Beef Roast – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What is beef roast?

A beef roast is a 2-inch cut of meat from a cow that is, generally, cooked in an oven. There are many different types of beef roast, including:

• Beef brisket – cut from the breast area of the cow
• Bottom round roast – cut from the upper area of the cow’s rear legs, around the hip, and rump area
• Chuck roast – cut from the cow’s shoulder
• Eye round roast – cut from the rear leg
• Rib roast – cut from the area between the shoulder and the short loin
• Rump roast – cut from the upper part of the hindquarters
• Sirloin tip roast – cut from the hindquarters, adjacent to the sirloin
• Top round roast – cut from the inside of the cow’s rear leg
• Tri-tip roast – cut from the bottom “tip” of the sirloin

When properly prepared, a beef roast has a rich, savory flavor. Tenderness, however, depends on the cut and how you prepare it. For example, cuts of meat that are from heavily exercised parts of the body (like a chuck roast) can be quite tough and are often cooked “low and slow” to offset the texture. Cuts from less-used muscles are typically more tender and well-marbled, perfect for oven-roasts or grilling! 

Where did beef roast originate?

Back in 1485, the British popularized the “Sunday roast”. The people loved roast beef so much that, later in the 18^th century, the French began calling Englishmen rosbifs. Even the royal bodyguards were nicknamed “Beefeaters” in the 15^th century.

In the United States, traditions surrounding pot roasts are credited to New England, where French immigrants brought their method of tenderizing meats (called à l’étouffée) to the region. Later, German immigrants arrived in the Mid-West and Pennsylvania, bringing their tradition of slow-cooking sauerbraten and marinated roasts.

Choosing a beef roast

When choosing a beef roast, start by planning what you’d like to do with it. For example, if you want to oven-roast your beef, you might lean toward a more tender cut. Plan on using a crockpot? Choose a tougher cut of meat since the long cooking time will tenderize it. 

If you’re making pot roast, you’ll likely want to choose a chuck roast, eye of round, or rump roast, as these tougher cuts are spectacular at absorbing flavor. Slow-roasting prime rib? Consider a tender cut, like a rib roast, that will fall off the bone.

Choosing the correct size

Generally, you’ll want to purchase a pound and a half of meat for each adult you’re serving. Children will likely eat less, so factor that in when deciding the size of the roast you’ll need. For example, a family with two adults and two children will probably do just fine with three to four pounds of meat. 

Selecting your beef roast

Take a close look at its appearance. The meat itself should have a deep red color but shouldn’t be bright red unless it was very recently cut. If the meat is brown or gray in color, it’s not fresh. 

You’ll also want to see bright white fat marbled throughout the meat. If the roast is bone-in, the bone should be bright white as well. A fresh beef roast should also have a sweet smell, and it should be dry to the touch.

How to store beef roast

Beef roast is best kept in the refrigerator. Keep it in its original packaging and plan to use or freeze it within three to five days. To maximize the shelf life, don’t open the packaging until you’re ready to cook your beef.

While a beef roast can be safely frozen for six to twelve months before the quality starts to deteriorate, after that time, it won’t taste nearly as good.

How to tell if beef roast is bad

If you’re concerned that your beef roast has gone bad, take a gander and give it a sniff. Spoiled beef will have a dull color, a slimy texture, and a sour smell. Any beef that looks or smells “off” is not safe to eat and should be discarded. Trust your gut on this one, better safe than sorry!

What can I substitute for beef roast?

If you can’t find the type of beef roast you’re looking for, you can substitute a different cut of meat that comes from the same area. For example, you could swap out a rump roast for a bottom round or eye of round.

If you want to get away from beef altogether, consider bison. Not only does this red meat taste very similar to beef, but it can be difficult to tell the difference, particularly when used in certain recipes. Just remember that roast beef’s cooking time is longer than bison’s, so you’ll need to adjust your recipe accordingly.

Shop for beef roast today!

Whether you’re the next Bobby Flay or new to the land of roasts, Instacart’s got you covered. Just add everything you need to your cart and choose same-day delivery or pick up at check out. Ordering via Instacart allows your items to get delivered right to your home, hotel room, vacation rental, or Airbnb. Less time shopping means more time with those you love.

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