How to Cook Eye of Round Roast Beef. Eye of round is a simple boneless beef roast, and is what’s called a “whole muscle” cut of beef. It’s one of the best roasts sliced and served with gravy or for making Beef Wellington Packets….and for leftovers, too.
Whether you’re cooking eye of round with a slow cooker, InstaPot (Instant Pot), or your oven, this roast is fast, lean, and delicious.
How to Cook Eye of Round Roast Recipe
Eye of Round Roast. Yowza! I can honestly say that even though I’ve cooked SCADS of beef all my life, I have never, ever made an eye of round roast…at least not until NOW.
When followers here on my blog began asking about how to cook this particular beef roast, I decided to investigate and do some research. I’m so glad I did!
I’ve always been a big fan of a good chuck roast – it’s a very flavorful cut of beef that comes from the shoulder of the cow. A chuck roast also has a lot of great fat marbling throughout the muscle, so it’s juicy and delicious.
Because we are fans of beef chuck roast, my guys really enjoy Big Bold Beef Carnitas (made in the Instant Pot!) and also Lazy-Butt Beef Subs with Caramelized Onions. Oh! And I cannot forget Hot Beef Sandwiches with Brown Gravy – they are the bomb.
Here’s What I Discovered About Eye of Round Roast for this Recipe:
1. Eye of round is truly a slicing roast. I didn’t grow up eating sliced roast. My Mom made chuck roast that was cooked until very fork-tender and then served in chunks with gravy or shredded for making sandwiches, and etc.
Because we raised beef on the farm and ate tons of it at home, I never ordered roast beef at a restaurant, so I didn’t realize (prior to this recipe) that roast beef served in slices is what many people expect when eating roast beef. Who knew?
2. Eye of round roast cooks very, very quickly because it’s very, very lean. It cooks even faster if you let it rest at room temperature (and you should) for at least an hour before roasting. The internal temperature will rise very quickly, and can yield an over-cooked roast before you even realize it. Keep a careful eye on the internal temperature!
3. Eye of round roast is delicious when the finished product is medium-rare and very nicely pink at the center. If the roast is overcooked to medium or above, it’s the most tasteless thing I’ve ever experienced, though a good pan sauce over the top helps with that.
4. Cooking the eye of round roast just until it reaches 125 degrees F. at the center is a total must. Remove it from the oven at that point and cover tightly with foil. The residual heat will allow the roast to climb in temperature another 10-15 degrees or so, ensuring that the finished roast is medium rare and not over cooked.
5. Eye of round roast is easiest to slice when it’s chilled. I found that if I’m going to use the meat for making French dip sandwiches, Roast Beef Wellington, subs, or sliders, it’s best to cool the roast completely and then refrigerate it. Once the roast is chilled, it is very easily sliced into wonderfully thin slices that are gorgeous and easy to eat.
So What IS Eye of Round Roast and Where Does it Come From?
Yikes – eye of round roast comes from the back leg of the cow, which gets a ton of use. And because it gets a lot of use this also means eye of round roast is a very lean cut; if it’s not cooked properly, it will be tough and chewy, just like shoe leather. No good.
But have no fear – there are positives! Because the eye of round muscle gets a big workout on the cow, this cut of beef will absolutely have rich, meaty flavor…..as long as it’s not overcooked.
Eye of round is a type of rump roast.
What to Love About Cooking Eye of Round Roast for Your Family –
- Because it is so very lean, eye of round roast can be on the dinner table in a flash.
- Eye of Round Roast slices beautifully and can be served as the star of the show along with your favorite side dishes.
- If you are a fan of roast beef sliders, subs and French Dip sandwiches, leftover thinly-sliced eye of round roast is absolutely delish.
- Eye of round is very budget friendly and can be found at most grocery stores and butcher shops.
What Ingredients Will I Need to Make Eye of Round Roast Beef?
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Granulated garlic
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Eye of Round Roast, 3 lbs.
What Ingredients Will I Need if I Choose to Make the Pan Sauce for the Roast?
- Pan drippings from cooking the roast
- Red wine, such as a merlot or a cab
- Beef broth
- Unsalted butter
- Flour
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
How to Cook Eye of Round Roast in 6 Easy Steps –
- The day ahead (or at least 4-6 hours ahead), slather the roast with a bit of olive oil, then season with the salt, garlic, and pepper; place the prepared roast into a gallon bag and into the fridge.
- When you are ready to cook the eye of round roast, remove it from refrigeration and then from the plastic bag to the counter allowing it to rest at room temperature for at least an hour.
- When the roast has rested and your are ready to prepare it, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the beef into a greased roasting pan or Dutch oven and roast the eye of round, uncovered, on the center oven rack for 20-25 minutes or until nicely browned all over the top and bottom.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. and continue to cook the roast, uncovered, for 45-60 minutes, just until it reaches 125 degrees F. at the center of the roast. (Yep, I know this may seem like a very rare temperature, but you still have to let the roast raise in temp from residual heat as it rests, so don’t worry!)
- Remove the roast from the oven, covering the pan very well with foil; let the roast rest for 20-30 minutes so it can raise in internal temperature another 10-15 degrees or so, to medium-rare doneness.
- Place the cooked and rested roast onto a large cutting board; using a sharp carving knife, slice the roast into servings slices, as desired.
