The Quintessential Sunday Roast Beef

Classic Sunday roast beef Roast beef My Easy Guide

By SandraAugust 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper Sunday roast beef , the kind that makes everyone gather around the table? Honestly, is there anything better than the smell of roast beef wafting through the house on a Sunday lunch ? This roast beef recipe delivers amazing flavour.

It will make you forget you have been eating sad supermarket sandwiches all week.

Brief Overview

The iconic classic British roast dinner is a tradition that’s been around for ages. It's a family favourite for generations! This easy Sunday roast recipe is medium difficulty.

It takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to make, plus resting time. It will serve 6 people.

Main Benefits

Lean beef is packed with protein, making it a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. This beef joint recipe is perfect for a Sunday lunch .

This is because is brings families together. What makes this recipe special? The rich beef broth pan sauce !

Let's Talk About the Beef Joint

Alright, so let’s talk beef. Not all cuts are created equal, you know? The best cut of beef for roast really depends on your budget.

Ribeye is king, for sure! But a top sirloin or even a chuck roast can deliver amazing flavour.

What You'll Need

3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) beef joint recipe : Top Sirloin, Ribeye, or Chuck Roast.
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil.
4 cloves garlic, minced.
1 tablespoon (5g) fresh rosemary. Or 1 teaspoon (2g) dried.
1 tablespoon (5g) fresh thyme. Or 1 teaspoon (2g) dried.
1 teaspoon (6g) salt.
½ teaspoon (1g) black pepper.
1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (for the beef broth pan sauce , optional).
1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter (also for the sauce, optional).

Getting the Perfect Roast Beef Internal Temperature

The Quintessential Sunday Roast Beef presentation

Okay, pay attention, this is key. You need a meat thermometer. It ensures you nail that perfect roast beef internal temperature .

Rare: 120- 125° F (49- 52° C)
Medium-Rare: 130- 135° F (54- 57° C)
Medium: 140- 145° F (60- 63° C)
Medium-Well: 150- 155° F (66- 68° C)

What To Serve With Your Roast

No Sunday lunch is complete without the proper sides! What pairs best? Yorkshire pudding is a must. Seriously, a Sunday roast beef without them is just…wrong.

Roasted potatoes and carrots are classic choices. Don't forget some green beans for a bit of green.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Perfect Sunday Roast Beef

Alright, let’s talk about what you'll need to nail this Sunday roast. It is easier than you think. Trust me! The right ingredients and tools make all the difference.

Main Players: The Beef

For our star, the Sunday roast beef , you will need 3-4 lbs (1.4-1.8 kg) of beef. Top Sirloin , Ribeye , or even Chuck Roast work great. It is your choice!

Quality is key. Look for good marbling (those streaks of fat). It is going to melt and make the roast juicy. Try to use the Best cut of beef for roast available.

Seasoning is the Secret

We will use simple but impactful flavors. You will need:

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
4 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon (5g) fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon (2g) dried)
1 tablespoon (5g) fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon (2g) dried)
1 teaspoon (6g) salt
½ teaspoon (1g) black pepper

Honestly, fresh herbs are divine, but dried ones work fine too. Experiment with sage or oregano if you are feeling adventurous. This combination of essential spice makes everything more divine and flavorful.

Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Some people like to add a bay leaf to the roasting pan.

Essential Equipment: Keep It Simple

You really do not need fancy stuff. A roasting pan or even an oven-safe skillet will do. A meat thermometer is crucial though! We want to hit that perfect roast beef internal temperature .

Don't forget aluminum foil for resting. It is worth it.

What I used to do before buying a meat thermometer? Oh my gosh! Cooking was a nightmare!

No roasting pan? No worries! Just use a large oven-safe dish with sides. It is all about that Easy Sunday roast.

Now, I am gonna share a personal story... Once I didn't rest my roast properly, and the juice went everywhere when I cut it and it was dry. Learn from my mistakes!

Let's make a fantastic beef broth pan sauce and serve this classic British roast dinner along some delicious Yorkshire pudding . Let´s get this Beef joint recipe done!

Mastering the Art of the Perfect Sunday Roast Beef

Honestly, who doesn't love a good Sunday lunch ? But let's be real, making a truly great Sunday roast beef can feel a bit daunting.

I've been there, trust me! There’s nothing like a Classic British roast dinner , and I'm here to guide you through it.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Roast Beef Recipe Starts Here

First things first, mise en place is king. Get your 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) best cut of beef for roast - I like Top Sirloin, Ribeye, or Chuck Roast, your herbs and garlic ready.

Pat the beef dry, that’s important. Mix 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, 4 minced cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon (5g) chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon (5g) fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon (6g) salt and ½ teaspoon (1g) black pepper in a small bowl.

Rub that lovely mixture all over the beef joint.

A little planning goes a long way. Let your seasoned roast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.

