When summer gardens start giving up fresh asparagus, this little three-ingredient recipe is the sort of thing that disappears faster than you can set down the platter. It has that old-fashioned picnic charm Midwestern cooks love, where a humble vegetable gets dressed up just enough to feel special. The oven does most of the work, and the roast beef turns savory and crisp around the tender spears, making a simple side or appetizer that feels right at home at a Fourth of July table, church supper, or weeknight supper alike.
Serve these beef wrapped asparagus bundles alongside grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, baked beans, deviled eggs, potato salad, or a cold pasta salad. They also make a fine little appetizer on their own with a creamy ranch dip, honey mustard, or a small bowl of garlic aioli for dipping if you want to stretch the platter for company.
Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Beef Wrapped Asparagus
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
8 ounces thin sliced deli roast beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Trim the woody ends from the asparagus and pat the spears dry so the beef will cling better.
2. Gather 3 to 4 asparagus spears into small bundles. Wrap each bundle with a slice of roast beef, starting near the bottom and spiraling upward so the bundle stays snug.
3. Arrange the wrapped bundles on the foil-lined baking sheet and lightly brush or drizzle them with olive oil. Space them apart a little so the heat can circulate and crisp the edges.
4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the roast beef is browned and crisp around the edges. Serve hot or warm.
Variations & Tips
Use thinner asparagus: Thin spears cook a bit faster and give you more crisp edges from the roast beef. If your asparagus is very thick, add a minute or two to the baking time and keep an eye on it.
Choose roast beef carefully: Ask for thin sliced deli roast beef rather than thick carved slices. The thinner meat wraps more easily and turns pleasantly crisp in the oven instead of staying heavy.
Add a little seasoning: Even though this is a three-ingredient recipe, a pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder won't hurt a thing if you want a little extra flavor. Go lightly, since the roast beef already brings saltiness.
Make appetizer-sized bundles: For party trays, wrap just 2 or 3 spears per bundle so guests can grab them easily. Smaller bundles also bake a touch faster and look mighty pretty on a platter.
Serve right away: These are best fresh from the oven when the beef is at its crispiest. If you're making them for company, have the baking sheet ready ahead of time so you can pop them in just before mealtime.