Is Eye of Round Considered to be a Good Cut of Beef?
Many people are not as familiar with this cut of beef as they are other beef roasts, so it is often overlooked. However, an eye of round roast is very economical, quick-cooking, and super flavorful when cooked to medium-rare.
How Much Does Eye of Round Cost?
Eye of Round is going to run about $3.50 per lb. on average. Compare that to a chuck roast that’s usually at least $5.75 per lb! Eye of round roast is an inexpensive and economical choice at the meat case.
And, because eye of round roast has no bones, it’s a great value because you can slice the entire roast – nothing is wasted!
Is There More Than One Way to Cook a Beef Eye of Round Roast?
Some cooks prefer to cook the eye of round at a low temperature all the way through the cooking period.
Others, like myself, like the method of starting the roast out at a high oven temperature (to get good, deep browning on the surface of the roast), then reduce the temperature to a lower setting for the duration of the cooking process.
Is There a Secret to Making a Tender and Juicy Medium-Rare Roast Beef Every Time?
Because the eye of round roast is so very lean, the best thing you can do is to make sure that it doesn’t get over cooked.
Eye of round roast is best when cooked to 125 degrees F. as an internal temperature, then wrapped in foil and left to rest for at least 20 minutes.
This 20 minute resting period is what lets the roast continue cooking from residual heat, pushing the internal temperature up to 135-140 degrees F. which is a perfect, medium-rare doneness.
The resting period is also very important because it gives the protein fibers of the roast time to relax. The resting period also lets the juices to gather back into the center of the meat so that when you slice it the roast is nice and juicy.
Why Does This Recipe Say to Season the Roast the Day Before? Can’t I Just do That Step Right Before Cooking it?
The step of pre-salting is known as dry brining. It is a very worthy step for cooking a delicious eye of round roast and must be done at least 4-6 hours (but preferably 24 hours) previous to when you want to cook the meat.
The salt initially draws liquid out of the meat, and after a time, all of the liquid goes back into the meat – bringing the salt and seasonings with it, adding great flavor to the interior of the meat as it cooks.
You can season the roast just before you want to cook it, but doing so doesn’t allow the roast to gain the juiciness and flavor that most of us enjoy.
Is Eye of Round the Best Roast to Cook if I want Roast Beef that I can Serve in Slices for a Dinner?
You bet. Because eye of round is super lean, it’s best served when cut across the grain, into slices that are no more than 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick.
These slices of beef look beautiful when overlapped upon on each other on a serving platter, drizzled with the pan sauce, if desired. Then, just add your favorite roast beef side dishes.
What if I Want to Serve the Roast Without Making the Pan Sauce? Will it still taste good?
Great question! As long as your roast has been properly seasoned, browned on the exterior, and cooked to medium-rare it will be delicious with or without the pan sauce – no worries.
What Can You Do with Eye of Round Roast?
Eye of round roast is really delicious when sliced super, super thin and used for making sliders, subs, and French Dip sandwiches.
At the commercial level, eye of round roast is what becomes deli meat at the grocery store or a roast beef on a bun from your favorite fast food joint.
Because eye of round roast is a very lean and tough cut, it’s typically not a good roast for making pulled beef or shredded beef, which is best made from a chuck roast or any roast that has good fat marbling, cooked low and slow until very nice and tender.
Is Eye of Round Roast Where Round Steak Comes From?
Yep! And we all know round steak is one of the toughest cuts in the meat case. Because round steak is the eye of round roast that is sliced into fairly thick slices by the butcher, it needs moist heat, such as braising (simmering) in a liquid, very low and slow.
Helpful Tips for Making Tender and Juicy Eye of Round Beef –
- When cooking any roast (beef or pork, either one) always be sure to let it rest on the counter, unwrapped, for at least an hour or so. Resting removes the chill from the meat and lets it relax so it can cook much more evenly, no matter what the cooking source will be….oven, stove top, grill, or smoker.
- Never overcook eye of round roast, if at all possible! Because this is such a very lean cut of beef, it can easily overcook if you don’t keep a careful watch with your instant-read meat thermometer.
- Over cooking eye of round roast will seal it’s fate: it will be nearly flavorless, dry, and chewy. Don’t go there!
- Never cook an eye of round roast without using a meat thermometer of some kind. The use of a meat thermometer will keep from overcooking the roast, this is very important.
- Before slicing an eye of round roast, be sure to let it rest, covered, when you remove it from the oven. This resting period is very important for letting the protein fibers relax and to allow the beef juices to integrate back into the center of the roast.
- Always be sure to slice any meat (beef, pork, venison, bison…whatever) across the grain. Slicing meat against the grain (instead of with the grain) cuts the protein fibers into shorter pieces, helping the meat be tender and easy to chew.
- The reason you don’t want to cut a roast or any hunk of meat with the grain (or along it) is because this leaves the protein fibers in long lengths; this can make meat tough and hard to chew….often compared to shoe leather.
What Tools are Useful When Making a Tender and Juicy Eye of Round Roast?
- Meat thermometer – I prefer an instant-read probe, but a traditional meat thermometer works fine, as well. It’s also handy to use a digital thermometer that has dual probes that can notify you when the meat raises to the temperature you’ve programmed for.
