How Long Do I Cook Roast Beef Per Pound

Published on: August 27, 2021

The BEST Oven Roast Beef is tender, flavorful and perfect every time! Sunday roast has been a tradition in our family for years. We hope you love this classic recipe as much as we do.

Roast beef on a plate next to a bowl of potatoes and gravy

How Do You Cook a Roast in the Oven?

Don't be intimidated by oven roast. It couldn't be easier! There are just a few tricks to getting that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth roast beef you love:

Bring the meat to room temperature. Take it out of the fridge and let it relax a little before roasting.
Start with the right pan or pot. A heavy duty roasting pan or a Dutch oven works best. It needs to be able to transfer from stove top to oven.
Sear that meat! Using hot oil, sear all sides of your roast until there's a nice brown crust. This step will ensure all those delicious juices stay locked in and give it a gorgeous color.
For tantalizing fall-apart meat remember these two words: LOW and SLOW. Simmering at a lower heat for a longer period of time will give even tougher types of meat that tender texture your family will die over!
Make sure your meat never roasts dry. Keep it covered in its natural juices and beef broth for maximum juicy tenderness.

How Long Does it Take to Cook a Roast Beef in the Oven?

Depending on the size of roast, plan to keep that meat snug in the oven for at least three hours (remember low and slooooow) for a three pound roast. Then add about an hour per extra pound on top of that.

But even better than watching a clock is using a meat thermometer. Oven roast is ready when it's 160-165 degrees inside for a well done roast, or when it easily pulls apart with a fork. For medium rare, internal temperature should reach 125-130 degrees. For medium, internal temperature should reach 140-150 degrees.

Roast beef made in the oven that has been sliced and on a plate

Which Roast Beef Cut is Best for an Oven Roast?

Choosing a cut of meat can seem confusing, but it doesn't have to be. With the low and slow method, most any cut can be roasted to tender perfection. But here are a few options to look for at the grocery store:

Rump Roast
Chuck Shoulder Pot Roast
Rib Roast
Ribeye Roast
Tenderloin Roast
Top Sirloin Steak
Tri-Tip Roast (try this Rosemary Tri-Tip Roast!)
Round Tip Roast
Bottom Round Roast
Eye Round Steak

Optional Roast Beef Cooking Methods

Growing up, Sunday just wasn't Sunday without the waft of savory roast permeating the house. But sometimes during the summer, our mom refused to heat up the house using the oven. This Slow Cooker Roast Beef came to the rescue during those hot months and is so delicious! And now with the popularity of the Instant Pot, a homemade roast can be on the table in a fraction of the time. Try our Instant Pot Sunday Pot Roast for a quick and easy roast dinner.

Gravy being poured over sliced roast beef

How to Make Beef Gravy from Beef Drippings

Don't forget about the show-stopper topper: gravy! Those delectable drippings from the pan make the richest, creamiest gravy you've ever had. It's delicious over roast, mashed potatoes, veggies, rice, just about anything. Just use our simple tips for How to Make the Best Beef Gravy. It's easy, fool-proof and oh so yummy.

How to Make Roast Beef in the Oven

Oven roast beef on a platter with gravy and garnish

This Best Oven Roast Beef is tender, flavorful and perfect every time! Sunday roast has been a tradition in our family for years. We hope you love this classic recipe as much as we do.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Resting time: 15 minutes

Total: 3 hours 10 minutes

Serves: 9 servings

3 pounds rump roast (see notes above for meat options)
kosher salt to taste
2 tablespoons butter
1 (2-ounce) package dry onion soup mix
1 cup beef broth

Remove roast from refrigerator and allow to come to room-temperature (about 30-40 minutes). Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Trim excess fat from roast and generously rub all sides with Kosher salt.
In a heavy roasting pan or Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add roast to pan and sear on all sides for about one minute per side. You want the roast to be brown all over.
Sprinkle onion soup mix over the roast and pour beef broth over the top and around the inside of the roasting pan.
Cover and roast in the oven for 3 hours or until beef is fall-apart tender (add 40-60 minutes per pound over 3 pounds).
Allow roast beef to rest 10-15 minutes, still covered or wrapped in foil, before carving.