how long to cook roast beef
Quick Scoop
How long to cook roast beef depends on the cut, size, and how done you want it, but a common rule of thumb is about 20–25 minutes per pound at 350°F for medium-rare. Beef roast guidance also emphasizes using internal temperature , not just time, because the target doneness varies by cut and roast size.
Easy guide
- Medium-rare: pull at 135°F internal temp, then rest; it can rise a few degrees while resting.
- Medium: usually pull around 145°F internal temp.
- Rare: often around 120–130°F internal temp.
By roast size
A practical starting point for many beef roasts is:
Roast size| Approx. time at 350°F| Target internal temp
---|---|---
1 lb| about 20–25 minutes| 135°F for medium-rare
2 lb| about 40–50 minutes| 135°F for medium-rare
3 lb| about 1 to 1.25 hours| 135°F for medium-rare
4 lb| about 1.5 to 1.75 hours| 135°F for medium-rare
These are rough estimates; thicker cuts like rib roast, strip roast, or top round can vary a lot, so a thermometer is the best way to avoid overcooking.
Best method
- Roast at 350°F for a general starting point, or use a higher-start-then-lower method for some recipes.
- Check the center temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the roast a little early, since resting continues the cooking.
- Rest before slicing so the juices stay in the meat.
If you want, I can give you the exact cooking time for your roast size and cut.