- A good 12-inch heavy-bottomed, deep skillet, or a 6-quart Dutch oven, or a roasting pan – any one of these will work fine for cooking any size of eye of round roast since they average 2-4 lbs. in size. I really prefer using my 12-inch cast iron skillet when cooking eye of round.
- A knife for slicing meat, a very sharp carving knife, pr an electric knife for slicing nice, thin slices of roast beef.
- A heavy-duty meat fork for lifting the roast in and out of the pan and also for holding it in place as you slice it.
- A large wooden cutting board with a channel as a solid, safe work surface for slicing the roast.
More Meat Recipes to Enjoy –
- How to Make Braised Beef Short Ribs
- Tender and Juicy Smoked Tri Tip
- French Dip Beef Sandwiches
- Killer Hamburger Steak in a Skillet
- 4 Easy Methods for Making Delicious Pulled Pork
- Fool-Proof Oven Prime Rib
- How to Cook a Frozen Turkey Breast in Your Instant Pot
- Marinated Steak Bites (Air Fryer, Skillet, or Oven)
- Eye of Round Caesar Salad
Printable Eye of Round Beef Roast Recipe
How to Cook Eye of Round Roast Beef
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Roast
- 1 Tbs. Olive oil may substitute vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tsp. Kosher salt
- 1 tsp. Granulated garlic
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 Eye of round roast, 3 lbs.
Ingredients for the Pan Sauce
- pan drippings from cooking the roast
- 2 Tbs. red wine, such as cabernet or merlot
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 Tbs. unsalted butter softened
- 2 Tbs. all purpose flour
Instructions
Prepare the Roast the Night Before
- Slather the roast with the olive oil on all sides, then season the roast with the salt, garlic, and black pepper. Place the roast into a large freezer bag; seal the bag and place it into a bowl in the fridge.
Make the Roast
- 1-2 hours before you want to cook the eye of round roast, remove it from the plastic bag and let it rest on the counter, uncovered. This will let the roast rest and also removes the chill from the meat so it can cook much move evenly.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the prepared roast into a greased 12-inch cast iron skillet or roasting pan, then into the oven on the center rack. Roast the meat, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until very nicely browned all over the top and bottom.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.; continue to cook the roast, uncovered, for 45-60 minutes, just until it reaches 125 degrees F. at the center of the roast. Begin testing the internal temperature of the roast at about the 40 minute mark to be sure you don't overcook the roast – this is very important.
- When the roast reaches the internal temperature of 120-125 degrees F. at the center, remove it from the oven, placing it onto a large cutting board. Cover the roast well with foil; let the roast rest for 20-30 minutes.
Make the Pan Sauce
- While the roast rests, make the pan sauce. Over medium heat, add the wine to the drippings in the skillet or roasting pan; use a whisk to remove any of the attached bits of fond that are stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Continue whisking until the wine is nearly evaporated, then stir in the broth and heat until simmering.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter with the flour to form a paste, then add to the simmering broth, cooking over medium low for 8-10 minutes or until nicely thickened; season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve the Eye of Round Roast
- Using a sharp carving knife, cut the roast into slices, across the grain. Place the slices onto plates; drizzle with the pan sauce, as desired.
Notes
- When cooking any roast (beef or pork, either one) always be sure to let it rest on the counter, unwrapped, for at least an hour or so. This removes the chill from the meat and lets it relax so it can cook much more evenly, no matter what the cooking source will be….oven, stove top, grill, or smoker.
- Never overcook eye of round roast, if at all possible! Because this is such a very lean cut of beef, it can easily overcook if you don’t keep a careful watch with your instant-read meat thermometer.
- Over cooking eye of round roast will seal it’s fate: it will be nearly flavorless, dry, and chewy. Don’t go there!
- Never cook an eye of round roast without using a meat thermometer of some kind. The use of a meat thermometer will keep from overcooking the roast, this is very important.
- Before slicing an eye of round roast, be sure to let it rest, covered, when you remove it from the oven. This resting period is very important for letting the protein fibers relax and to allow the beef juices to integrate back into the center of the roast.
- Always be sure to slice any meat (beef, pork, venison, bison…whatever) across the grain. Slicing meat against the grain (instead of with the grain) cuts the protein fibers into shorter pieces, helping the meat be tender and easy to chew.
- The reason you don’t want to cut a roast or any hunk of meat with the grain (or along it) leaves the protein fibers in long lengths which can make meat tough and hard to chew….often compared to shoe leather.
Nutrition
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This will be a New Year Roast for sure, new year, new recipe!! Thanks for delving into figuring out the BEST way to roast this cut. Your site is fabulous and I appreciate your taking the time and thought to help create some amazing dishes. Charlene Haney
Hi Charlene –
Thank you so much for your nice comment – I’m excited for you to give the eye of round roast a try. Please let me know what you think of the whole process awa the roast itself – I’ll be anxious to hear!
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
Happy New Year!!
I am sharing this recipe w/ my husband! He made a roast last week and it was TOUGH!!! SO TOUGH infact that we all had a hard time finishing it! I’m excited to experiment w/ your other recipes too. We usually end up just making roast beef sandwiches w/ our leftovers…. BORING! Thanks for all your AMAZING ideas!!!
Hi Mandy –
I’m sorry you guys had a bad experience with the roast – we’ve ALL had that happen, for sure. I’m getting ready to make a recipe post on How to Make a Delicious Fork-Tender Roast. I think there are lots of folks who would like some help in learning how to make a juicy and tender chuck roast. Stay tuned!!
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
Excellent, delicious, I followed your recipe all the way. I have finally found a recipe that I like for eye of round roast. We have our own beef and every time I make it comes out tough. Thank you very much for your recipe..
Blessings,
Farmergal
Hi Farmergal –
Thank you so much for letting me know you had a good experience with this recipe. I, too, was glad to finally discover the best route to take for cooking eye of round roast – it’s not easy until you know a few solid tricks. I really appreciate your comment and the rating, too!
Let’s Keep Cookin’,
Chef Alli
I was very nervous about this once I realized I had bought this cut of beef. Followed it almost to the tea but I didn’t season the day before. After it had cooked on the lower temp for less than twenty minutes the temp was 140. Yikes. But I allowed it to rest and it turned out perfectly. Tender and flavorful. I’m a happy cooker. I got a new Misen carving knife for Christmas and it was able to cut it paper thin for French dip tomorrow! The pan sauce aka gravy was wonderful. I’ll never make it any other way now!
Hi Connie –
I’m so glad to know you had success with this eye of round roast recipe. It’s not exactly an easy cut of roast to cook, but sure is delicious once you get it figured out and can have a little bit of confidence under your belt. It’s absolutely the best roast for slicing super thin and serving for French dip and also sliders. Thanks for letting me know that you enjoyed this recipe.
Let’s Keep Cookin’,
Chef Alli
I finally feel like a made a proper roast. Not chewy, and full of juice and flavor. I don’t know if I trust my old oven thermometer, but it seems to have come out wonderfully.
Allli, do you have any time recommendations for Convection Roast?
Hi Dave –
I’m so excited that you are please with the roast you made. Ann an eye of round roast is definitely not the EASIEST cut of meat to cook, that’s for sure!
And when you say a Convection Roast, are you just meaning which cut of roast would be best for cooking in a convection oven? Just wanting to clarify.
Chef Alli
Thank you for the advice about how to cut meat…something I somehow had never heard. BTW, I cook all meats with a temperature probe (mine is ThermoWorks)…it beeps when the meat reaches temp, so no constant checking.
Hi There –
Thanks for the temperature probe suggestion. To be real honest, I don’t even know why I’ve never jumped up to that…good grief! I’m glad you shared the brand you use – I love a good personal reference. I’m glad the meat cutting suggestions helped. All the things that go into cooking MEAT can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, so I try to give helpful tips whenever I can.
Thank you for reaching out and for the 5 Star rating, too.
Let’s Keep Cookin’…..MEAT!
Chef Alli
Cooked this eye of round roast – following the recipe to the letter, it was so darn good, family raved about it. Thanks for the detailed instructions, much appreciated. It’s an affordable cut these days, and well worth looking for.
Hi Todd –
I am absolutely thrilled that this recipe worked so well for you – thanks for letting me know and also for the 5 star rating. That cut is a great value, as long as you have good success in cooking it. Love how beautifully it slices.
Let’s Keep Cookin’,
Chef Alli
This was the best eye of round roast I have ever cooked! I followed the recipe exactly as written and the result was perfect. Very easy to do also! I will be using this recipe again!
Hi Leesa –
Thanks for letting me know that this recipe was a success for you – it totally makes my day to learn that a recipe of mine helped someone be successful. Eye of round roast is definitely not the easiest cut of beef to get right, either! But, boy is it delicious when you get it right.
Let’s Keep Cookin’,
Chef Alli
What a wonderful recipe! I quit buying sliced roast beef in the deli… TASTELESS and around $13 -$14 a pound. (The roast I bought at Sam’s Club today, 03/11/22, was $4.04 a pound – $21.45 for a 5.31 pound roast) I am literally, again, cooking an eye roast at this moment. I have used your recipe now for the 4th time and the roast comes out perfect EVERYTIME. I always use it thinly sliced for sandwiches so after it rests and completely cools, I refrigerate it overnight. It slices like a dream when the roast is cold. Thank you again for this recipe. Perfect!
Hi Beth –
Well, I’d say you made my day, but you actually just made my entire YEAR with your feedback on this recipe. When someone uses one of my recipes, I’m THRILLED when it’s a great experience for them – thank you SO MUCH for letting me know that it went well!!!
Chef Alli
Very moist meat and the gravy was delicious!
Hi Barbara –
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed this recipe. I sure appreciate the feedback – you made my day!
