Herb Garlic Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a roast beef dinner that’s bursting with flavor and has a sauce that practically sings, you’re going to love this Herb Garlic Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce Recipe. It’s got everything you want: tender, juicy beef rubbed with fragrant rosemary and garlic, then topped with a luscious mushroom sauce that takes it to the next level. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to for Sunday dinners or any special occasion you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why This Recipe Works
- Bold Herb-Garlic Paste: This creates an ultra-flavorful crust that infuses the beef beautifully.
- Searing in Cast Iron: Locks in juices and delivers that perfect caramelized exterior.
- Mushroom Sauce: Adds earthy depth and richness that pairs perfectly with the roast.
- Resting Time: Essential for tender, juicy slices and perfect medium-rare results every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Herb Garlic Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce Recipe lies in simple, high-quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Using fresh rosemary and lots of garlic gives the roast an irresistible aroma, while a mix of mushrooms adds texture and umami depth to the sauce.

- Rib Eye roast: This cut is wonderfully marbled, making for a tender, juicy roast that stays flavorful throughout cooking.
- Fresh rosemary: Its piney, slightly lemony notes make it the perfect match for beef, especially when fresh.
- Garlic: The star flavor booster—lots of it ensures a punch without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavors without fuss.
- Olive oil and vegetable oil: Olive oil helps form the herb-garlic paste, while vegetable oil tolerates high heat for searing.
- Unsalted butter: Used to enrich the mushroom sauce, adding silkiness and flavor.
- Mushrooms: A variety of mushrooms lends complexity in flavor and keeps the sauce interesting.
- Beef or chicken stock: Essential for deglazing the pan and creating a rich base for the mushroom sauce.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love customizing this Herb Garlic Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce Recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Adding a little chili flakes to the garlic paste can give it a subtle kick, and sometimes I swap rosemary for thyme or oregano to mix up the herbal notes.
- Variation: For a smokier flavor, try adding smoked paprika to the herb paste—my family goes crazy for this twist.
- Dietary tweak: Use vegetable stock to keep the sauce vegetarian-friendly (skip roasting the beef!), turning this into a fantastic mushroom-focused main.
- Seasonal twists: Swap out mushrooms for wild chanterelles in fall, or add fresh peas and herbs in spring for a lighter sauce.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Herb Garlic Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Like a Pro
First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Take your rib eye roast and tie it up with kitchen twine—this helps it keep a nice shape and cooks evenly. Don’t be shy with the salt and freshly ground black pepper; season generously all over. Next, mix the chopped rosemary and garlic with olive oil to make a thick, fragrant paste. This step is where a lot of flavor is built, so spread the love evenly over the roast once it’s nicely seared.
Step 2: Sear for a Beautiful Crust
Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet until it’s smoking hot—that little bit of smoke signals you’re ready. Sear the roast on all sides for about 5 to 8 minutes. This caramelization locks in the juices and gives the beef that irresistible crust. I like to move quickly here, so the pan stays hot and the roast browns instead of steams. Remove from heat, brush the herb-garlic paste all over the roast, then pop it right into your preheated oven.
Step 3: Roast, Rest, and Make Sauce Magic
Cook the roast for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until its internal temperature hits 135ºF for medium-rare—remember, it’ll keep cooking when resting and reach about 145ºF. Patience here is key. While the beef rests (at least 10 minutes; don’t skip this!), cook your mushrooms in butter over medium heat, stirring until they’re golden and all their liquid has evaporated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Next, deglaze your cast iron skillet with beef stock —scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom while it simmers down to a luscious sauce. Stir in the mushrooms with leftover butter to make the sauce silky. When you plate the roast, spoon plenty of that mushroom sauce over the top. Trust me, this is where the magic happens.
Pro Tips for Making Herb Garlic Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Tie the Roast: Tying keeps the shape uniform so it cooks evenly and looks great sliced.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the only way to guarantee perfect doneness every time—medium rare is gold here.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Resting lets juices redistribute so the beef stays juicy and tender.
- Sear with High Heat: Make sure your skillet is smoking hot before searing to get that deep brown crust.
