The Best Herbs & Spices for Beef

Many say that salt, pepper, and garlic are the best herbs and spices for beef. While I love this classic combo, I’ve found that other herbs and spices like paprika, chilli flakes, and oregano can add something really special to beef dishes.

If you’re a “flavour-explorer” in the kitchen like I am, here is my list of the best herbs and spices for beef. From beef stew to burgers, this list is filled with inspiration to elevate your beef meals.

You’ll notice I didn’t include measurements for the rubs. That’s because this list is all about taste testing, experimenting, and having a little fun in the kitchen. For spicy ingredients and salt, start slow as you can always add more.

In This Blog

• Best Classic Beef Rubs
• Best Spicy Beef Rubs
• Best Aromatic Beef Rubs
• Best Bold Beef Herbs and Spices
• Best Spices for Beef Burgers
• Best Spices for Beef Stew
• Best Spices for Roast Beef
• Best Stir Fry Rubs

Best Classic Beef Rubs

Standard Beef Rub

Garlic, salt, and pepper are the classic beef rub combo. You can’t go wrong with this mix, which is why our SPG Rub is so popular. It’s also my personal favourite, especially when making reverse-seared ribeye.

If you’re new to cooking and grilling, this combo goes with anything and is the ideal mix to start with:

• Salt: 1 tsp
• Pepper: 1 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1 tsp

Italian Herb Rub

Take the gold standard of beef rubs a step further by adding just a few more ingredients. For a pre-made option, I recommend our Nonna’s Spices seasoning.

• Salt: 1 tsp
• Pepper: 1 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1 tsp
• Basil: 1/2 tsp
• Oregano: 1/2 tsp
• Thyme: 1/2 tsp
• Parsley flakes: 1/2 tsp
• Chilli flakes: 1/4 tsp
• Rosemary: 1/4 tsp

Classic Pepper Rub

This pepper rub offers a subtle twist on the classic beef rub, offering a bit more flavour thanks to the addition of dried parsley and onion powder.

• Black pepper: 1 tsp
• White pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
• Parsley: 1/2 tsp

Best Spicy Beef Rubs

Medium Spice Chilli Rub

Give your beef a hint of kick with this medium spice rub. The addition of raw sugar helps tone down the spice and creates an interesting flavour profile while the cumin, paprika, and mustard powder add a distinct boldness.

For a ready-made option, I recommend trying our top-selling Texas Beef Rub.

• Paprika: 1 tsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Garlic granules: 1/2 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
• Mustard powder: 1/2 tsp
• Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
• Raw sugar: 1/2 tsp

Mild Spice Chilli Rub

Eliminating the cayenne pepper takes the spice level down a notch in this option. If I’m cooking for kids and just want a hint of spice, this is my go-to combo. For a ready-made option, try our Double Chipotle Rub.

• Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
• Chipotle powder: 1/2 tsp
• Cumin: 1/2 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Oregano: 1/2 tsp
• Raw sugar: 1/2 tsp

Spicy Cocoa Rub

If you have adventurous taste buds, give this spicy cocoa rub a try. When I serve this spicy cocoa rub for guests, they are always asking for the recipe. When I tell them it includes cocoa powder, they are always surprised!

• Cocoa powder: 1 tsp
• Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic: 1/2 tsp

Best Bold Beef Herbs & Spices

Savoury Coffee Rub

For a unique option that will have everyone asking for the recipe, try this savoury coffee rub. The key is using just enough ground coffee for the flavour to come through without adding so much that it takes over the recipe.

You can combine the ingredients below or use our ready-made BBQ Coffee Rub for the ideal ingredient ratio.

• Ground coffee: 1/2 tsp
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
• Coriander: 1/2 tsp
• Cumin: 1/2 tsp
• Chipotle powder: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic: 1/2 tsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Raw sugar: 1/2 tsp

Best Aromatic Beef Rubs

Herb and Citrus Rub

This is one of the beef rubs I use the most. Adults and kids absolutely love it!  This aromatic combo is delicious with beef but I also recommend trying it with grilled chicken:

• Freshly grated lemon peel: 1 tsp
• Thyme: 1/2 tsp
• Basil: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic: 1/2 tsp
• Parsley: 1/2 tsp

Warm Spice Rub

This warm spice rub is one of my all-time favourites! I always get compliments when I use this combo.

If you’re getting bored with standard spice combos, I highly recommend giving this option a try. The star anise and marjoram add a lot of depth and a truly unique flavour profile:

• Star anise: 1/4 tsp (ground)
• Yellow mustard powder: 1/2 tsp
• Marjoram: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic: 1/2 tsp
• Onion: 1/2 tsp

Mustard and Herb Rub

When I’m craving something really different and bold, here is one of my go-to combos. The yellow mustard powder is the star here, creating an intense flavour profile that is sure to wake up your taste buds.

• Yellow mustard powder: 1 tsp
• Oregano: 1/2 tsp
• Basil: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic: 1/2 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp

Best Spices for Beef Burgers

Burger Seasoning

The right seasoning can elevate a burger from good to mouthwatering. I reach for Big Dog Spice’s Burger Seasoning or use this combo of herbs and spices:

• Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
• Cumin: 1/2 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Garlic: 1/2 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Oregano: 1/2 tsp
• Raw sugar: 1/2 tsp

Best Spices for Beef Stew

Classic Beef Stew Rub

Now that we’re into the cooler months, I’ve been craving beef stew. Here is the classic mix of beef stew seasonings:

• Salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Paprika: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/2 tsp

Herb Beef Stew Rub

I usually skip the classic beef stew herbs and spices in favor of this combo. The addition of thyme, rosemary, and oregano adds delicious depth to a standard beef stew.

Bonus: Your house will smell so good after simmering the herbs and spices in this beef stew!

• Thyme: 1/2 tsp
• Rosemary: 1/2 tsp
• Oregano: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/2 tsp

Spicy Beef Stew Rub

Add a little kick to your beef stew with this mix. You can easily adjust the spice level by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper and chilli powder you use.

Always be sure to start slowly when adding spicy ingredients so you don’t overwhelm the other flavours.

• Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/2 tsp

Best Spices for Roast Beef

Classic Roast Beef Rub

Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion create a tried-and-true flavour profile that never disappoints.

• Salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
• Paprika: 1/2 tsp

Herb Roast Beef Rub

To amp up the classic roast beef rub, try this delicious blend:

• Rosemary: 1/2 tsp
• Thyme: 1/2 tsp
• Oregano: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp

Beef Stir Fry Rubs

Basic Stir Fry Rub

A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic, and onion come together to make a classic yet delicious stir fry:

• Salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/2 tsp

Spicy Stir Fry Rub

Crank up the heat with this spicy twist on basic stir fry seasonings. Cayenne pepper and chili powder add the perfect kick without being overwhelming.

• Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/2 tsp

Asian-Inspired Stir Fry Rub

If you’re craving a unique flavour profile for your beef stir fry, this is one of my favourite combos.

The ginger adds warmth and depth to the stir fry without being spicy, making this a good option if you have little ones.

• Ground ginger: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Sesame seeds: 1/2 tsp

Browse Our Beef Spices

I’m always tinkering in the kitchen, playing around with new spice combinations, and discovering ways to elevate basic BBQ recipes.

If you’re a BBQ enthusiast like me, check out our Ultimate Spice Guide for more tastebud inspiration or follow me on Instagram.

Alternatively, you browse our range of meat rubs and get maximum satisfaction from minimal effort.