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
Thank you for this recipe, it was delicious. The only problem I encountered was my roast did not brown, it was a 2 lb eye of round roast, used a 12″ cast iron skillet, placed it on the middle rack (which put the roast in the top half of the oven) checked it every 5 min after 15 mins, it was 30 mins before it browned, it did get a bit overdone, (135) but was still pink and juicy. Then, my wooden cutting board cracked while I was making the sauce and a good portion of the meat juices were lost. Despite that, the roast (mostly medium, not medium rare which is my favorite) and sauce were just delicious. Note: I have an electric oven, it that matters. Thank you, Linda
Sorry, meant to include the 5 Star Rating
Linda
Hi Linda –
Thank you for this comment on the recipe as well as the 5 star rating – I so appreciate it. As for your roast not browning, I’m not sure exactly as to why that would have happened! And, having an electric oven wouldn’t play into that scenario, as far as I’m aware. Was the roast cold when you began? Was the roast super moist on the exterior for some reason? I will give this more thought to see if I can help you for next time. So sorry to learn that your cutting board cracked and away went your meat juices….LIFE!! I’m with you on the medium-rare, too. It’s the best. 🙂
Again, I’ll give this more thought to see what I can come up with.
Sincerely and thanks again,
Chef Alli
Thank you for your response, the roast was left out before cooking however, you are quite right, it was very moist from the olive oil…I used too much. Also bought a good quality plastic cutting board for meat. 🙂 thanks again
Hi Linda – Well, to be honest, the oil should really help the roast brown better and more quickly! I was thinking more about the moisture that would be in the roast BEFORE rubbing it with the oil. I would like to help you conquer so you can have that really good browning on the exterior – so flavorful!
Glad you got a new cutting board 😎
Your fan,
Chef Alli
P.S. Is the element in the TOP of your oven working well?
Hi Linda –
I’ve been thinking further about your roast. When you try it again (and I sure hope you will!), here’s what I want you to do:
1. Preheat your oven to 500 degrees F. Move the rack into the top 2/3 of the oven so it’s closer to the top oven element.
2. Once fully preheated, add the prepared (rested) roast and proceed as directed in the recipe. If the roast becomes too browned, move the rack back to the center of the oven and proceed. I think this will make the process work better for your particular oven.
Please let me know if this works – I may need to adjust my recipe to include this. If you’re having trouble with it, there are likely others experiencing the same.
Thanks a bunch,
Alli
I will definitely be making this roast again, it was delicious. The best eye of round roast I have ever had ( you would cringe at how I used to make it). I checked the top heat element and it is working and will follow your directions next time and let you know. Thank you again for your help. I really look forward to trying your other recipes. Linda
Hi ,
This weekend I plan on making your Eye of Round roast. My roast is a bit over 6 lbs, will this change the cooking time? I’m excited to try your recipe ~ TIA
Hi Chris – Excited to learn you are trying this recipe. If you look through the comments, I think you can see what various people have experienced and that it’s a pretty solid recipe. We love it!
As for cooking your 6 lb. guy, yes, you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Typically for oven cooking a roast at 350 degrees F, you allow approx. 12-15 minutes per pound. So, a 6 lb. roast would typically need to cook for about 72-90 minutes. HOWEVER, since an eye of round roast is a very very LEAN roast, I’d opt to cook it for 11-12 minutes per pound so that you don’t wind up with an OVERCOOKED hunk of beef…this leads to great sadness! You can always ADD more cooking time, but you can’t SUBTRACT it. Undercooking meat initially is much better than overcooking it because then you’re sunk.
1. Be sure to let your roast rest on the counter for 2-3 hours, unwrapped, so the chill can remove itself from the meat somewhat. THIS IS SO SO IMPORTANT FOR THE BEST COOKING EXPERIENCE, ESPECIALLY EYE OF ROUND ROAST.
2. Don’t wait to the very end of the cooking time before you begin checking the internal temperature of the roast at the center. This way, instead of just cooking by time, you are cooking by actual internal temperature. This will ensure you don’t end up over cooking the roast.
3. Don’t be alarmed about removing the roast from the oven when the internal temperature is only 125-130 degrees at the center. This internal temperature will continue to rise by 5-10 more degrees as the roast rests (covered). The resting period AFTER you cook the roast is very important, too. This is when the roast can finish cooking and rest a bit, allowing all the protein fibers to relax so the eating experience is tender and lush.
4. Medium-rare is the goal for an eye of round roast, as is slicing it across the grain into thin slices.
Don’t let these tips get you overwhelmed, please. They are just tools to help you along the way as you cook your eye of round. I have every confidence in you!!
Please report back with your experience with your recipe so others can hear what you encountered and how it went. I’d also love a rating from you after you make this recipe, if you’d be so kind.
You can do this!!
Your fan,
Chef Alli
Hilariously enough my name is Alli too 🙂 (I’m easily amused…) I had forgotten what temp to pull out an eye of roast. I usually just go by feel and it turns out great but parents are worry-worts and I have to make sure it’s just above mid-rare 🙄 I’m using a rotisserie this evening… Hope it’s not TOO uneven! Fingers crossed! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
Well Hello There ALLI!!
Let me know how the eye of round turns out – I bet the rotisserie will work great. Love the eye of round at medium rare – just perfect with a good tinge of deep pink…I’m salivating just thinking of it. Enjoy!!
Chef Alli
Quick question for the chef. Do you cook in fan forced or conventional top and bottom elements. I’ve found fan forced cooks much quicker than conventional and your cooking times suggest you’re using conventional. My eye of round roast is 1.8kg (3.9lb). Thank you for all the cooking tips.
Hi there –
Yes, the recipe is created using a conventional oven. Great question since a convection will cook much more quickly! This is why we should all be cooking by internal temperature and not by time. Please let me know how your roast turns out in the convection oven!