How to Serve Herb Garlic Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce Recipe

Garnishes
I love to finish the roast beef platter with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary sprigs—not just because it looks posh but also because the aroma amps up the whole experience. If you want a pop of color, a light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving works wonders.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are my classic go-to alongside this roast, but don’t hesitate to venture into roasted root vegetables or buttery green beans. Something creamy or buttery pairs best to soak up that mushroom sauce—think creamy polenta or garlicky sautéed spinach.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I slice the roast thinner and fan it out on a wooden board, spoon the mushroom sauce over just before serving, and scatter toasted pine nuts on top for crunch. It immediately elevates the dish and feels like a cozy gathering around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover roast beef can be wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually slice what’s left and keep it separate from the mushroom sauce, storing them both individually so the beef doesn’t get soggy.
Freezing
This roast freezes well if you have plenty leftover. Slice the beef before freezing and place it with the cooled mushroom sauce in separate freezer-safe containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
I reheat the beef slices gently in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying out, adding a splash of beef stock to keep things moist. Warm the mushroom sauce separately and pour it over when serving to keep that fresh-from-the-oven taste alive.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef for this Herb Garlic Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While rib eye is fantastic for its marbling and tenderness, you can successfully use eye of round or sirloin roast. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since leaner cuts may cook faster and can dry out if overdone.
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How do I know when the roast is done perfectly medium-rare?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—pull the roast from the oven when it hits 135ºF, then let it rest. It will rise to around 145ºF, which is perfect medium-rare. It’s much more reliable than guessing by time alone!
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Can I make the mushroom sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mushroom sauce a day ahead and reheat it gently before serving. Just keep it covered and stir occasionally while warming to preserve the silky texture.
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What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
Dried rosemary is a decent substitute—use about a tablespoon in the herb paste—but fresh offers the best flavor and aroma for this recipe. If you use dried, crush it slightly to release oils before mixing it in.
Final Thoughts
This Herb Garlic Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it delivers reliably on flavor and comfort. It’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough to enjoy any night when you want a hearty, satisfying meal. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the rich blend of herbs, garlic, and mushrooms just as much as I do, and who knows, it might become your signature roast beef dinner too!
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Herb Garlic Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Rosemary and Garlic Roast Beef recipe features a tender boneless rib eye roast seasoned with a fragrant garlic and rosemary paste, seared to lock in flavor, then roasted to medium-rare perfection. Served with a rich mushroom and buttery pan sauce, this elegant dish is perfect for a special dinner or holiday feast.
Ingredients
Beef and Herb Paste
- 3 pounds boneless Rib Eye roast
- ¼ cup chopped fresh rosemary (or other favorite herbs)
- ¼ cup chopped garlic (about 20 cloves)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cups a variety of mushrooms, sliced to about the same size
- 1 cup beef stock (or chicken stock)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF to prepare for roasting the beef.
- Prepare the Roast: Tie the rib eye roast to hold its shape during cooking, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
- Make Herb-Garlic Paste: In a bowl, combine chopped rosemary and garlic. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix well to form a paste. Set this aside.
- Sear the Roast: Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until it is smoking hot. Carefully sear the roast on all sides, about 5-8 minutes total, to lock in the flavors and achieve a brown crust.
- Apply Herb Paste: Remove the skillet from the heat. Brush the rosemary-garlic paste evenly all over the seared roast.
- Roast the Beef: Place the skillet with the roast into the preheated oven. Roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until an internal meat thermometer reaches 135ºF for medium-rare. After removing from the oven, let the roast rest for at least 10 minutes; the final internal temperature should rise to 145ºF.
- Sauté Mushrooms: While the beef rests, in a separate pan or the same cast iron skillet wiped clean, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all liquid evaporates and mushrooms are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make Pan Sauce: Return the skillet with roast drippings to the stovetop over medium heat. Add 1 cup of beef stock and deglaze by scraping up all browned bits from the pan bottom. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish Sauce and Combine: Stir the cooked mushrooms into the sauce. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until the sauce is silky smooth. Place the rested roast back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over it for extra flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the roast and mushrooms to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Tie the roast with kitchen twine to maintain an even shape and ensure uniform cooking.
- The herb paste can be made ahead and refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer for the best results to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- For stronger mushroom flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce in the pan sauce.
- Letting the meat rest after roasting allows juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier beef.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a heavy oven-safe sauté pan can be used as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg


