How to Cook a Top Round Roast: 15 Steps
A succulent top round roast is one of the most impressive dishes you can serve up for dinner. Follow these 15 easy steps to expertly prepare and cook your top round roast, ensuring a delicious, satisfying meal every time.
1. Choose a high-quality roast: Select a well-marbled top round roast, as the fat will contribute to flavor and tenderness.
2. Bring to room temperature: Take the roast out of the refrigerator at least an hour before cooking, allowing it to come to room temperature for even cooking.
3. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
4. Season the roast: Coat the meat generously with salt and pepper or your preferred combination of seasonings.
5. Prepare a roasting pan: Grease the bottom of a roasting pan with oil or non-stick spray.
6. Brown the meat (optional): For added flavor, sear all sides of the roast in a hot pan with oil until browned. This step is optional but creates a nice crust on the outside of the meat.
7. Transfer to roasting pan: Gently place the browned—or un-browned if you skipped Step 6—roast onto the prepared pan with the fatty side up.
8. Add vegetables (optional): Add chopped vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions around the roast for added flavor and a complete meal in one pan.
9. Insert meat thermometer: Stick an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast without touching bone
10. Roast in oven: Place the pan into the preheated oven, uncovered.
11. Baste periodically: Every 30 minutes or so, baste your roast with juices from the pan to keep it moist and tender.
12. Monitor internal temperature: Cook until meat reaches desired doneness – 125°F (51°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium.
13. Rest the roast: When your roast reaches the target temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes, tented with aluminum foil. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
14. Prepare gravy (optional): While your roast is resting, use pan drippings and flour or cornstarch to make a rich gravy, if desired.
15. Slice and serve: Using a sharp knife, carve your top round roast against the grain into thin slices and serve with your choice of sides and gravy.
By following these 15 simple steps, you’ll have a mouth-watering top round roast that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy!