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Sunday Roast Beef

Ready in 48 mins

Recipe by Graham 

The British traditionally roast joint of beef on Sundays (which is probably why the French refer to them as "Les Roastbeefs"). There's no reason, however, why you shouldn't treat yourself to this delightful meal at any time. Arguments rage as to whether the meat should be well-cooked, pink or quite rare. There is no 'right' or 'wrong', there's only what suits you best!

With Roast Beef, you will soon find your own preference, but to begin with I would suggest that you make a note of the weight of your meat and then calculate the cooking time at 15 minutes for each 1lb (45g) weight, plus 15 minutes extra. This will produce a joint that is cooked right through. If you prefer it (as I do) still pink in the middle, you do not need to add the extra 15 minutes cooking time. You can see the full range of cooking times at our Beef Roasting Times page.

Preparation Time

3 Minutes

Cooking Time

45 Minutes

Ingredients for Sunday Roast Beef

If you are not familiar with any ingredients, please check our International Cooking Terms page.

Currently displaying quantities in US Imperial Measurements

To serve 6:

2 lb joint of beef suitable for roasting (like Silverside)
2 tablespoons beef dripping*
  salt and pepper

How to Cook Sunday Roast Beef

  1. Place the joint, fat side up, on a wire rack (if available) in a shallow roasting tin. Season the meat with salt and freshly ground pepper then rub or spread with the beef dripping. Place the roasting tin in a very hot preheated oven Mk 8 - 450ºF - 220ºC for for about 10 minutes then reduce the oven to fairly hot Mk 5 - 375ºF - 190ºC. Cook according to the weight (or your own preference) then transfer the joint to a warmed serving dish. Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes then remove any string and, if necessary, secure any loose portions with a meat skewer. To keep the meat hot, you should place a piece of aluminium foil over it and keep it near the warm oven.
  2. * If you have problems finding beef dripping, you can use duck or goose fat instead.
GRAHAM'S HOT TIP:
If you are making gravy to go with your roast, drain the fat from the roasting tin and use the residual meat juices to enhance the flavour. Serve with Yorkshire Puddings and Horseradish Sauce... Graham's favourite English dish!