Roast beef is a classic centerpiece for holidays and special gatherings. When done right it emerges from the oven deeply flavored fork-tender and perfect for slicing. However, cooking roast beef can seem daunting, especially when dealing with a large 4-5 lb cut.
In this article, I’ll provide tips on how long to cook a 4-5 lb roast beef in the oven for optimal results You’ll learn about cook times per pound, target internal temperatures, seasoning recommendations, resting, carving and more
Overview of 4-5 lb Roast Beef
A roast that weighs between 4 and 5 pounds can feed 8 to 10 people, making it perfect for big family meals. Popular cuts of beef in this size include:
- Top round roast
- Eye of round
- Bottom round
- Rump roast
- Sirloin tip roast
Choose a roast with good marbling throughout for maximum moisture and flavor. Try to pick one with consistent shape and thickness.
Seasoning the Roast Beef
Proper seasoning is key for flavorful roast beef Here are some tips
- Generously coat the entire roast with kosher salt and black pepper. The large grains hold better.
- You can also use spices like garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, oregano. Make a paste with olive oil to help them adhere.
- For a crust, coat with a spice rub before searing. Try mixes with paprika, cumin, chili powder.
- Insert slivers of garlic into slits cut into the meat for extra flavor.
- Tie roast with twine to maintain shape if needed.
Calculating Cook Time
The basic timing guideline is 15-20 minutes per pound for a 4-5 lb roast beef. But also rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy.
For a 4 lb roast at 325°F, the estimated cook time is:
- Rare: 60-80 minutes
- Medium rare: 80-100 minutes
- Medium: 100-120 minutes
For a 5 lb roast, estimate:
- Rare: 75-100 minutes
- Medium rare: 100-125 minutes
- Medium: 125-150 minutes
The shape, thickness, and doneness level all affect total cooking time. Tall, thick roasts take longer than short, wide ones. Well done beef cooks longer than rare.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow these steps for roasting a 4-5 lb beef roast:
- Remove roast from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking.
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Pat roast dry and generously season all over with salt, pepper, and any other spices.
- In an oven-safe pan, sear roast on all sides over high heat to develop a nice crust.
- Place roast on a rack in a roasting pan or directly on oven rack. Roast at 325°F, basting occasionally with pan juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to check temperature after the estimated cook time. Continue roasting until it reaches your target temp.
- Remove roast at 135°F for medium rare, 145°F for medium. Temperature will rise 5-10°F during resting.
- Let roast rest 15-20 minutes tented with foil before slicing.
Doneness Tips
Always rely on an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate doneness readout. Target temperatures are:
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-145°F
- Medium well: 150-155°F
- Well done: 160°F+
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test doneness by pressing on the thickest part of the roast. Rare beef is quite soft, medium is firmer but springs back. Well done is hard.
Slicing and Serving the Roast Beef
Once rested, use a sharp knife to slice the roast across the grain. This produces the most tender slices.
Arrange slices on a platter and spoon over pan juices for added moisture and flavor. Serve roast beef with classic sides like mashed potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Roasting Beef
Follow these tips for the most flavorful, fork-tender roast beef:
- Bring roast to room temp before cooking
- Generously season outside with salt, pepper and spices
- Sear before roasting to develop flavorful crust
- Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy
- Let roast rest at least 15 minutes before slicing
- Slice across the grain for tenderest texture
By mastering the simple art of roasting beef, you can deliver impressive, delicious roasts for any gathering or holiday meal!
Classic Roast Beef
FAQ
How many hours does it take to cook a 5 lb roast?
Is it better to cook a roast at 325 or 350?
How long do you cook a 4 lb roast at 325 degrees?
How do I cook a beef roast without drying it out?
How long do you cook a 4-pound roast beef?
Roast for 15 minutes at 450°F. Do not cover while roasting. If your roast is 4 pounds, roast it for 1 hour 45 minutes more for medium, or 2 hours for medium well done.
How do you cook a 3 pound Chuck Roast in the oven?
To cook a 3-pound chuck roast in the oven, first preheat it to 325 degrees. Season the roast with salt and pepper. Heat a couple tablespoons of canola oil in a large, oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on both sides until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the seared beef to a plate and set aside.
How long do you cook a chuck roast?
However, because it has less marbling, it can be tougher than other cuts. To cook an eye of round roast beef to perfection, you’ll need to cook it low and slow at a temperature of 375°F for 20 minutes per pound. Another popular cut for roast beef is the chuck roast.
How long do you cook a roast in the oven?
Place the roast in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375 F (190 C). Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound for rare, 17-19 minutes for medium, and 22-25 for cooked through. Check the meat with a thermometer to make sure it is the temperature you want it–145°F for medium rare, 160°F for medium.