Whether you’re preparing a comfortable Sunday night dinner or an extravagant dish for the holidays, roasts are a wonderful meal to serve your family.
Roasts are a popular and traditional cuisine made famous in the U.K. and Ireland. Served with an assortment of potatoes, vegetables and sauces, this meat is a simple, hearty dish that can satisfy any appetite.
From beef tenderloin roasts to leg of lamb, there are many incredible types of meat to choose from for a memorable dinner.
What Are Roasts?
Roasts are large cuts of meat cooked in the oven. This dry heating method gives the meat a browning, crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior.
The most common kinds of meat roasts are beef, pork and lamb. Roasted chicken can also make for a lighter, healthier meal during the summer months.
Roasting your meat is a great way to enjoy a tender cut while enhancing the juiciness and flavor of your meal.
How to Roast Meat?
Roasts are one of the most simple and convenient meals to prepare for your family. The most important step is ensuring you have enough time to cook. Most cuts can take anywhere from 2 hours or more to roast.
It’s best to season the meat the night before so the seasonings can soak in. Most roasts are seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Other recipes suggest using ingredients like brown sugar, paprika or oregano — depending on the flavor you want to add to the meat.
When you’re ready to cook, place your roast on a rack in a deep roasting pan. This helps to promote airflow, rather than just placing it on the bottom of the pan. This technique will ensure your savory roast is fully cooked and tender.
Every oven is different, so it’s important to know that cooking times and temperatures will vary. Generally, you’ll want to set the temperature to at least 450° F. Cook the meat at a high temperature for 20-30 minutes before lowering it to 275° F or 325° F. Roast this mouthwatering cut low and slow for several hours until it’s fully cooked.
Avoid the temptation to baste the meat while it’s cooking. Every time you open the oven door to baste, it lowers the temperature and affects the quality of the meat.
How to Tell When the Roast is Done
The best way to ensure your roast is fully cooked is by using an electric meat thermometer. These thermometers are the most effective when checking the internal temperature of the meat.
With an instant-read thermometer, every time you poke a new hole into the meat, it can alter the temperature. An electric meat thermometer stays in the meat while cooking. Some electric thermometers even have a setting to beep when reaching the desired temperature.
Times will vary depending on the meat you roast in the oven. Food Safety recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for beef, lamb and pork and a minimum internal temperature of 165°F for chicken.
Allow your roast to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Giving it this extra time will allow the juices to absorb into the meat rather than run all over your serving plate.
Don’t Forget the Sides
The sides are just as important as the meat. Cooking a delicious roast provides an excellent opportunity to roast these garnishes with your meal.
According to You Magazine, the most popular side is roasted potatoes. Onions, celery and carrots can also be placed in the pan while roasting to enhance the flavor.
Pan drippings from the roasted meat can transform into sauces for your meal, such as au jus or gravy. Simply add flour or cornstarch to the drippings to make this into a mouthwatering sauce. Drizzle this over your potatoes or meat for a smooth, rich flavor.
Roasts are delicious, hearty meals that are perfect for any large gathering. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, slice the meat for an incredible sandwich or reheatable meal.
Our roasts collection is a mouthwatering addition to any of your family meals or social gatherings. At Tonight We Dine, we source high-quality meats from sustainable ranches to ensure you have the best-quality meals on your table.