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
Thanks so much your quick response Alli. I’ll certainly let you know how it turns out. I don’t have a thermometer (keep meaning to buy one) so I’ll have to go on ‘feel and poke’ 🙂
I am thrilled to say this is the most perfect, detailed recipe! My grocer had eye o round on sale his week or $3.99 lb. so I bought one and fortunately found your recipe. I really appreciated your explanations for why things needed to be done a certain way. I followed your instructions to the letter and just finished slicing it up (it was cooled first). It’s tender, full of flavor and moist! I used a Thermo Pro digital thermometer which I love; it even has a magnet on the back of the unit so I can attach to the outside oven door and has a beeper. Thanks so much!
Hi Mary –
I’m so excited! First that you had a great experience with cooking your eye of round roast, and secondly that you would let me know.Love cooking success stories b/c it keeps us going in the kitchen.
Thanks a bunch,
Chef Alli
I have cooked 3 Eye of Round roast since finding your recipe and they all have come out perfectly! Thank you! You’re right about removing it from the oven at 125°. I checked the temp again about 20 minutes after it rested (tightly covered) and sure enough, the internal temp was 135°. After it cools down, I refrigerate it until nice and chilled because I like to slice it thin with my deli slicer for roast beef sandwiches. I truss the roast if the ends are tapered or thin for even cooking. Thank you again!
Hi TJ –
Thanks for letting me know that you’ve been successful with this eye of round roast recipe. I’m so glad it’s been a winner for you! And thanks so much for the tip on trussing the ends of the roast for more even cooking – great idea!!!
Let’s Keep Cookin’,
Chef Alli
Thank you so much for this recipe! Although I am an experienced mom/chef I’ve never been able to understand the different cuts of beef and how to cook them. This recipe and all of your helpful instructions were so helpful. I’m going to check out some more beef recipes now. I’m feeling confident!
Hi Gina –
I totally understand how you feel about all the cuts of beef and how to cook them. Recipes can vary greatly and sometimes it’s a bit confusing when we stand before the meat case that is holding all those choices! I am super excited to know that you found this eye of round roast recipe helpful. That makes my day! Cooking meat can be a bit scary so it’s my goal to help home cooks be successful. Please let me know if you have any specific meat questions! If I don’t have the answers, I’ll get busy and FIND them for you. 🙂
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
Made this for dinner tonight and followed recipe exactly as is and it was perfect My new go to for eye of round !
Hi Lori – So glad to know this recipe guided you into a delicious eye of round roast experience…my work is done! I appreciate the 5-star review and your comment – it helps a bunch.
Let’s Keep Cookin’,
Chef Alli
I made this just the way you said and it came out great. Couldn’t stop eating it! One thing I do is warm up my cast iron pan in the preheating oven, not to the full 450′ but enough to warm it up a bit. It was great!
Hi Robert –
Thank you for taking time to let me know that this recipe worked well for you – I’m glad your roast was a success. Also, I appreciate the tip regarding warming up your cast iron pan when the oven is preheating – great idea!!
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
Thanks, Chris, for posting this question and Alli for your thorough response! I’m hosting Christmas dinner on a bit of a tight budget this year so I decided to go with an Eye Round roast in addition to turkey. I’m working with a 8lb roast so I was a bit terrified. These extra tips will be extremely helpful.
Hi Karen –
Hope your roast turned out perfect. Eye of round roast can be a bit tricky so I hope you did find all the extra tips to be of use.
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. We were a bit nervous cooking an eye of round roast for the first time and your tips completely saved us. Our roast was delicious, juicy and definitely not overcooked.
Hi there –
I am THRILLED to learn that this recipe was a success for you. I’m always nervous cooking eye of round roast as well since it’s so very lean, but when it turns out right it’s soooo flavorful. Glad you had a delicious and juicy experience!!
Let’s Keep Cookin’,
Chef Alli
Hi Alli,
When you take it out of the oven do you leave it in the pan to rest covered or do you take it out of the pan and put it on the cutting board? Maybe I’m just tired, but your directions seem to contradict. I want to use this method but I want to be sure to do it right. thank you!
This was a great recipe! I made eye of round last year for xmas with great failure! This recipe was very tasty and if you follow the directions on cooking it comes out tasting wonderful! I was thinking about stuffing whole garlic into the meat wondering if that would change the outcome!
Hi Jeff –
I’m so glad you found this recipe to be successful for you. Eye of round roast is certainly not the easiest roast to cook, that’s for sure….way to go!! As for stuffing the whole garlic cloves into the meat, I think that would be delicious and I’m going to try that myself with this recipe. I think the garlic would only ADD to the flavor profile.
Let’s Keep Cookin’,
Chef Alli
I’m no really good cook, and have had some trouble with roasts in the past, but this recipe came out great. I followed your directions exactly and it was sooo good. Thank you, Alli.
Hi Robert –
Well, you must be a pretty darn good cook since you conquered an eye of round roast – it’s certainly not the easiest roast to be successful with since it’s so darn lean. I’m thrilled to know this recipe went well for you – it made my day!!
