How Long to Cook Beef Roast in the Oven for Perfect Results

Cooking beef roast in the oven results in tender, flavorful meat when done right. But to get the best results, it’s important to know how long to cook beef at certain oven temperatures. Undercooking beef will leave it tough and chewy. Overcooking leads to dry, stringy meat. Follow these timing guidelines to roast beef to juicy, melt-in-your-mouth perfection every time.

Factors That Affect Beef Roast Cooking Time

Several key factors impact how long it takes beef to cook in the oven:

• Oven temperature – The hotter the oven, the less time needed. Typical oven temps are 325°F to 375°F.

• Roast size/weight – Heavier and thicker roasts require longer cooking.

• Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in roasts take longer since bones conduct heat slower.

• Desired doneness – Rare beef cooks faster than well-done.

• Meat temperature – Use an instant read thermometer to test.

• Roast shape – Uniform roasts cook evenly, odd shapes may require more time.

• Fat cap – Fat helps roast cook evenly and retains moisture.

Consider these factors when estimating oven cooking times for beef.

Beef Roasting Chart

Here are general guidelines for roasting beef based on the most common oven temperatures:

At 325°F Oven Temperature

• Rare: 15 to 18 minutes per pound
• Medium Rare: 18 to 22 minutes per pound
• Medium: 22 to 25 minutes per pound
• Medium Well: 25 to 30 minutes per pound
• Well Done: 30+ minutes per pound

At 350°F Oven Temperature

• Rare: 10 to 15 minutes per pound
• Medium Rare: 15 to 18 minutes per pound
• Medium: 18 to 22 minutes per pound
• Medium Well: 22 to 25 minutes per pound
• Well Done: 25+ minutes per pound

At 375°F Oven Temperature

• Rare: 8 to 12 minutes per pound
• Medium Rare: 12 to 15 minutes per pound
• Medium: 15 to 18 minutes per pound
• Medium Well: 18 to 22 minutes per pound
• Well Done: 22+ minutes per pound

Use an instant read meat thermometer to confirm your roast has reached the ideal internal temperature for your desired doneness.

Beef Roast Temperature Guide

Always rely on an instant read thermometer for the most accurate doneness readings. Here are the target internal temperatures:

• Rare: 125°F to 130°F
• Medium Rare: 130°F to 135°F
• Medium: 135°F to 145°F
• Medium Well: 150°F to 155°F
• Well Done: 160°F+

The thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the roast, away from any bones. Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into it – the temperature will continue rising 5-10 degrees during this time.

Oven Roasting Tips for Even Cooking

Follow these tips for the most evenly cooked, juicy oven roasted beef:

• Use a meat thermometer – Don’t rely solely on cook times.

• Bring meat to room temp – For more even cooking.

• Pat dry – Dry surface = better sear.

• Salt generously – For enhanced flavor.

• Sear all sides – Browning = better flavor.

• Use heavy roasting pan – Promotes even cooking.

• Add aromatic veggies – Veggies lend moisture and flavor.

• Baste with pan juices – Keeps meat from drying out.

• Let rest before slicing – Allows juices to redistribute.

Best Cuts for Oven Roasting

These beef cuts are ideal candidates for oven roasting:

• Rib Roast – The prime rib. Well marbled for tenderness. Bone-in or boneless.

• Strip Roast – Flavorful with good marbling. Usually boneless.

• Tenderloin Roast – Lean yet tender. Can be bone-in. Expensive.

• Tri-Tip Roast – Flavorful and relatively quick cooking.

• Sirloin Tip Roast – Budget-friendly with good flavor.

• Chuck Roast – Should be braised into pot roast instead.

• Rump Roast – Can be tough if roasted too quickly. Braise for best results.

Roasting Whole Beef Tenderloin

Beef tenderloin is very tender and lean. Use these guidelines when roasting a 2 to 4 pound whole tenderloin:

• 2 pounds – 45 to 60 minutes
• 3 pounds – 60 to 75 minutes
• 4 pounds – 75 to 90 minutes

Cook to an internal temperature of 125°F for rare or 130°F for medium rare. Rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Roasting Beef Rib Roast

For a bone-in rib roast, figure on 12 to 15 minutes per pound for rare to medium rare doneness. A 4 rib roast will take about 2 hours 15 minutes to roast at 350°F.

For a boneless rib roast, allow 15 to 18 minutes per pound. Cook to an internal temperature of at least 130°F for medium rare doneness before resting and slicing.

Roasting Sirloin Tip Roast

A boneless sirloin tip roast will take about 20 minutes per pound to reach medium rare, so a 3 pound roast will need about an hour in a 350°F oven. Monitor with a meat thermometer for 130°F.

Roast Beef Cooking Times in Instant Pot

You can also cook roast beef in the Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker. Here are approximate cook times:

• Roast (1-3 pounds): 25-40 minutes on high pressure
• Roast (4-5 pounds): 50-70 minutes on high pressure

Use natural release method before opening lid. Cooks much faster than oven!

Let Meat Rest Before Slicing

This is a crucial step after roasting beef. Letting the meat rest allows juices to redistribute so they don’t pour out when cut. Rest beef roast for 10-15 minutes before slicing. The internal temp will continue rising a bit during this time too.

In Summary

Follow these tips and guidelines for perfect oven roasted beef every time:

• For medium rare beef, cook to 130°F internal temperature.
• Roast in a 325-375°F oven based on recipe directions.
• Figure around 15-25 minutes per pound cooking time on average.
• Use an instant read thermometer to confirm doneness.
• Let roast rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.
• Time will vary based on size, bone-in vs. boneless, etc.
• Pork and lamb roasts use similar cooking times and temps.

With the proper roasting time, your beef will turn out juicy, tender, and full of flavor!