More and more people are breaking out of their cooking comfort zone and are discovering the benefits of cooking bigger beef joints at home. Be it to host a formal dinner or to revive the traditional family Sunday roast, basic knowledge of how to choose and then cook a beef roast is key to success.

How much â€“ is one of the most frequently asked questions. As a simple rule of thumb, choose portion sizes for
– boneless joints at 227g/8oz (or even easier to calculate 1/2lb) per person
– bone-in joints at 340g/12ox (or 3/4lb) per person.

It is always better to have too much meat than not enough. The roast will be at the centre of the meal, presented on a platter and carved at the table for everyone to see and wet the appetite. Make sure you have enough for second helpings – and that there will be enough tasty leftovers for you the next day.

How long - as a guide:

1. Seal the joint in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes over high heat before transferring it to the oven.
2. Preheat oven to 180°C/Gas 4 and allow:
3. 20 minutes per 500g plus 20 minutes (for rare)
4. 25 minutes per 500g plus 20 minutes (for medium)
5. 30 minutes per 500g plus 20 minutes (for well-done)