Beef chuck md cab spencer roast, also known simply as a spencer roast, is a flavorful and impressive cut of meat perfect for special occasions With proper preparation and cooking, you can make this tender, juicy roast that will wow your family or dinner guests
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to select the best spencer roast, prep and season it properly, cook it slowly to perfection, and serve it for an unforgettable meal.
What is a Spencer Roast?
A spencer roast is a boneless ribeye roast that comes from the rib section of the cow It’s named after the Spencer Steak House in Omaha, Nebraska which first popularized this cut
It contains a significant amount of marbling, which gives it excellent flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. A full spencer roast is quite large, generally 6 pounds or more, making it a good choice for feeding a crowd.
Benefits of Spencer Roast
There are several benefits to cooking a spencer roast:
-
Tender and flavorful – When roasted slowly, it becomes incredibly tender and juicy with robust beefy flavor from the generous marbling.
-
Impressive centerpiece – A whole beautifully roasted spencer roast makes a dramatic presentation at the center of the table.
-
Great for crowds – Its large size makes it easy to feed a big gathering of family or dinner guests.
-
Yields leftovers – You’ll have plenty of leftover sliced roast beef for sandwiches and other dishes after dinner.
Choosing the Best Spencer Roast
Follow these tips when selecting a spencer roast:
-
Get bone-in or boneless – You can find bone-in or boneless spencer roasts. Go with your preference.
-
Pick roast over steaks – Roasts have more connective tissue that breaks down into tender, juicy meat when roasted slowly.
-
Get prime grade – Select USDA prime grade for the most marbling and flavor. Lower grades can be dry.
-
Check the marbling – Look for good distribution of fat marbling throughout to ensure tenderness.
-
Calculate 1/2 pound per person – Figure about 1/2 pound of boneless roast per person, a little less for bone-in.
Prepping and Seasoning the Roast
Proper prep and seasoning is key to maximizing the flavor of your spencer roast:
-
Let roast sit out for 1 hour – This helps it cook more evenly later on.
-
Pat dry thoroughly – Blot with paper towels so seasoning adheres properly.
-
Season generously – Coat all over with salt, pepper and any other dried herbs or spices.
-
Brush with oil – Lightly coat roast with oil so it browns well.
-
Insert meat thermometer – Place it in the thickest part to monitor temperature.
-
Refrigerate overnight – For more flavor, season the roast and refrigerate uncovered overnight.
How to Cook Spencer Roast to Perfection
Follow these steps for roasting spencer roast flawlessly:
-
Preheat oven to 500°F – Use a high temp to sear and brown the outside.
-
Sear roast in hot pan – Brown all sides in a hot pan on stovetop first for flavor.
-
Roast at lower temp (325°F) – Once browned, reduce oven temp for slow roasting.
-
Cook until 10°F below target – This lets carryover cooking finish it.
-
Check temperature regularly – Be sure to monitor temp, not just time.
-
Let roast rest 10-15 minutes – Crucial step allows juices to reabsorb.
-
Slice against the grain – Cutting across the grain ensures tender slices.
Roasting Times and Temperatures
Target these cook times and internal temperatures for different doneness levels:
- Rare – 115-120°F – Aim for 105°F, then carryover cooks to rare
- Medium rare – 120-125°F – Cook to 110-115°F
- Medium – 130-135°F – Cook to 125°F
- Medium well – 140-150°F – Cook to 135°F
- Well done – 155-160°F – Cook to 150°F
A 6-8 pound roast generally needs around 2.5-3 hours of roasting time depending on doneness. Monitor the temperature and adjust time accordingly.
Serving and Using Leftovers
To serve your spencer roast, try these ideas:
-
Sliced roast beef – Carve into thin slices across the grain. Serve with au jus or gravy.
-
With roasted vegetables – Potatoes, carrots, onions go perfectly with roasted beef.
-
On sandwiches – Pile sliced beef on crusty bread with fixings.
-
Make hash for breakfast – Dice up leftovers and cook with potatoes and onions.
-
Use in stews and tacos – Shredded roast beef works great in many dishes.
With the proper prep, seasoning, cooking method and serving suggestions, you’re sure to have an incredible spencer roast your whole family will love. Enjoy this special cut for your next celebratory meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about cooking spencer roast? Here are answers to some common queries:
What’s the difference between a spencer roast and prime rib?
Prime rib comes from the rib primal further up the rib cage. Spencer roast is more specifically the boneless ribeye roast.
Can you cook a spencer roast in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
It’s best cooked slowly roasted in the oven. Slow cookers and pressure cookers can produce less tender results.
What kind of pan do you use for searing the roast?
Use a thick, oven-safe pan like cast iron so you can start roast on the stovetop then transfer right to the oven.
What temperature do you cook spencer roast at?
Sear initially at 500°F, then reduce to 325°F for slow roasting until it reaches the target internal temperature.
How long does it take to roast a 8 pound spencer roast?
Figure around 18-20 minutes per pound, so an 8 pound roast will need about 2 1/2 to 3 hours total roasting time.
What spices go good with spencer roast?
Classic options are garlic, rosemary, thyme and black pepper. You can also use chili powder, mustard powder, oregano, paprika or cumin.
With the guidelines provided, you now have all the information you need to cook up an incredible spencer roast! This flavorful, tender cut is sure to be a major hit at your next dinner party or family holiday feast.