This Barefoot Contessa Roast Beef Recipe is a juicy and flavorful dish, which uses boneless beef roast and fresh herbs. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Jump to RecipeBarefoot Contessa Roast Beef Recipe Ingredients
- 1 (4–5 pound) boneless beef roast (ribeye roast, top sirloin, or tenderloin)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Roast Beef Recipe
- Bring roast to room temperature: Take the beef out of the fridge 1–2 hours before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season the roast: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the entire roast. Let sit for 30 minutes.
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Slow roast the beef: Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the roast fat-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 1½ to 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches:
- 120°F (49°C) for rare
- 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare
- 140°F (60°C) for medium
- Rest the meat: Remove from the oven and tent with foil. Let rest for 20–30 minutes to retain juices.
- Sear for a crust: Increase oven temperature to 500°F (260°C). Return the roast to the oven for 5–10 minutes until the exterior is golden-brown and crisp.
- Carve and serve: Slice thinly against the grain. Serve with horseradish sauce, au jus, or your favorite sides.

Recipe Tips
-
What cut of beef is best for roast beef?
Ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin roasts are ideal for tenderness and flavor. -
How to get the best crust:
The high-heat finish creates a crisp, golden crust—don’t skip it. -
Do I need a meat thermometer?
Yes, for perfect doneness, use an instant-read thermometer. -
Can I marinate the beef overnight?
Yes, seasoning the night before enhances flavor. -
How thin should I slice roast beef?
Slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
What To Serve With Roast Beef
This elegant roast beef pairs beautifully with classic sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots
- Yorkshire pudding
- Horseradish sauce or au jus
- Warm dinner rolls

How To Store Roast Beef
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Roast Beef Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~415 kcal
- Protein: ~40g
- Fat: ~28g
- Saturated Fat: ~12g
- Sodium: ~750mg
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this roast beef ahead of time?
Yes, roast it the day before and gently reheat slices in the oven or with au jus.
What’s the best doneness for roast beef?
Medium-rare (130°F) is typically preferred for tenderness and flavor.
Can I skip the high-temperature sear?
It adds a flavorful crust but is optional if you’re short on time.
How long should roast beef rest?
Let it rest for at least 20 minutes so juices redistribute.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free—just watch your sides and sauces.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Lamb Shank Recipe
- Ina Garten Tuscan Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Ina Garten Baked Cod With Ritz Crackers Recipe
Barefoot Contessa Roast Beef Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes2
hours10
minutes415
kcalA perfectly seasoned and slow-roasted beef recipe inspired by Ina Garten’s timeless style.
Ingredients
-
1 (4–5 lb) boneless beef roast
-
2 tbsp kosher salt
-
1 tbsp black pepper
-
2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 tbsp chopped rosemary
-
2 tbsp fresh thyme
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
Directions
- Let beef sit at room temperature 1–2 hours. Pat dry.
- Mix olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub over roast. Rest 30 minutes.
- Roast at 275°F for 1½–2 hours (120°F rare, 130°F medium-rare, 140°F medium).
- Rest 20–30 minutes under foil. Increase oven to 500°F.
- Sear roast 5–10 minutes until browned.
- Slice thinly against the grain and serve.
