Updated: by This post may contain paid links. See more info on my privacy page.
Craving bold, easy flavor? My Sweet and Salty Roast Beef Rub recipe, made using brown sugar, creates the perfect crust on any cut from prime rib to eye round! It's a quick, delicious upgrade you're going to love!
Jump to:
I can't get enough of the flavors in this roast beef rub - it's the star of the show every time I use it. The first time I tried it on a holiday beef tenderloin, I knew I'd found something special!
My roast beef seasoning perfectly balances sweet and salty with rich brown sugar, a touch of garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and Spanish paprika. It's simple, but packed with flavor.
I use this beef rub on everything from chuck roast to sous vide prime rib. Just thinking about this easy, crowd-pleasing rub makes me want to fire up the oven!
As my go-to seasoning for holiday meals and amazing family roasts, I'm excited to pass this recipe on to you. Give it a try!
Ingredients in Roast Beef Rub Seasoning
| Ingredient | Notes & Substitutions |
|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | Light or dark brown sugar both work well for roast beef rub. Keep in mind that dark brown sugar has a deeper molasses flavor than light brown sugar. |
| Spanish Paprika | If you use any other variety of paprika, such as hot, sweet, or smoked, the flavor will not be the same. Spanish paprika works best for this rub. |
| Ground Black Pepper | Freshly ground works best, but you can use pre-ground without issue. White pepper is a fine substitute if you happen to have it and don't have black pepper. |
| Garlic Powder | Make sure you're using garlic powder, and not dried minced garlic. That'll do in a pinch, but garlic powder is better for this rub. |
| Sea Salt | The best choices for salt are Maldon sea salt flakes (my favorite), Himalayan sea salt, or as an alternative, kosher salt. |
How to Make Roast Beef Seasoning
- Step 1: Add brown sugar, Spanish paprika, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and sea salt to a small bowl.
- Step 2: Mix all ingredients together until fully blended.
- Step 3: Store in an airtight container in your spice pantry, or use immediately for the beef recipe of your choice. Enjoy - it's amazing!
What to Make with Roast Beef Seasoning
I look forward to using this roast beef rub every year. No matter what cut I'm cooking, it always brings the flavor!
Honestly, I don't always wait for the holidays. My Eye Round Roast is a budget-friendly favorite, and it's the perfect excuse to whip up this sweet and salty rub more often.
Below are a few of my go-to roast beef recipes that pair perfectly with it. Try one (or all) and let me know which becomes your favorite!
This brown sugar rub works with every cut. Just like my favorite steak and rib rubs, it's bold, versatile, and brings out the best in your roast. Bonus: it's amazing if you're making au jus!
Isabel's Top Tips for Seasoning Roast Beef
- Thoroughly season all sides of your roast. Brush the roast with olive oil all over first, then pat the seasoning blend into the beef to coat it well. This will give you a beautiful crust every time.
- Season any veggies you're cooking with your roast with this roast beef rub, too! This brings the whole dish together.
- This is what I do with my Eye of Round Roast recipe. I season the corn, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes with this beef rub, and it ties everything together perfectly.
- I also love using this dry rub recipe on pork chops recipes.
FAQ
You can season the roast beef just before cooking it, or up to 24 hours in advance.
No, it doesn't matter which brown sugar you use. You can use either. Just keep in mind that dark brown sugar has a more molasses taste than light.
Yes, absolutely. Try rosemary, thyme, or sage for herbs - but I would only test a little to begin with depending on what flavor combination you're looking for. Feel free to add a kick of spice with cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Absolutely. You can store this rub for several months ahead in an airtight container such as a spice jar in a dry, cool location - such as your pantry with your other spices. If it clumps up, just give it another mix.
Eye of round roast is by far my favorite budget-friendly cut of beef for this rub. Check out my eye of round roast recipe for an example!
Rub Recipes
I love keeping a batch of this rub on hand. It's quick to mix and makes every roast feel like something special! If you're looking for a go-to beef rub that's easy, affordable, and packed with flavor, this one's sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe box. Let me know what you make in the comments below!
Roast Beef Rub
Video
Equipment
- Glass bowl and a fork/whisk/spoon to mix with
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 Tbsp. Spanish paprika - do not use smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp. sea salt
Instructions
- Add brown sugar, Spanish paprika, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and sea salt to a glass bowl.
- Mix together until fully blended. Use for roasts of all kinds. Enjoy!
Notes
- This mix makes close to 1½ cups of seasoning.
- Thoroughly season all sides of your roast. Brush the roast with olive oil all over first, then pat the seasoning blend into the beef to coat it well. This will give you a beautiful crust every time.
Phylis says
I'm not seeing temp and how long to cook for sweet and salty roast. I have it in the oven @350 but for how long?
Em Beitel says
Hi Phylis! Sorry for the confusion - we have that info over at our Eye Round Roast recipe. We sear it at 425°F first for 20 minutes and then lower the oven temp to 325°F for 50. 1 hour at 350 ought to do it (depending on the size of roast you have) but the best way to be sure is with a meat thermometer.
Maryl says
What variety of Spanish paprika do you use? Sweet or hot?
Thanks!
Em Beitel says
Hi Maryl! We used sweet paprika! Thank you for your question, and enjoy!
Teresa says
Turned out excellent!
Isabel Laessig says
Thank you, Teresa! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!