Roast Beef

Cooking the perfect roast can be a bit tricky due to variation between ovens. I find this method gives great results but you may need to adapt temperatures and times for your oven. To calculate times for different roast sizes I use the 'Roast Meat Cooking Time Calculator' - its a handy tool.

Roast Beef
Roast Beef

Cooking the perfect roast can be a bit tricky due to variation between ovens. I find this method gives great results but you may need to adapt temperatures and times for your oven. To calculate times for different roast sizes I use the 'Roast Meat Cooking Time Calculator' - its a handy tool.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Served Person: 8
  • Carbohydrate 7.34713208333333 g
  • Cholesterol 121.5 mg
  • Fat 12.2127826785152 g
  • Fiber 1.22721250367165 g
  • Protein 41.1250526785714 g
  • Saturated Fat 4.06046676784938 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 Serving (328g)
  • Sodium 2102.022240625 mg
  • Sugar 6.11991957966169 g
  • Trans Fat 8.06701756696276 g
  • Calories 325 calories

Step-by-step

  • Take the beef out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Preheat oven to 220°C (Allow about 30 minutes for preheating)
  • Wash and roughly chop the vegetables. Separate the garlic into cloves but leave unpeeled. Pile the vegetables and herbs into the centre of a roasting tray and drizzle with a small amount of oil.
  • Rub the beef all over with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on top of the vegetables.
  • Place the roasting tray in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes at 220°C.
  • Reduce heat to 160°C and cook for a further 1 hour and 45 minutes. The beef may be basted with juices halfway through cooking if desired and a little water can be added to the tray if the vegetables look like they might burn.
  • Remove the roasting tray from the oven, transfer the beef to a board, cover with foil and a teatowel and allow it to rest for around 20 minutes.
  • To use the vegetables and pan juices for gravy tilt the tray to allow the juices to drain to one side. Stand for a while (5-10 minutes) then carefully spoon off the separated oil and discard. Blend about a tablespoon of plain flour with a little red wine or stock. Place the tray over low heat on the stove and mix the flour mixture into the pan juices and vegetables. Add more red wine and/or stock as required and ensure you scrape everything from the bottom of the pan while cooking. When the gravy thickens pour it through a sieve into a jug to serve with the roast meat.
  • After the beef has had time to rest slice it very thinly and serve.

My Perfect Roast Beef: A Sunday Dinner Staple

As a busy working mom, Sunday dinners are my sacred time. It's a chance to disconnect from the week's chaos and reconnect with my family over a delicious, home-cooked meal. And nothing says "Sunday dinner" quite like a perfectly roasted beef. For years, I've experimented with different techniques, always searching for that juicy, flavorful roast that would impress even the pickiest eaters (looking at you, teenage son!). This recipe, refined over countless Sunday afternoons, is my go-to for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. The secret? It's all about the preparation and attention to detail.

The joy of a successful roast beef isn't just about the taste; it’s about the process. The aroma filling the house as it roasts, the anticipation building as the resting time ticks away... it's a ritual that brings comfort and warmth. This recipe is more than just instructions; it's a tradition I'm happy to share.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Roasted root vegetables like parsnips and sweet potatoes make a lovely addition, or you could stick to classic carrots and onions for a more traditional feel. The herbs are equally adaptable; rosemary and marjoram would also work beautifully. The gravy, made from the pan juices, adds the perfect finishing touch, a rich and flavorful sauce that elevates the entire meal.

Beyond Sunday dinners, this roast is perfect for special occasions. A celebratory birthday, a family gathering, even a quiet night in with a loved one – this roast beef will always deliver. It's a dish that speaks of care, love, and attention to detail. It's a dish that embodies the heart of home-cooked goodness. The satisfaction of creating something so delicious and impressive from simple ingredients is truly rewarding.

Remember, cooking is a journey, not a destination. Don't be afraid to adjust the cooking times depending on your oven and the size of your roast. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process! And most importantly, savor every moment with your family and friends as you share this delicious meal together. It's these moments, these shared experiences, that make Sunday dinner so special.

Ingredients:

Olive oil, black pepper (freshly ground), 2 carrots, 1 bulb garlic, sea salt, 1.8 kg quality topside of beef, 2 medium onions, 2 ribs celery, 1 sprig (~6cm) fresh thyme, 4-5 fresh sage leaves, gravy, 1 tablespoon (approx.) plain flour, 1/2 cup (approx.) red wine or beef stock