How to Cook a Perfect Beef Chuck Cross Rib Roast

A beef chuck cross rib roast, also known as a chuck shoulder roast or chuck eye roast, is a flavorful cut of meat that comes from the shoulder area of the cow When cooked properly, this less expensive cut can be transformed into a moist, tender and delicious centerpiece roast

Cooking a beef chuck cross rib roast may seem intimidating to some home cooks. However, with the right techniques and cooking methods, you can easily make this cut of meat into a mouthwatering dish. In this detailed guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to cook the perfect beef chuck cross rib roast.

Choosing the Right Roast

The first step is selecting the right cut of meat. Look for a chuck cross rib roast that has good marbling, which means streaks of fat distributed throughout the meat. The fat content helps keep the roast moist and flavorful as it cooks. A good sized roast will be around 3 to 4 pounds which will provide plenty of servings for a small dinner party or gathering.

When buying your roast, look for one with a thick layer of fat on top. This fat cap will help baste the meat from above and insulate it during the long cooking time.

Preparing the Roast

Before cooking your chuck cross rib roast you will need to get it ready by

• Taking the roast out of the refrigerator and letting it come closer to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly later on. Leave it out for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

• Pat drying the meat with paper towels. Blotting off any excess moisture prevents the roast from steaming instead of searing properly.

• Seasoning the roast all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme or any of your favorite spices and herbs. Generously coat the entire roast to infuse tons of flavor.

• Tying the roast together with butcher’s twine. Loop the twine around the roast and tie it every 1-2 inches to hold the shape for more even cooking.

Choosing a Cooking Method

There are several effective cooking methods that work wonderfully for chuck cross rib roasts:

Oven Roasting

This traditional roasting uses low, slow heat to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it incredibly tender and juicy:

• Heat oven to 300°F to 325°F.

• Place roast on a rack in a roasting pan, fat cap up.

• Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound until it reaches your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to test doneness.

• Tent foil over the roast and let rest for 15-30 minutes before slicing.

Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker is hands-off and hassle-free. The moist, low heat tenderizes the meat over several hours:

• Sear all sides of the seasoned roast in a skillet first.

• Place roast in slow cooker and add 1 cup broth or wine.

• Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours until fork tender.

• Let rest 30 minutes then slice and serve.

Sous Vide

This method uses precise temperature control for the ultimate in tender, edge-to-edge cooking:

• Season roast and seal in a sous vide bag.

• Cook for 24-36 hours in a water bath set to 135°F -140°F.

• Finish by searing the outsides in a hot skillet.

Smoking

For incredible smoky flavor, cooking the roast low and slow in a smoker is fantastic:

• Prepare roast by seasoning and tying.

• Place in smoker set to 225°F – 250°F.

• Smoke for 8-10 hours until reaching desired doneness.

• Rest meat for 30 minutes before slicing.

Roast Doneness Guidelines

Here are the recommended internal temperatures for various levels of doneness when cooking your chuck cross rib roast:

• Rare: 120°F – 125°F (49°C – 52°C)

• Medium Rare: 130°F – 135°F (54°C – 57°C)

• Medium: 140°F – 145°F (60°C – 63°C)

• Medium Well: 150° – 155°F (66°C – 68°C)

• Well Done: 160°F+ (71°C+)

Always allow the roast to rest before carving it. This redistributes the juices back into the meat.

Serving Your Roast

Once your beef chuck cross rib roast is cooked, you can serve it a variety of ways:

• Slice into thick slices and serve alongside roasted potatoes and vegetables.

• Make delicious roast beef sandwiches on crusty bread with sautéed onions.

• Dice or shred the meat for beef tacos or burritos with cheese and toppings.

• Slice thinly for roast beef paninis with provolone, tomatoes and aioli.

Any way you serve it, your perfectly cooked chuck cross rib roast is sure to be a big hit!

With the proper preparation, seasonings and cooking techniques, this economical cut can become a supremely flavorful roast beef masterpiece. Now that you know how to cook a beef chuck cross rib roast right at home, you can impress your family with your own tender, mouthwatering roast.