How Long To Cook A 1-2 kg Roast Beef For Perfect Results

Roast beef is a treasured centerpiece for holidays, celebrations and special occasion dinners. When prepared properly, it emerges from the oven tender, juicy and full of flavor. However, the cooking time can vary based on the size and cut of the roast. If you are wondering how long to cook a smaller 1-2 kg (2.2-4.4 lb) roast beef, this guide provides the ideal time and temperature guidelines.

Factors That Impact Roast Beef Cooking Time

Several key factors affect total cooking time for roast beef:

Weight – A 1-2 kg roast takes less time than a larger 3-4 kg one. Allow 15-25 minutes per 0.5 kg.
Oven Temperature – Lower 250°F temperatures render connective tissue for tender beef 350°F cooks faster
Doneness – Rare roast at 55°C takes less time than 70°C well done beef.
Shape – Uniform roasts cook evenly. Irregular ones require more time.
Bone – Bone-in roasts cook slower as the bone insulates. Allow 20-30 minutes extra.
Resting – A 10-15 minute resting period lets juices absorb for a moister roast.

Considering these factors will help determine the ideal roast beef cooking time.

How Long To Cook A 1-2 kg Roast Beef

For a small 1-2 kg roast beef, here are general cooking time guidelines based on doneness:

Rare: 45 mins – 1 hour
Medium Rare: 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes
Medium: 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
Medium Well: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours
Well Done: 2 hours – 2 hours 15 minutes

Use these estimates as a starting point. Rely on a meat thermometer over the clock to gauge doneness.

Step-By-Step Method

Follow these simple steps for perfect roast beef every time:

Remove roast from fridge and let sit at room temp 1 hour before cooking.
Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Pat roast dry and season all over with salt and pepper.
Sear roast on stovetop to develop flavor (optional).
Roast in middle of oven, fat-side up. Use a meat thermometer to monitor temp.
For medium-rare doneness, remove from oven at 135°F/57°C. Temp will rise 5°C during resting.
Let rest 10-15 minutes loosely tented in foil so juices redistribute evenly.
Slice across the grain and serve roast beef warm.

This straightforward process delivers a moist, tender roast cooked to your desired doneness.

Cooking Tips

Tie roast with string to maintain uniform shape for even cooking.
Place on a rack in a roasting pan so air circulates completely around.
Add aromatics like garlic, rosemary or thyme to the pan for extra flavor.
Use leftovers for sandwiches, salads, tacos – get creative!

Choosing The Right Roast Beef Cut

For a 1-2 kg roast, opt for petite cuts like:

Petite Sirloin – budget-friendly with good flavor
Tri-Tip – small, succulent triangular cut
Tenderloin – tender and delicate eye fillet
Top Sirloin – lean yet flavorful when roasted

Small roasts offer versatility to feed just a few people or a smaller gathering.

Doneness Temperatures

Rare – 55-60°C
Medium Rare – 60-65°C
Medium – 70-75°C
Medium Well – 75-80°C
Well Done – 80°C +

An instant read thermometer provides the most accurate doneness gauge. The temperature rises 5°C during resting.

When roasting a petite 1-2 kg roast beef:

Allow 15-25 minutes per 0.5 kg
Factor in doneness and oven temperature
Slice across the grain after resting

In about 1-2 hours time, your oven can deliver a beautiful, juicy roast beef centerpiece, even for a small gathering. Monitor with a thermometer for the best results.

how long do you cook a 1 2 kg roast beef

The Perfect Roast Beef – Medium Rare

FAQ

How long does it take to cook 0.5 kg of beef?

The total cooking time depends on the weight of the meat. To cook rare, allow 15-20 minutes per 500g of meat. To cook medium allow 20-25 minutes per 500g of meat. To cook well done allow 25-30 minutes per 500g of meat.

How long to cook beef 1.5 kg?

With all this in mind estimated roasting time for a 1.5 -2kg cut, after a good blast of heat (to brown the exterior) will need 1.5 – 2 hours of cooking at approximately 120 degrees C to achieve a med -rare result (55 – 65 degrees C).

Do you cook roast beef at 325 or 350?

Raw meat and poultry should always be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature. Always use a food thermometer to assure that meat and poultry have reached a safe minimum internal temperature. When roasting meat and poultry, set the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) or higher.

How long to cook beef roast per kg?

Reduce the heat to 190C/375F/Gas 5 and roast for half an hour per kilo for rare, adding another ten minutes per kilo for medium rare, 20 minutes per kilo for medium, and 30 minutes per kilo for well done. Remove the beef from the oven, transfer it to a carving board and cover with foil.

How long do you cook a beef roast in the oven?

There are various techniques for cooking beef roast in the oven, such as roasting, braising, or searing. Roasting is the most common technique for cooking beef roast in the oven. The general rule of thumb is to cook the roast 15 minutes per pound of meat for medium-rare and 20 minutes per pound for medium.

How long do you cook a 4 pound roast?

Roast for 15 minutes at 450°F. Do not cover while roasting. Reduce the heat to 325°F. If your roast is 4 pounds, roast it for 1 hours 45 minutes more for medium, or 2 hours for medium well done. If your roast is more or less than 4 pounds, roast it for approximately 25 to 30 minutes per pound for a medium roast.

How long do you cook a medium-rare beef roast?

For a medium-rare beef roast, you should cook it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes per pound. However, the exact cooking time can vary depending on the cut of beef roast, its thickness, and your desired level of doneness. It is essential to use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge when the roast is cooked to your preference.

How long do you cook a frozen beef roast?

Here is a guideline for cooking times for frozen beef roast based on a preheated oven set to 325°F (163°C): For a roast weighing 2 to 3 pounds: Cook for 70 to 90 minutes for medium-rare, 80 to 100 minutes for medium, and 90 to 110 minutes for well-done.