Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Herb Boneless Beef Roast?
It is a flavorful twist on a classic pot roast, featuring tender beef infused with lemon and aromatic herbs like basil and oregano.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What cut of beef is recommended for this recipe?
A 3 lb boneless beef rib roast, trimmed of excess fat, is recommended.
What are the primary herbs used in the beef rub?
The rub uses a combination of minced garlic, dry basil, dry oregano, and lemon pepper seasoning.
How long does it take to brown the roast?
It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to brown the seasoned roast on all sides in a Dutch oven.
Why should I pour off excess fat after browning?
Removing excess fat helps create a richer, cleaner flavor for the gravy without it being overly greasy.
How much water is added for the simmering process?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of water to be added to the pot.
What is the initial simmering time before adding vegetables?
The roast should simmer on low heat for about 2 hours before any vegetables are added.
What vegetables are included in this pot roast?
The recipe includes baby carrots, small red potatoes halved, and a medium onion cut into wedges.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
Once added, the vegetables and roast should cook together for an additional 40 minutes.
How do I know when the beef is ready?
The beef is ready when it is fork-tender, which usually happens after the total cooking time of about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
How is the gravy thickened?
The gravy is thickened using a mixture of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water stirred into the cooking liquid.
How long does it take for the gravy to thicken?
After adding the cornstarch mixture, the gravy should thicken and become bubbly in about 1 minute of stirring on medium heat.
How many calories are in one serving of this roast?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are approximately 30 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
What type of potatoes work best?
Small red potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well during the simmering process.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dry?
Yes, though you may need to increase the quantity as dry herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
Is olive oil necessary for this recipe?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to brown the roast, which helps lock in juices and add flavor.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic to be minced and added to the herb rub.
What does scraping the browned bits from the pot do?
Scraping the bits (called fond) releases caramelized flavors into the liquid, making the gravy more savory.
Do I need to cover the pot during cooking?
Yes, the pot should be covered during the 2-hour simmer and the final 40-minute vegetable cook time.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a family meal due to its hearty nature and slow-cooked preparation.
What is the purpose of lemon pepper in the rub?
The lemon pepper provides the 'zesty' citrus note that distinguishes this from a traditional pot roast.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients including the beef, vegetables, and seasonings.
Should I trim the roast before cooking?
Yes, the recipe suggests using a trimmed boneless beef rib roast.
How should I serve the roast?
Serve the sliced beef and vegetables on a platter with the lemon herb gravy drizzled over the top.
Can this be made in a Dutch oven?
Yes, a Dutch oven is the ideal vessel for this stovetop simmering method.
How should I keep the roast warm while making gravy?
Place the roast and vegetables on a platter and cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the ingredients list, there is no added sugar in this recipe.