roast Beef Recipe
A flavorful Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef recipe featuring a juicy top sirloin roast infused with a savory garlic, butter, and fresh herb compound, perfectly roasted with red onions for a tender, aromatic main dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Beef Roast
- 6 lbs (3 kg) top sirloin
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- Fresh lemon slices, for garnish
Garlic Butter Herb Compound
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sprig fresh sage
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1/2 medium red onion, chopped
Roasting Aromatics
- 2 medium red onions, quartered (excluding 1/2 onion used in compound butter)
Instructions
- Bring Roast to Room Temperature: Remove the sirloin roast from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly throughout.
- Prepare Compound Butter: In a food processor, combine softened butter, minced garlic, fresh sage, fresh rosemary, chopped half red onion, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. This compound butter will infuse the roast with rich, aromatic flavors.
- Apply Compound Butter to Beef: Rub the garlic herb butter mixture all over the surface of the beef roast, ensuring an even coating. Place the roast in a roasting pan or cast iron skillet. Arrange the quartered red onions around the beef to roast alongside.
- Initial High-Heat Roast: Preheat the oven to 450ºF (230ºC). Roast the beef for 15 minutes at this high temperature to create a flavorful crust.
- Lower Oven Temperature and Continue Roasting: Reduce the oven temperature to 325ºF (160ºC). Continue roasting the beef until it reaches an internal temperature of 135ºF (60ºC) for medium-rare, which should take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of the roast. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the roast from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the roast beef to your desired thickness and serve with the roasted red onions. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices for added freshness and presentation. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef!
Notes
- Bringing the meat to room temperature before cooking promotes more even roasting.
- Using a meat thermometer is important for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Resting the meat is crucial for juicy slices and prevents loss of flavorful juices.
- You can substitute top sirloin with other roasts like ribeye or tenderloin if preferred.
- Butter can be softened by leaving it at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwaving for a few seconds.
- Leftover roast beef can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used in sandwiches or salads.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: garlic butter roast beef, herb roast beef, top sirloin roast, garlic herb butter compound, roasted red onions, easy roast beef recipe

