Slow-Roasted Tri-Tip with Garlic Herb Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender, juicy tri-tip roast infused with a savory garlic herb crust, slow-roasted for deep flavor and perfect texture. This american-inspired beef ready in about 135 minutes pairs tri-tip roast, minced garlic cloves, finely chopped fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F. In a small bowl, mix 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a fragrant herb rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2.5 lbs tri-tip roast and rub the garlic herb mixture evenly over all sides, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Place the tri-tip on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet, and roast in the oven for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
  4. Step 4: Remove the roast from the oven and tent with foil; let rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing thinly against the grain.
  5. Step 5: Serve with your choice of sides, enjoying the herbaceous crust and tender interior.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Tri-Tip with Garlic Herb Rub take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Tri-Tip with Garlic Herb Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tri-tip roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Tri-Tip with Garlic Herb Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Roasted Tri-Tip with Garlic Herb Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Roasted Tri-Tip with Garlic Herb Rub?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.