How To Cook A Roast In The Oven: Temps, Times & Tips

If you’ve ever cooked a roast, you might have followed our Beef Roasting Guide for instructions on what temperature to set the oven, how long to cook it, and how to know when your roast is done to your liking. The basic steps for successful oven roasting apply to any cut of meat.

• Take your roast out of the fridge and take the chill off by letting it come up to room temperature. This can take about an hour.
• While you’re waiting, preheat your oven to the recommended temperature. You’ll notice our chart selects low to moderate heat, in the range of 325 or 350 degrees, for larger roasts and higher heat, above 400 degrees, for smaller, tender roasts to produce the best results. That’s because large roasts need to cook slowly and evenly, or else the outside of the meat would cook too fast before the inside is done.
• Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan. A heavy pan is best, for even distribution of heat. The rack will prevent the meat from sitting in the drippings. If you don’t have a roasting rack, a wire cooling rack in the bottom of the pan will help raise the meat above the liquid. Do not cover your roast or put any water in the pan.
• A meat thermometer is another important tool. If you have an ovenproof one, insert it into the thickest part of the beef, usually the center. An instant read thermometer works, too, but don’t leave it in while the meat is cooking. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can pick one up at Butcher Boy while shopping for your roast.
• Take your roast out of the oven and give it a rest when the thermometer reads about 5 or more degrees less than your target temperature for doneness. Transfer the meat to a cutting board, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, let it sit about 15 minutes. It all depends on the size of the roast. Your roast will continue cooking and reach that perfect temperature. Resting also allows juices to redistribute inside the meat.

Are you looking for some inspiration for your next roast? Visit Butcher Boy and let our experts help you decide which cuts of beef are ideal. Any of these recipes can get you started after you’ve shopped our aisles for all your ingredients:

• Turn a boneless chuck roast into the perfect pot roast.
• This smoked herb rib roast will surely impress for special occasions, but is simple enough for a cozy weekend meal any time.

If you have any questions about how to cook a roast, whether you’re unsure about the oven temperature for a certain type or size of roast, or how much cooking time it takes to get just the right doneness, Butcher Boy can help. And don’t forget to let us know how it turned out the next time you stop in!