Classic British Roast Beef with Savory Gravy
Indulge in the rich flavors of this classic British Roast Beef recipe, featuring a succulent 5-pound beef round roast seasoned to perfection and served with a homemade savory gravy. Ideal for family gatherings or Sunday dinners, this dish brings warmth and comfort to your table. Slow-roasted for tenderness, the beef is complemented by a blend of herbs and spices that enhance its natural flavors. Accompany this delicious roast with your favorite sides for a truly memorable meal you'll want to share with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beef round roast
5 lbs (whole)
Butter
3 tablespoons (divided)
Water
1 cup (divided (1/2 cup for roasting, 1/2 cup cold for gravy))
Dried sage
3/4 teaspoon (divided)
Dried mint
3/4 teaspoon (divided)
Flour
1 tablespoon (for gravy)
Onion
1 whole (sliced)
Garlic clove
1 clove (minced)
Seasoning salt
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
Generously season the beef roast with salt and pepper on all sides, ensuring it's well-coated.
3
In a large oven-proof skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
4
Carefully add the roast to the pan and brown it on all sides, creating a rich crust.
5
Once browned, pour in 1/2 cup of water, then sprinkle the dried sage and mint over the roast.
6
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to retain moisture.
7
Roast in the preheated oven, cooking for approximately 2 hours for rare, or 3 hours for well-done, checking every hour to ensure there is at least 1/2 cup of liquid remaining in the pan.
8
When the roast is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a plate and cover it with foil to keep warm.
9
For the gravy, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a clean frying pan over medium heat.
10
Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour and mix well with the melted butter to create a roux.
11
Remove the pan from heat, then gradually whisk in the cold water to form a smooth paste.
12
Return the pan to medium heat, add the remaining sage and mint, and then slowly incorporate all the drippings from the roasting pan.
13
Continue stirring until the gravy thickens, approximately 5-10 minutes, ensuring it stays smooth and lump-free.
14
Serve the sliced roast beef topped with the savory gravy, and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is used for this Classic British Roast?
This recipe uses a 5-pound beef round roast.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
How should I season the beef roast before cooking?
Generously season the roast with salt and pepper on all sides to ensure it is well-coated.
Why is the beef browned in a skillet before roasting?
Browning the beef on all sides in a large oven-proof skillet helps create a rich, flavorful crust.
How much butter is needed for the initial browning of the roast?
You should use 2 tablespoons of butter for the browning process.
What herbs are used to season the roast during the cooking process?
The roast is seasoned with dried sage and dried mint.
Do I need to add liquid to the roasting pan?
Yes, pour in 1/2 cup of water after browning the roast but before placing it in the oven.
Should the roast be covered while in the oven?
Yes, cover the skillet with a lid or foil to retain moisture during the roasting process.
How long does it take to cook the roast for a rare finish?
It takes approximately 2 hours to achieve a rare roast.
How long should the roast cook for a well-done finish?
For a well-done roast, cook it for approximately 3 hours.
How often should I check the liquid levels in the pan?
Check the pan every hour to ensure there is at least 1/2 cup of liquid remaining.
What should I do after taking the roast out of the oven?
Transfer it to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the gravy.
How is the savory gravy base started?
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a clean frying pan over medium heat.
What is used to thicken the gravy?
A roux is created by stirring 1 tablespoon of flour into the melted butter.
Why do I use cold water for the gravy?
Whisking in cold water gradually into the roux helps form a smooth paste before adding the heat back.
When do I add the roasting pan drippings to the gravy?
Incorporate the drippings slowly after the flour, butter, and water have formed a smooth paste.
How long does the gravy need to simmer to thicken?
Continue stirring for approximately 5-10 minutes until the gravy reaches the desired thickness.
What additional seasonings are included in the roast beef recipe?
The recipe includes seasoning salt and crushed red pepper flakes.
How is the garlic prepared for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 clove of garlic, minced.
How should the onion be prepared?
One whole onion should be sliced for the recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for Sunday dinners?
Yes, it is specifically described as an ideal dish for family gatherings or Sunday dinners.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried sage and mint?
While the recipe calls for dried herbs, you can substitute fresh herbs, though you may need to adjust the quantities as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How much flour is used for the savory gravy?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of flour for the gravy.
What is the total amount of water used in the recipe?
Total water used is 1 cup, divided into 1/2 cup for roasting and 1/2 cup cold for the gravy.
Does this recipe include nutritional information like calories?
Based on the provided data, nutritional values like calories, fat, and carbohydrates are not specified.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include british cuisine, comfort food, savory gravy, and traditional recipe.
What is the weight of the beef roast?
The beef round roast used in this recipe weighs 5 pounds.
Is the gravy made in the same pan as the roast?
The gravy is started in a clean frying pan, but the drippings from the roasting pan are incorporated into it.
What prevents the gravy from becoming lumpy?
Whisking the cold water gradually and stirring constantly for 5-10 minutes ensures the gravy stays smooth.
How is the roast served?
The roast is sliced and served topped with the homemade savory gravy.