Roasted beef is a classic centerpiece for festive meals and dinner parties. When seasoned and cooked properly, beef roast can be incredibly flavorful, tender and juicy. However, the cut of beef you choose makes all the difference. Some joints are naturally more tender, while others have more connective tissue and fat marbling to enrich the flavor. So what is truly the best joint of beef for roasting?
Top Roast Beef Options
Here are some of the best cuts of beef to use for roasting:
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Rib Roast – This is one of the most prized roasting cuts. It comes from the rib section between ribs 6 through 12. The eye of meat is tender and well-marbled. The bones and fat cap prevent drying.
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Tenderloin – Extremely tender but lean Wrap in bacon to prevent drying out Makes a small roast,
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Tri-Tip – Flavorful and fairly tender. Sold boneless. Great for smaller roasts.
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Top Sirloin – Budget-friendly option. Lean but tender when roasted slowly.
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Eye of Round – Lean and tender round cut Slice thinly across the grain,
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Bottom Round – Contains more connective tissue but is budget-friendly. Slow roast.
Why Go for a Rib Roast?
The rib roast, also known as prime rib, is considered by many to be the king of roasting cuts. Here’s why it’s so ideal:
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Marbling – The rib eye has beautiful fat marbling which bastes the meat from within.
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Bones – The bones add flavor and prevent moisture loss.
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Fat Cap – The outer fat layer protects the meat from drying out.
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Flavor – The rib section has robust beefy flavor.
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Presentation – The bones make for an impressive presentation.
For the ultimate holiday feast, a glistening bone-in rib roast is hard to top.
Leaner Roasts
While the rib roast brings the best balance of flavor, moisture and tenderness, leaner roasts can also make delicious lower-fat roasts. Here are some tips:
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Tenderloin – Roast quickly at high heat so it doesn’t dry out. Bacon wraps add moisture.
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Eye of Round – Best sliced thin across the grain when cooked.
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Top Sirloin – Needs slow roasting to become tender.
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Bottom Round – Benefits from braising in liquid after searing to break down connective tissue.
How to Cook Beef Roasts
Follow these tips for perfect roasted beef:
- Bring meat to room temperature before roasting.
- Season well with salt, pepper and herbs.
- Start in a hot 450°F oven to sear the exterior.
- Lower heat to 325°F to finish roasting slowly.
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness.
- Let rest 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Doneness Temperatures
- Rare – 120-125°F
- Medium Rare – 130-135°F
- Medium – 140-145°F
- Medium Well – 150-155°F
- Well Done – 160°F+
Roast Pairings
Here are some tasty sides to serve with your gorgeous roasted beef:
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Yorkshire Puddings – Iconic British accompaniment.
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Roast Potatoes – Crispy, garlicky potatoes.
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Root Vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, turnips.
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Brussels Sprouts – Browned sprouts with bacon.
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Horseradish Sauce – Zesty condiment.
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Red Wine Sauce – Rich, bold complement.
Carving Made Easy
Carving a beef roast neatly can seem daunting. Follow these simple tips:
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Use a sharp carving or chef’s knife.
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Slice against the grain of the meat fibers.
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Cut thin slices starting from the outer edge.
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For rib roasts, carve between each rib bone.
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Collect juices on the platter as you carve.
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Serve immediately while still warm.
Best Beef Roast Recipes
Get inspired to roast beef with these delicious recipe ideas:
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Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin – Elegant roasted fillet of beef.
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Coffee-Rubbed Beef Tri-Tip – South American twist on tri-tip.
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Red Wine-Braised Bottom Round – Thrifty roast transformed with braising.
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Garlic-Studded Rib Roast – Prime rib embellished with roasted garlic.
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Mustard and Herb Eye of Round – Lean roast boosted with zesty mustard.
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Rosemary Sirloin Tip – Affordable sirloin roast.
Roasting beef to perfection takes a little practice, but the rewards are huge. A beautiful slice of juicy, tender roasted beef is the ultimate dinner party treat. With a generous resting time, simple seasoning and the right cooking temperatures, you can enjoy restaurant-worthy results right from your own oven.
How to cook beef
Find out how to cook the perfect roast beef. For lots of recipes see our roast beef recipe collection.
Topside is a really versatile cut that can be slow cooked, or flash cooked and serve rare. Find out how to cook topside including lots of recipes.
If youre looking for fall-apart beef, to use in curries, tacos or slow cookers, see our guide.
You can also get beef short ribs. To cook them well, the fat needs to melt and the meat needs to fall off the bone slowly. Try this Tom Kerridge recipe for beer-braised short ribs.
Brisket also needs to be cooked for a long time to break down the fibers and make it soft enough to shred. Our guide shows you how to cook this versatile and cheaper cut.
You can cook the perfect steak by following this guide, which includes different cuts, seasonings, and cooking times.
For plenty more cuts of beef see our guide or cheaper cuts and how to buy beef.
How to prepare beef
Some cuts of beef can be marinated to make them taste better, stay moist, and become a little more tender if you want to. You can also use a meat mallet or rolling pin to break down the fibers in cuts like steaks and fillets, which will make the meat more tender. First, cover both sides of the beef with parchment paper, and try to keep the meat the same thickness all the way through so it cooks evenly.
Take the beef out of the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before cooking so it is at room temperature. Keep it covered, in a cool place.
How to Cook Perfect Roast Beef | Jamie Oliver
FAQ
What is the best cut of beef for roasting in the oven?
What is the most tender beef for roasting?
How do I choose a tender roast beef?
What is the best cut of beef for a roast joint?
A: The best cuts for a roast joint are topside, silverside, and rib. These cuts offer a good balance of flavor, tenderness, and marbling. Q: How long should I roast the beef joint per pound? A: The roasting time varies depending on the cut of beef.
What type of meat is good for bones?
However, the type of meat that is best for the bones depends on the cooking method and cut of the meat. Lean meats such as chicken and fish are good options for bone health. Additionally, lean red meats such as beef and pork can also be beneficial for bones if cooked using healthy methods such as grilling or roasting.
What to serve with a roasted beef joint?
Serve the roast with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a rich gravy. Marinating or rubbing the beef joint before roasting can significantly enhance its flavor. Here are a few ideas to try: Red Wine Marinade: Combine red wine, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
What is a good roasting joint?
Here are some popular roasting joints to consider: Rib of Beef: A classic choice with a rich and flavorful taste. Sirloin Roast: A leaner option with a slightly tougher texture. Topside Roast: A versatile cut that can be roasted or slow-cooked. Rump Roast: A flavorful and budget-friendly joint.