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Sunday Roast

A majestic joint of beef, blushing pink in the middle with a deeply browned crust, surrounded by crisp roast potatoes, carrots, and a flood of rich gravy.

⏱ 30 minPrep time
🔥 2 hrCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 British / Irish KitchenCategory
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A majestic joint of beef, blushing pink in the middle with a deeply browned crust, surrounded by crisp roast potatoes, carrots, and a flood of rich gravy. It’s the weekly ritual that gathers families around the table with carving knife at the ready.

The Sunday roast is Britain’s most sacred meal, traditionally served with Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, and horseradish or mustard. Save the drippings for the gravy, and don’t skimp on the roasting pan — everything benefits from those juices.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Take the beef out of the fridge 1 hour before cooking. Heat the oven to 450°F. Rub the beef with oil, salt, and pepper; place on a rack in a roasting pan with the garlic and rosemary.
  2. Roast 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and roast until an instant-read thermometer reads 125°F for medium-rare, about 1 1/4 hours more. Transfer to a carving board, tent loosely, and rest 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes 10 minutes; drain, shake in the pot to roughen the edges, and toss with the drippings in a separate pan.
  4. Increase the oven to 425°F; roast the potatoes and carrots until golden and crisp, 40-45 minutes, turning once.
  5. Set the roasting pan over medium heat, stir in the flour, then whisk in the broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up the fond; simmer 5 minutes and strain.
  6. Carve the rested beef and serve with the roast potatoes, carrots, and gravy.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Rest the beef for at least 20-30 minutes or the juices will end up on the board, not the plate. Roast potatoes in a shallow pan with plenty of hot fat for maximum crunch.

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Recipe details

Prep30 min
Cook2 hr
Servings6
CategoryBritish / Irish Kitchen
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →