Serving up a beautifully roasted beef dinner for a crowd? Cooking two roasts together can seem daunting, but it’s easily achievable with the right techniques. Follow this step-by-step guide for tender, juicy results every time you roast two beef roasts simultaneously.
Why Roast Two Beef Roasts at Once?
There are several great reasons to roast two beef roasts at the same time:
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It’s an easy way to feed a large gathering like for the holidays or a dinner party. Two roasts = twice the meat!
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You can meal prep beef for the week ahead – enjoy one roast right away, and use the second in recipes later in the week.
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Taking advantage of sales on large cuts of meat. Sometimes buying two smaller roasts is more budget-friendly.
With the proper prep and monitoring, you can nail cooking two roasts together. The keys are choosing uniform roasts, maintaining even heat, using a meat thermometer, and allowing time to rest.
Tips for Selecting the Best Roasts
When roasting two roasts at once opt for evenly shaped cuts of a similar size. This allows them to cook at the same rate. Great options include
- Top round roast
- Eye of round roast
- Bottom round roast
- Sirloin tip roast
- Tri-tip roast
For even cooking, choose roasts that are 3-5 pounds each. Go for well-marbled USDA Choice or Prime grade beef for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Prep the Roasts for the Oven
Before cooking, prepare the roasts:
- Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Trim off any excess hard fat or silver skin. Leave a thin layer of fat to baste the meat.
- Generously season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc. Rub it in well.
- Allow roasts to come to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Roast the Beef Step-by-Step
To roast beef roasts together perfectly:
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Use convection mode if available.
- Place each roast on a rack in a roasting pan, evenly spaced.
- Roast at 450°F for 15 minutes to develop a nice sear.
- Reduce heat to 325°F. Continue roasting until the center reaches 125°F for medium-rare, about 25 minutes per pound.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor doneness, without opening the oven door.
- Once done, tent with foil and allow to rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.
7 Tips for Perfect Dual Roasts
Follow these handy tips when cooking two roasts at the same time:
- Position roasts at least 2-3 inches apart on separate racks.
- Rotate pans halfway through if one area of your oven gets hotter.
- Use a leave-in thermometer to monitor temps without opening the oven.
- Let roasts sit out and come to room temp before cooking.
- Sear at 450°F, then reduce heat to 325°F to finish cooking gently.
- Tent with foil once removed from the oven and allow to rest.
- Slice across the grain for the most tender results.
Common Questions
How long does it take to cook two roasts?
Estimate 25-30 minutes per pound at 325°F after searing. Roasting two together takes about 1.5 times as long, not twice as long.
Should I cook them at different temperatures?
No, match the size closely and use the same oven temp. Different temps lead to uneven cooking.
What if one roast is smaller?
Start checking the smaller one earlier. Once it hits 125°F, remove it to rest while the larger one finishes.
How can I prevent drying out?
Baste with pan drippings, tent with foil once done, and let rest before slicing to lock in juices.
Do I need to double the cooking time?
No, roasting two roasts together takes about 1.5 times as long as one roast, not twice as long.
Should I rotate the roasts?
Swapping rack positions halfway through can help ensure even cooking. But opening the oven lets heat escape. Often best to leave them be.
Follow these tips and you’ll have juicy, flavorful roasts ready to serve a crowd. Roasting two beef roasts simultaneously is easy with the right techniques.
