Bottom Round Roast

Why You’ll Love This Bottom Round Roast With Gravy

I’ve been on a mission to find the BEST oven-roasted beef recipe to carry us through another fall and winter. We’re always looking to rival favorites like Corned Beef and my Slow Cooker Pot Roast. And even for another holiday option instead of a Prime Rib.

Now, I officially have another winner to add to the season’s roster, with this easy bottom round roast. This succulent beef is smothered in a savory blend of garlicky herbs, then slowly roasted to the utmost tenderness. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes and homemade beef gravy for the perfect cozy dinner.

It takes a bit of time, but trust me – this recipe is the proof in the pudding that you can’t rush perfection. And the flavor payoff of this juicy beef is more than worth it! Here’s why you’ll want to make this recipe tonight:

• Easy. If you’re a rookie roaster, this herbed bottom round roast is perfect! Your oven does most of the work, and you end up with an insanely juicy beef dinner. This makes this recipe great for entertaining!
• Juicy. In case you haven’t caught on, let me say it again: you won’t believe how this beef roasts up so tender and flavorsome in the oven. It slices like butter!
• Homemade gravy. Every last drop of those flavorful roast beef drippings gets whisked up into an absolute flavor bomb of easy, savory beef gravy.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make a perfect bottom round roast. Below are the ingredients for the roast itself, as well as the easy beef gravy recipe. Please refer to the recipe card later on for the full ingredient amounts!

• Bottom Round Roast: A 3 to 4-pound bottom round roast will yield about 8 servings.
• Olive Oil
• Seasoning: I season this beef with a combination of onion powder as well as dried parsley, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. Fresh parsley also makes a nice garnish.
• Sweet Rice Flour: Like my Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy recipe, I love the silky consistency that comes from using sweet rice flour to thicken the beef gravy for this roast. However, brown rice flour or all-purpose flour also works.
• Beef Stock: Use a nice quality, low-sodium stock or broth. Bone broth is my first choice as it’s full of flavor and nutrients.
• Worcestershire Sauce: An umami bomb and my secret weapon for extra savory gravy.

Is Bottom Round Roast a Tender Cut of Meat?

While it’s less tender than cuts like Flank Steak, a round bottom roast comes from the rear of the cow and is perfect for cooking low and slow. This makes it a good value for money when it comes to roasting beef!

How to Cook a Bottom Round Roast

Slow roasting is the secret to an unbelievably tender and juicy bottom round roast. Here’s how to do it:

• Prep the Beef: Rub the cut of beef all over with olive oil mixed with the dry seasonings. Really get in there with your hands, making sure the paste covers the roast completely. Once coated, plop the beef into an oiled, oven-safe skillet.

• Roast: Roast the beef at 450ºF for the first 15 minutes, followed by a low, slow roast at 325ºF for another hour or so. I like to aim for a juicy medium rare. Once the beef is out of the oven, let it rest on a cutting board while you prepare a quick gravy.

Making the Gravy

See all that beef fat leftover in the skillet? Like turkey drippings, that’s where you’ll find bucketloads of yummy flavor. This makes it the best base for a beautiful, savory beef gravy recipe:

• Add Flour: Over medium heat, whisk rice flour into the fat that’s left in the skillet.
• Add Stock: Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the beef stock.
• Simmer: Let the gravy simmer to thicken, about 5-10 minutes. Lastly, you’ll stir in the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Slice and serve. With your gravy warm and ready, use a sharp knife to thinly slice your bottom round roast for serving. I like to give mine a sprinkle with fresh parsley for a lovely pop of green. See further on for easy serving suggestions!

Tips for Success

Here are my tips to keep in mind when roasting tender, succulent beef in the oven:

• Make it a one-pan meal. I love making this bottom round roast in a cast iron skillet. You can roast the beef right in the pan in the oven. Then while it rests on the cutting board, make the gravy right in the skillet using the drippings for extra savory flavor.
• Check for doneness. Your roast is medium rare when the internal temperature reads 125-130°F on a meat thermometer. 
• Let the roast beef rest. This is key to an ultra-tender roast. Resting meat after it’s cooked allows all the juices to redistribute. Don’t skip it!
• Gravy is optional, but highly recommended! 
• Sweet rice flour offers the smoothest gravy. I use it in my turkey gravy recipe, too. While other flours will technically work for this beef gravy, the consistency with sweet rice flour just can’t be matched. You can order it from Amazon, but it’s even more affordable when you pick it up in the Asian section of the grocery store.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Roast Beef

This beef roast can be refrigerated either wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or in an airtight container. The leftover bottom round roast will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also keep any leftover gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate it, too.

Reheat the beef in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, and covered with foil to seal in the moisture. The gravy can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Remember to stir it often.

We love slicing our leftovers up thin with Gluten-Free Bread or Gluten Free Hamburger Buns for roast beef sandwiches! 

Can I Freeze It?

Absolutely. Cooked beef can be frozen airtight for up to 3-4 months. Be sure to wrap the beef tightly in plastic wrap, plus a layer of foil to protect against freezer burn. The gravy is also freezer-friendly.

Thaw the roast beef and the gravy in the fridge before reheating.