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
I made this just today. I always cook roasts in a crockpot and shred them. Once I did that with eye of round and thought it didn’t have much flavor. So, I had another one (sale at the grocery) and thought I’d look up recipes for roasting them. Oh, my, this turned out perfectly! Thank you for this wonderful recipe! It’s a keeper for sure and will be a good one for company.
Hi Allyson –
I’m so glad to learn this recipe was good to you! Sometimes cooking meat is scary since it’s not exactly inexpensive. Plus, eye of round roast can be a bit tricky to get just right. Thank you so much for letting me know this was technique was successful for you. Awesome!
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
My roast is much smaller – 1 1/2 pounds. How long should I cook before starting to check temp? Also – I usually sear a roast and cook in cast iron. Would this make a difference? Seems like searing it might not raise the temperature as much or as quickly but I am curious. Just bought my roast today – smaller size – cooking for two. I look forward to your answer!
Hi Marie –
I would probably start checking the internal temperature of a smaller roast like yours around the 2-025 minute mark once you’ve lowered the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. You can always add more cooking time to the roast, but once it’s over-cooked, there’s no going back, so do keep a watchful eye on that internal temperature. As for the cast iron question, that’s what I use too, and it’s noted in the recipe card – works great!!
Let me know how this turns out for you – I’ll be anxious to hear back.
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
I’ve made it this way a couple of times following your recipe. It’s delicious!
Hi Robert –
I’m so glad to know this eye of round roast cooking method was successful for you. I appreciate your comment here to let me know AND the 5-star rating, too! Let’s Keep Cookin’,
Chef Alli
Absolutely fantastic! Had a couple close friends over for dinner and the such. Was a bit apprehensive about giving it a go, but hey your directions and tips are easy to follow and spot on! Absolutely delicious, thank you!
Hi Scott –
Yay! Thank you for taking time to let me know this recipe was a success for you. You made my day.
Let’s Keep Cookin’,
Chef Alli
Excellent recipe! Tried it with a 3 plus # eye of round roast. Perfect outcome. This will be my go to recipe for cooking my beef roast. Your instructions were easy, tips were great and YOU NAILED THE RECIPE. Thank you for making my Mother’s Day Dinner very special! If there were more stars to use, I would use them.
Hi Karen – So glad to learn you had a great experience with this recipe! That just makes my heart so happy. Cooking is hard work and I’m thrilled to learn when some one is successful with a recipe, especially when meat is involved. Thank you for letting the know- I appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
I have a very big piece of meat, 8 lbs. Should I roast it whole, or cut into 2 pieces?
Hi Mary –
You could do it either way. It will take a bit longer if you cook it whole, of course, but as long as you use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast (no matter the size) just until it reaches 125-135 degrees F. at the center, with a covered resting period, it should always be fine. When slicing the eye of round, always slice ACROSS the grain of the meat, into very thin slices. Hope this helps and that your roast is a great success! Please let me know how it turns out for you.
Chef Alli
Love, Love, LOVE this recipe. Best roast beef I’ve ever made, or had; and it was in-law approved. Follow the recipe exactly and you won’t be let down. Printing, laminating and saving this one. Thank you Chef Alli!!!!
Hi Jenn –
I’m thrilled you find this recipe for eye of round roast to be a good one! We think it’s a keeper, too, and make it often.
I so appreciate your comment here.
Thank you,
Chef Alli
With the exception of adding the salt and pepper just before cooking, I followed the recipe exactly. My 2 1/2 lb eye of the round cooked to 125° in about 30 minutes. Perfect medium rare. I allowed it to cool to make thin slicing easier and reheated in a pan gravy. Tender and very flavorful. Hard to believe the cut came from the round. I served it with Yorkshire pudding and roasted potatoes and onions. Perfect. Thank you for the detailed recipe.
Hi Peter –
Thank you for letting me know your experience with the eye of round roast recipe! I appreciate you letting me know and I’m so glad it worked well for you.
Let’s Keep Cookin’,
Chef Alli
I just finished dinner and it was so good.
I used your cooking directions but different seasonings ( I have non-garlic people here).
It was juicy, tender and so flavorful!
I know what we’re having for lunch tomorrow!
While I was cooking I looked at your Prime Rib recipe, looks delicious!
Thanks for your great cooking directions!
Hi Kimberlee –
Thank you so much for letting me know that this eye of round roast recipe was successful for you. Eye of round is not an especially easy roast to conquer, so I’m thrilled it turned out so well for you!! Totally makes my day!
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
P.S. Sure hope you give the prime rib recipe a try. Would love to hear your experience with that recipe, as well. The holidays will be here before we know it!
I have never made this roast before, actually I haven’t made any type of roast in many years but after reading your recipe for eye of round roast I purchased one day to try. Your detailed recipe is so easy and wonderful to follow. I am looking forward to following your recipe and will share the experience with all! Thank you for you knowledge in making this recipe.
Hi Nadine – Now I’m going to be on pins and needles until I hear back from you on the outcome of this eye of round roast. I say this sincerely, too! Eye of round roast is not the easiest roast to cook (it’s soooo lean!) but
I sure hope you are wildly successful with it. I’ve tried to give as many cooking tips and detailed instruction as I can to help. Please DO let me know the outcome. Fingers and toes crossed!!
