Herb-Crusted Beef Roast with Pistachio-Leek Pesto

Round Roast with a pistachio-leek pesto becomes an affordable meal for weeknight or a special occasion.

  • 2 hrs
    30 min
  • 12
    SERVINGS
  • 350
    Cal
  • 45 g
    Protein

Ingredients & Cooking

Ingredients:

  • 1 beef Top Round Roast (3 to 4 pounds)
  • 1 cup sliced leeks, white and light green parts only (about 1 leek)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon freshly gound black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped shallots
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, toasted, divided
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Cooking:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F . Heat medium nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot; coat with cooking spray. Add leeks; cook 10 to 15 minutes until leeks are caramelized, stirring often. Set aside to cool.

    Season roast with 1-3/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.
  2. To prepare pesto, add leeks, basil, thyme, parsley, shallots, garlic and 1/4 cup pistachios to food processor container. Cover; process until smooth, scraping sides as needed. While food processor is running, add oil and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; process until blended, about 1 minute. Reserve 1/4 cup pesto mixture; cover and set aside. Add balsamic vinegar to food processor. Cover; process until smooth. Cover and set aside.
  3. Spread reserved 1/4 cup pesto over seasoned roast. Place roast, fat-side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef, not resting in fat. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 325°F oven 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 hours for medium rare doneness.
  4. Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare doneness. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°F to reach 145°F for medium rare.)
  5. Carve roast into slices; top with pesto and remaining 1/4 cup pistachios, as desired.

Safe Handling Tips

Nutrition Information

Butcher Counter

Top Round Roast Round Primal

A lean roast that should be slow-cooked to improve its tenderness and then sliced thinly across the grain.
Beef Checkoff

shot_3_openmeatcase_4089.jpg

beef faq's

We all know beef tastes great – but did you know that beef can be good for you, too? Check out some answers to your most pressing questions when it comes to incorporating beef into a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Learn More

PIC_Bear_Valley_Ranch_008.jpg

rethink the ranch

Much has changed since the days of cowboys, cattle drives and the Old West. Today, it's more about drones, apps and computers. Join us as we travel across the country talking to real, modern ranchers.

Learn More

shot_10_momcooking_primavera_2446.jpg

cooking lessons

Curious about the best way to braise a roast? Want to know how to make a delicious stir-fry or perfectly brown Ground Beef? Our cooking lessons have everything that you need!

Learn More

rancher-recipe-farmous-lasagna-horizontal.tif

rancher recipes

Crafted by ranchers across America, these recipes are flavorful, nutritious and proven to satisfy the heartiest of appetites.

see recipes