From Oven to Table: A Step-by-Step Sunday Roast Beef

Preheat your oven to 450° F ( 230° C) .
Sear the roast for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
Reduce the heat to 325° F ( 160° C) .
Roast until you get your desired roast beef internal temperature . Use a meat thermometer!
Rare: 120- 125° F (49- 52° C), Medium-Rare: 130- 135° F (54- 57° C), Medium: 140- 145° F (60- 63° C), Medium-Well: 150- 155° F (66- 68° C).
Rest. Wrap it in foil and let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
For a delicious beef broth pan sauce , put the roasting pan on the stove with medium heat. Add 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth and scrape the bottom. Thicken with 1 tablespoon (15g) butter.
Slice thinly and serve with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Easy Sunday Roast

Dry brining is a game-changer! Salt your prime rib roast 1-2 days before cooking. Don’t skip resting, it’s crucial for tenderness.

Also, If you wanna serve it as it goes, don't take a risk, and buy a probe thermometer! I once made a Sunday roast beef without letting it rest properly.

Honestly, it was a bit tough. Learn from my mistakes! I even forgot to prepare the Yorkshire pudding . Oh my gosh!.

Now, resting is non-negotiable.

Enjoy this Beef joint recipe with your loved ones!

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Sunday Roast Beef

Right then, let's talk about nailing this Sunday roast beef . Honestly, it's easier than you think, but a few pointers never hurt, eh? This ain’t just about chucking a beef joint recipe in the oven and hoping for the best, love.

Serving Up a Slice of Heaven

Presentation matters, even if it's just for you! Slice that gorgeous roast beef thinly. Arrange it on a platter with a drizzle of that lush beef broth pan sauce.

A sprig of rosemary adds a bit of fancy. Now, for sides? Oh my gosh, where do I start?

Think classic British roast dinner. Roasted potatoes and carrots are a must. Yorkshire pudding, of course! Creamed spinach or some buttered greens balances the richness. Pour yourself a glass of red.

Storage Secrets

Leftovers? If you're lucky enough to have any, pop that roast beef in the fridge within 2 hours. It will keep for about 3 days.

Wanna freeze it? Slice it first. Then wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.

It'll be good for up to 2 months. Reheating? Gently does it! Warm it in the oven at a low temperature.

Adding a splash of beef broth helps it from drying out.

Adaptations for All Tastes

Got a gluten-free guest coming for Sunday lunch ? Easy peasy! Just make sure your beef broth is gluten-free. Leave out the butter from the pan sauce, or sub with a dairy-free alternative.

Fancy a seasonal twist? In the autumn, swap regular carrots for some parsnips roasted in honey. Honestly, they're amazing!

Nitty-Gritty Nutrition

Okay, let’s get real. Roast beef isn't exactly a salad, is it? But it is packed with protein. It also has iron and other essential nutrients.

Think of it as fuel for the soul, yeah? Just remember everything in moderation, ducks! This Easy Sunday roast is about enjoyment, not deprivation.

Here's the deal; Did you know, According to research, enjoying a Sunday roast with family can improve mental well-being? This can even reduce stress.

So, there you have it. Don't be scared of trying this classic British roast dinner ! Every oven is different.

Aim for the right roast beef internal temperature . Get yourself a good cut. A prime rib roast is ideal, or even a chuck roast will do.

Find the best cut of beef for roast that you prefer. You've got this! A Sunday roast beef Roast beef is waiting, go get it!

Delicious Roast Beef Recipe Ultimate Sunday Lunch Centrepiece

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my Sunday roast beef Roast beef is juicy and not dry like cardboard?

The key to a juicy roast is a multi-pronged approach! First, don't skip the resting period – at least 15 minutes, but longer is better, allowing the juices to redistribute. Secondly, use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and pull it out when it's a few degrees below your target temperature as it will continue to cook while resting. A dry brine (salting the roast 1-2 days ahead) can also work wonders!

What's the best cut of beef to use for a Sunday roast beef Roast beef?

That depends on your budget and preferences! For a tender and flavourful roast, ribeye is a classic (and slightly pricier) option. Top sirloin is a good balance of flavour and affordability, while chuck roast is a budget-friendly option that becomes incredibly tender with low and slow cooking, although it can be a bit fattier.

What temperature should my Sunday roast beef Roast beef be for medium-rare, and how can I ensure I hit the right temperature?

For a perfect medium-rare roast, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding bone. Remember to remove the roast from the oven when it's a few degrees below your target, as the temperature will continue to rise during resting. It’s like baking a cake, you’ve got to keep an eye on it!

Can I prepare my Sunday roast beef Roast beef ahead of time?

Yes, to a certain extent. You can prepare the herb rub and apply it to the roast up to 24 hours in advance – this allows the flavours to penetrate the meat. Store the seasoned roast covered in the refrigerator. Also, the pan sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated gently before serving. However, the actual roasting is best done on the day for optimal quality.

My gravy always ends up lumpy! How do I get a smooth gravy for my Sunday roast beef Roast beef?

Lumpy gravy is a common kitchen woe! The key is to ensure the starch (from flour or cornstarch, if using) is fully incorporated before adding the liquid. Make a slurry by whisking the starch with cold water or beef broth until smooth, then gradually whisk it into the pan drippings. Straining the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve after simmering will also remove any stubborn lumps for that silky finish. Just like your nan used to make!

How long does leftover Sunday roast beef Roast beef last, and what's the best way to store it?

Leftover roast beef will generally last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container to prevent drying out. You can also freeze cooked roast beef for up to 2-3 months, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Slice it before freezing for easier portioning when you fancy a beef sandwich!