Your fan in waiting,
Chef Alli
1st time making a roast. Your instructions were easy to follow. I was so worried that I would overcook it. I decided to use the lower time range to be on the safe side. The roast was cooked to perfection. Tender with a pink center. Cut the meat thinly, & made sandwiches. My brother had 2 helpings.
Hi Nancy –
I’m thrilled that your eye of round was a success. Two helpings is the best compliment ever!! Thank you for letting me know, and I so appreciate the 5 star review.
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
Hi! I bought a eye round roast to make it stuck it in the freezer for future cooking. Took it out to make this weekend. I rarely make roasts because they make me
Uncomfortable as I like my meats medium well and roasts should be cooked more on the rare side but I decided to buy this roast and try it as my husband likes it more rare. Your directions are so complete and easy to follow
And I am excited to give it a try! Thank you and I will let you know it comes out!
Hi Nadine –
Love your roast enthusiasm! I sure do hope you’ll try the recipe to see if the directions work well and the outcome is delicious for you. Please let me know. Hope it’s grand!
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
I made your eye round recipe and it was delicious! Only problem was that my oven must be hotter than it should be so meat wasn’t as rare as it should have been. It was still tender and moist and so yummy especially with the sauce. Thank you for your explicit directions! Looking forward to following more of your recipes.
Hi Nadine –
Thank you for swinging back around to follow up on your eye of round experience – I so appreciate it. There are always lots of variables that can affect how things cook (or don’t cook!) and that can sure affect the outcome of a recipe. I always like to remind my people (and myself!) that a recipe is just a guide, nothing is set in stone. I’m glad the roast was a success for you since that means you are likely to use my recipe again. Great news!
Let’s Keep Cookin’,
Chef Alli
My hubby was very sceptical about the medium rare so I had another meat ready for him. We both absolutely loved it! Was so tender and the best gravy ever.Thank you!
Hi Diane –
I understand completely! So thrilled you enjoyed this eye of round roast recipe – you’ve made my day!
Thank you for letting me know,
Chef Alli
Thank you for your fabulous recipe. Not sure about the price per pound in 2020 but I just paid $7.50 a pound for an Eye of round roast. It did, however, turn out great, but I told my family this will be our Christmas Eve dinner this year and also their gift! Preparing meat of any type today is definitely not economical.
Hi Elaine –
I’m not sure which area of the country you live, but I’m sure $7.50 per pound is probably typical for eye of round currently. At least there are no bones involved so the entire roast can be eaten – that helps a little bit!
Thank you for letting me know that you found this recipe to be a good one. I sure appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
I’m curious if this could be cooked successfully on the oven setting in a Ninja 4 in 1? Any feedback?
I’m definitely going to use my regular oven for the first one because I don’t want to risk ruining it.
Hi Twyla –
I’m sorry but I don’t have any experience cooking with the Ninja 4, so I can’t advise. I think it’s a super smart plan to make your first eye of round in the oven and then go from there. Once you can experience how delicious this eye of round roast is in the oven, you’ll have the confidence to try it in the Ninja and know how you want it to be. I’m a huge fan of this roast now – it’s so delicious thinly sliced!!
Let me know the outcome for you,
Chef Alli
This was the best recipe, for I eye of the round and gravy that I have ever had. I did exactly as written and it was incredible! The gravy over the mashed potatoes was over the top! I just wish I had discovered this 20 years ago. Thank you so much for sharing that.
Hi Millie –
I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to learn this – you’ve made my year! I so appreciate you taking time to let me know and also for the 5-star rating. So glad this recipe delivered for you!
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
Excellent results! I cooked according to the recipe. While in the 450 degree oven in my cast iron skillet, I noticed it wasn’t browning so I turned the roast over 2 times to get it all browned. The roast was at 119 degrees after 35 mins. I left it in another 5 and it went just a tad too far but was still delicious! The sauce was amazing but Next time I would thin it a bit as mine became very thick, very quickly. I also recommend you have a very sharp knife to get the thinnest slices you can. 100% I would make this again!
Hi Camille –
Thanks for letting me know all these details – I appreciate it greatly. I’m thrilled you enjoyed the eye of round made according to this recipe. You’ve made my day!
Sincerely,
Chef Alli
Excellent result. Instructions easy to follow with a fantastic result. The sauce was my wife’s favourite part. No knives needed at the table since the beef was sliced razor thin. Leftovers will be lunch for the next couple of days. Thanks again.
Chef Kevin
Hi Chef Kevin –
So glad this recipe performed well for you, and that you would take time to let me know- I truly appreciate it!
Let’s keep cookin’,
Chef Alli
I was unprepared going in – hunting for a recipe at the last minute for the eye of round roast I had, so unfortunately I didn’t marinade as you instruct. I did everything else exactly as you wrote it. Honestly I wasn’t expecting too much, the other recipes I tried for eye of round were tough. I was so surprised and please with how it turned out!! It was delicious and you would never know it’s a tough cut of meat! My family loved it. This recipe is one I will keep and make often and next time will include the marinating step. Finally a perfect recipe for this tricky cut of beef. Thank you!!
Hi Ella – What a lovely comment and rating to wake up to this morning! I so appreciate you taking time to let me know this recipe worked well for you. Eye of round is delicious when we can get it right. So glad you could be successful with it for your fam.
Thanks again,
Chef Alli