The Best Beef Tri-Tip

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This tri-tip recipe came about after I received a food wish for roast beef, which can be done with many different cuts. I ended up deciding on beef tri-tip since it's affordable, flavorful, great for parties, and using this low-temp roasting technique, nearly foolproof. No marinating, no searing, no nothing; just rub on some salt and spices and pop it into the oven until it reaches the doneness you want.

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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs
Servings:
8

This beef tri-tip is tender, juicy, and full of meaty flavor. 

What Is Tri-Tip?

The tri-tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin subprimal cut (the lower portion of the cow’s underbelly). It’s known for being tender with a rich, beefy flavor. 

How to Season Beef Tri-Tip

This boldly flavored beef tri-tip recipe is seasoned with the following spices: kosher salt, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried rosemary, and fresh rosemary. The two types of rosemary take the flavor up a notch! Of course, you can customize the spice blend to suit your taste.  

How to Cook Beef Tri-Tip

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make tri-tip: 

  1. Make the spice rub, then season the tri-tip. 
  2. Bake the meat until it’s medium-rare (or your desired doneness). 
  3. Cover the pan with foil and let meat rest for 20 minutes. 
  4. Slice the meat along the grain. 
  5. Mix the broth in with the pan drippings and drizzle over the slices.

Chef's Notes

  • Since we're using such a low temperature, there isn't going to be much carry-over heat, so be sure that you reach your target temperature before pulling it out.
  • Feel free to use chicken broth instead of beef broth.

What to Serve With Beef Tri-Tip

Explore our collection of Best Side Dishes for Steak for delicious serving inspiration. Here are a few of the top-rated sides you’ll find: 


Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves

  • 1 (2 1/2 pound) beef tri-tip roast

  • ½ cup beef broth (Optional)

Directions

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C).

  2. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, dried rosemary, and fresh rosemary together in a small bowl.

  3. Place tri-tip in a baking pan. Season generously with the spice rub until both sides are completely covered.

  4. Bake in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) for medium-rare, or until desired doneness, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Flip meat over halfway.

  5. Cover pan with aluminum foil and let meat rest for 20 minutes. Remove tri-tip to a cutting board and cut into 2 pieces along where the grain changes direction. Slice meat across the grain and transfer to serving plates.

  6. Mix beef broth in with the pan drippings and drizzle over the slices.

    close up view of beef tri-tip sliced on a wooden cutting board with a knife
    Chef John

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

274 Calories
12g Fat
1g Carbs
38g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 274
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 132mg 44%
Sodium 1540mg 67%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 38g 77%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 17mg 1%
Iron 4mg 20%
Potassium 353mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.