Roast beef is a classic centerpiece for any gathering with family or friends But figuring out how much to buy can be tricky Here’s a detailed guide to help you determine the right amount of roast beef to feed 8 people.
What is Roast Beef?
Roast beef refers to oven-roasted beef, usually prepared from larger cuts like rib roast, sirloin tip roast, eye of round roast, or tenderloin roast. It is seasoned, seared, then slow-roasted to medium rare doneness.
The most popular roast beef cuts are:
-
Rib Roast – cut from the rib section very tender and flavorful. Also called prime rib.
-
Sirloin Tip Roast – from the hip/rear, budget-friendly.
-
Eye of Round Roast – from the hindquarter, lean yet tender.
-
Tenderloin Roast – from the short loin, extremely tender
Roast beef is often served sliced thin and paired with gravy or au jus. It makes excellent sandwiches too.
How Much Roast Beef Per Person?
For roast beef, you can estimate 6-8 ounces of cooked meat per person. This allows for some bone weight and cooking loss.
Some key serving size guidelines:
- 6 oz cooked = Approximately 8 oz raw
- 8 oz cooked = Approximately 10-12 oz raw
- 1 lb raw = About 3/4 lb cooked
Always round up slightly when purchasing to account for carving loss and leftovers.
Calculating Total Roast Beef for 8 People
Follow these steps to determine how much roast beef to buy:
- Decide on portion size per person (6-8 oz)
- Multiply by number of guests
- Add 1-2 lbs extra to allow for bone/fat, shrinkage, and leftovers
Example for 8 People
- 8 guests
- 8 oz cooked per person
- 8 oz x 8 people = 64 oz = 4 lbs
- Add 2 lbs extra
- Purchase 6 lbs total
This allows for generous 8 oz portions with leftovers. For smaller 6 oz portions, purchase 4-5 lbs total instead.
Roast Beef Cooking Time Estimates
Cooking times vary depending on size, cut, and desired doneness:
-
Small Roast (3-4 lbs) – Cook 18-25 minutes per lb at 325°F for medium rare.
-
Large Roast (6-8 lbs) – Cook 15-20 minutes per lb at 325°F for medium rare.
-
Tenderloin – Cook for 45-60 minutes total.
Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness, between 130-140°F for medium rare. Let rest 15+ minutes before carving.
Serving Tips
- Carve across the grain into thin slices.
- Serve with gravy, au jus, or horseradish sauce.
- Make juicy roast beef sandwiches with the leftovers!
Get the Right Roast Beef Quantity for Your Party
When feeding 8 people, plan for a 6-8 lb roast beef. This provides generous 6-8 oz portions per person. Follow these tips for purchasing, cooking times, and serving roast beef perfectly.
The Perfect Roast Beef – Medium Rare
FAQ
How much roast beef do I need for 8 adults?
Is 4 pounds of meat enough for 8 people?
How many will a 4 lb roast feed?
|
Servings
|
Bone-In Roast
|
Boneless Roast
|
|
3–4 adults
|
4 lb. (2 bones)
|
3 lb.
|
|
4–5 adults
|
5 lb. (2-3 bones)
|
4 lb.
|
|
5–6 adults
|
6 lb. (3 bones)
|
5 lb.
|
|
6–7 adults
|
7 lb. (3-4 bones)
|
6 lb.
|
How much beef do I need to feed 8?
How much roast beef per person?
Consider serving sandwiches with roast beef as the main course with 1/2 to 1/3 pound of roast beef per person. You can calculate 1/4 to 1/6 pounds of roast beef per person when it’s included in a buffet or appetizer selection. Depending on your particular event and your guests’ appetites, change the quantities.
How many servings of lean meats should one have per day?
Ideally, each person consumes between 300 and 500 g of meat per week, which means a very small steak per day. This includes red and white meats such as chicken and fish, although they are less fatty.
How much rib roast per person?
Rib roasts have about 30% bones and fat. For a generous 12-ounce cooked portion, you’ll need to buy 15 to 16 ounces per person. For ten people, start with a 10-pound roast minimum. How Much Fish per Person?
How much meat do you need for a roast beef sandwich?
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Meat Calculator: How Much Meat Do You Need? For roast beef sandwiches as the main dish, consider 1/2 to 1/3 pound of roast beef per person.