How Long to Cook a Roast Beef at 375 Degrees: The Complete Guide

Roast beef is a timeless classic that graces holiday tables and Sunday dinners. When cooked properly, it emerges from the oven deeply flavored, tender and juicy

However, nailing the roast beef cook time can be tricky. Cook it too short and the center remains raw. Cook it too long and you end up with a dry, tough piece of meat.

So how long should you cook a roast beef at 375 degrees Fahrenheit? Read on for a complete guide including cook times, tips and techniques for perfect roast beef every time

How Long to Cook a Roast Beef at 375 Degrees

The general guideline for cooking roast beef at 375°F is to allot 15-20 minutes per pound.

• A 3-pound roast should cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour
• A 4-pound roast needs 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
• A 5-pound roast will need 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

However, cook time varies based on the size, shape and type of roast. Things like bone-in vs boneless, uniform shape vs irregular shape, and fat cap on or off all impact total cook time.

That’s why it’s impossible to give an exact cook time that guarantees perfect results for all roasts. The cooking range of 15-20 minutes per pound provides a good starting point. But you’ll need to employ some additional techniques to ensure your roast beef turns out right.

Monitoring Temperature for Doneness

The most reliable way to determine when your roast beef is done is to monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. This lets you pull the roast from the oven at just the right moment for your desired doneness, regardless of cook time.

• Rare: 120-125°F
• Medium-rare: 130-135°F
• Medium: 140-150°F
• Well-done: At least 155°F

Buy an oven-safe thermometer and insert the probe halfway into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding bone or fat. Monitor temperature periodically starting 30 minutes before estimated cook time ends.

Cook Low and Slow

Cooking the roast at a lower oven temperature of 275-300°F will break down connective tissue over an extended time for fork-tender meat. Figure 20-25 minutes per pound at 275°F.

Low and slow cooking gives you more leeway if the roast ends up cooking longer than expected. The slower heating makes it less likely to overcook.

Just be sure to bring the meat to room temperature before cooking to prevent a large temperature differential that slows cooking.

Reduce Cook Time for Sirloin Tip or Top Round

Lean roasts like sirloin tip or round generally cook faster than fattier cuts like rib roast or prime rib. Reduce cook time to 12-15 minutes per pound for these cuts.

Rely on a meat thermometer and cook to no more than medium doneness or the lack of fat will lead to dry roast beef.

Add Extra Time for Bone-In Roasts

The bones in rib roasts or standing rib roasts insulate the meat, slowing down cooking. Add 5-10 extra minutes per pound to the cook time.

Boning a roast speeds up cooking. Tie boneless roasts with butcher twine to maintain shape and even cooking.

How to Tell When Roast Beef is Done Without a Thermometer

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, use these visual tests to check for doneness:

• Press the roast with tongs – rarer roasts feel soft, well-done are firm.
• Check internal color – red for rare, pink for medium, light pink to brown for well-done.
• Watch for meat to shrink and pull away from bone.
• Check juices – clear with red is rare, clear pink is medium, clear brown is well done.

Cut into the thickest section to inspect color and texture when unsure. Cook longer if needed.

Why You Should Let Roast Beef Rest Before Slicing

Letting the roast beef rest after cooking, also called carrying over, is key for evenly cooked, juicy meat. Here’s why you should rest your roast:

• Allows juices redistributed instead of pouring out when sliced.
• Evens out the cooking so the outer layers don’t overcook.
• Gives you some leeway in pulling it from the oven a bit early.
• Makes it easier to carve thin slices without shredding.

Let roast beef rest at least 10 minutes up to 40 minutes depending on size. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Tips for the Perfect Roast Beef at 375°F

Follow these tips for foolproof roast beef cooked at 375 degrees:

• Choose evenly shaped roasts for most consistent cooking.
• Tie roasts for uniform thickness and to prevent uneven cooking.
• Bring meat to room temperature before cooking for faster, more even cooking.
• Sear roast first for enhanced flavor and nice crust.
• Add aromatics like garlic and herbs beneath and on top of roast.
• Baste periodically with pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
• Monitor temperature early and often for perfect doneness.
• Let roast beef rest adequately before slicing and serving.

With the proper techniques, cooking roast beef at 375 degrees delivers perfect results every time. Refer to this guide whenever you cook roast beef. Soon you’ll be turning out fork-tender, juicy roasts like a pro.