The Perfectly Sized Beef Roast for Feeding 6 People

Feeding a crowd can be tricky, especially when it comes to roasts. You want to make sure you have enough so that everyone gets fed but not so much that you end up with a ton of leftovers. So what’s the perfect size beef roast for 6 people? Let’s discuss.

How Much Beef Per Person?

When figuring out how big of a roast to buy, the general guideline is around 1/2 pound of beef per person. So for 6 people, you’ll want a 3 pound roast. However, this doesn’t account for leftovers or bone weight.

A 3 pound roast may end up being on the smaller side if you want to make sure everyone gets seconds and that you have leftovers. I’d recommend upsizing just a bit.

Bone-In vs Boneless Roast

Bone-in roasts often recommended when slow roasting or braising beef. The bone adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during the long cooking time. However, the bone does add extra weight that won’t yield edible meat.

For a 3 pound boneless roast you’ll yield about 2 1/2 pounds of cooked edible portions. But for a bone-in roast, you may only get about 2 pounds of meat off a 3 pound roast after cooking and carving.

So if going with a bone-in option, I suggest upsizing the roast weight by about a half pound to a pound.

Roast Options for 6 People

Here are some good roast options in the 3.5-4.5 pound range for feeding 6 people:

• Chuck Roast (boneless or bone-in) – A nicely marbled and flavorful cut that is perfect for roasting or slow cooking pot roasts. Go with a 3.5-4 pound roast.

• Bottom Round Roast – A leaner and more budget-friendly cut. Go with a 4-4.5 pound roast.

• Tri-Tip Roast – An evenly shaped and tender roast good for grilling or roasting. Get a 3.5-4 pound roast.

• Rib Roast (bone-in) – A pricey but impressive and flavorful standing rib roast. Get a 4-4.5 pound roast with at least 3 ribs.

• Rump Roast – A flavorful and relatively affordable roast. Go with a 3.5-4 pound roast.

Calculating Cook Time

Larger roasts need more time to cook through while staying juicy. Here are some general guidelines on cook times based on weight:

• 3-4 pound roast:
  • Slow cooker: 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high
  • Oven: 3-4 hours at 300°F
• 4-5 pound roast:
  • Slow cooker: 10-12 hours on low or 6-8 hours on high
  • Oven: 4-5 hours at 300°F

These times can vary a bit depending on the shape and bone vs. boneless. Get an instant read thermometer to check for doneness. Roasts should hit at least 145°F internally.

Always let roasts rest for 15-30 minutes before slicing into them. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.

Serving Size

To make sure 6 people get a hearty serving, plan on around 8 ounces of cooked, boneless roast per person. With a bone-in roast, plan on 10 ounces per serving to account for the bone.

Based on a 4 pound boneless roast, you should get around 24 total servings of 8 ounces each. That’s enough for 6 generous helpings of seconds and maybe even some leftovers!

Aim for having around 1 pound left over to allow for second helpings and leftovers to pick at through the week.

Cooking Methods

While roasts are delicious roasted in the oven, don’t be afraid to use your slow cooker or Instant Pot for convenience. Chuck roasts and rump roasts are especially good cuts for slow cooking.

Here are some easy cooking methods:

Oven: Heat oven to 300°F. Season roast all over with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. Place fatty side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Slow Cooker: Season roast and sear on stove top if desired. Place in slow cooker on low for 8-12 hours depending on size.

Instant Pot: Sear roast first to brown outside. Add 1 cup broth to pot and cook on manual high pressure for 45-60 minutes depending on size. Allow natural release.

Grill: Great for tri-tip roasts. Sear roast on all sides over high heat. Move to indirect heat and continue grilling with lid closed, flipping occasionally, until it reaches desired doneness.

Recipes to Try

Here are some tasty roast recipes to try out for feeding a crowd:

• Slow Cooker Pot Roast – Chow down on fall-off-the-bone tender pot roast with carrots, potatoes, and gravy.

• Coffee and Chili Rubbed Roast – A flavorful rub makes an inexpensive rump roast shine.

• Garlic Herb Crusted Roast – For a gourmet presentation, coat beef with a garlic, herb and mustard blend.

• Roast Beef Sandwiches – Pile sliced roast beef high on rolls with melty provolone cheese, au jus, and crispy fried onions.

• Beef Stroganoff – Transform leftover roast into this comforting dish with mushrooms and egg noodles.

No matter which cut or recipe you choose, a 3.5-4.5 pound beef roast is a perfect fit for feeding 6 people. Allow plenty of time for low and slow cooking and use a meat thermometer for best results. Enjoy that tender, mouthwatering roast beef!