How to Cook Two Beef Roasts at Once: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking two beef roasts simultaneously can seem daunting. How do you ensure both roasts turn out perfectly cooked without drying out or burning? Follow this detailed guide for foolproof results every time.

Why Cook Two Roasts at Once?

Cooking two roasts together is ideal when:

• Feeding a large gathering or hosting a dinner party.

• Meal prepping roasts for the week ahead.

• Taking advantage of sales on large cuts of meat.

With the right techniques, you can nail cooking two roasts at the same time. The keys are choosing the right roasts, prep, monitoring temps, and allowing ample resting time. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Tips for Selecting Roasts

Opt for roasts similar in size and shape when cooking two at once, This allows them to cook at the same rate, Great options include

• Top round roast
• Eye of round roast
• Bottom round roast
• Sirloin tip roast
• Tri-tip roast

For even cooking, choose roasts around 3-5 pounds each. Go for well-marbled USDA Choice or Prime grade beef for the most flavor and tenderness.

Prep the Roasts

• Place roasts on a cutting board and pat dry with paper towels

• Trim off any excess fat or silver skin Leave a thin layer of fat to baste the meat,

• Season generously with salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs. Rub the seasoning into the meat.

• Allow roasts to come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. This helps them cook evenly.

Cook the Roasts

• Preheat oven to 450°F. Use convection bake if your oven has it.

• Place a roasting rack inside each pan. This elevates the meat for even cooking.

• Put the roasts fat side up on the racks. Make sure they aren’t touching.

• Roast at 450°F for 15 minutes to jumpstart browning.

• Reduce heat to 325°F. Cook until internal temp reaches 125°F for medium-rare, about 25 minutes per pound.

• If one roast reaches temp before the other, tent it with foil to rest while the second one finishes.

• Don’t open the oven door often or temps will fluctuate. Use a meat thermometer to check periodically.

Rest and Carve

• Transfer roasts to a cutting board. Loosely tent with foil and let rest 15-20 minutes.

• The temp will rise 5-10°F. This allows juices to redistribute evenly.

• To carve, slice roasts across the grain into 1/4-1/2 inch thick slices.

• Serve warm with pan juices drizzled over the top.

Follow these steps, and you’ll have two perfectly cooked roasts ready to serve a crowd. Let’s look at more tips to guarantee roasting success.

7 Key Tips for Roasting Two Beef Roasts

Roasting two beef roasts simultaneously leaves little room for error. Use these pro tips for ideal results:

1. Choose evenly shaped roasts – Matching roasts ensure even cooking.

2. Position roasts carefully – Place them as far apart as possible, away from heating elements.

3. Use a leave-in thermometer – Monitor temps without opening the oven.

4. Use convection if available – Circulating hot air cooks roasts faster.

5. Preheat thoroughly – Give your oven at least 30 minutes to fully preheat.

6. Reduce heat once browned – Finish cooking more gently at 325°F.

7. Rest before slicing – Allows juices to redistribute for tender, juicy meat.

Follow this cheat sheet for perfect roasts every time you cook two at once.

Common Questions and Concerns

Cooking two roasts together often raises some questions for home cooks. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long does it take to cook two roasts?

Cooking time depends on roast size, but estimate 25-30 minutes per pound at 325°F after searing. Check temps early and extend time if needed.

Should I rotate the roasts?

Swapping rack positions halfway through may help. But opening the oven can drastically reduce heat. It’s often better to leave them be.

What if one roast is smaller?

Start checking the smaller roast about 15 minutes early. Once it reaches temp, tent with foil to rest while the larger one finishes cooking.

Do I need to double the cooking time?

No, roasting two roasts takes about 1.5 times as long, not twice as long. Cooking them together exposes all sides to heat efficiently.

Should I cook them at the same temp?

Yes, match roasts closely in size and cook at the same oven temp. Different temps can lead to uneven cooking.

How can I prevent burning or drying out?

Sear at a high temp, then reduce heat. Baste periodically with pan juices. And always allow ample resting time before carving.

Sample Timeline when Roasting 5 lb Roasts

To give you an idea of the timing when cooking two 5 pound roasts, here is a sample timeline:

• 2:00 pm – Take roasts out of fridge to come to room temperature

• 2:30 pm – Prepare and season roasts. Preheat oven to 450°F.

• 2:45 pm – Place roasts in oven, fat side up. Roast at 450°F.

• 3:00 pm – Reduce heat to 325°F. Roast until internal temp reaches 125°F.

• 4:15 pm – Check temp of smaller roast. Once 125°F, tent with foil.

• 4:30 pm – Check temp of second roast. Once 125°F, remove both roasts from oven.

• 4:45 pm – Allow roasts to rest 15-20 minutes.

• 5:00 pm – Carve roasts and serve!

As you can see, roasting two 5 pound roasts takes 2.5-3 hours at 325°F after searing. Timing varies slightly depending on shape and exact size. Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy.

More Tips for Juicy, Tender Roasts

For the juiciest, most flavorful roasts, keep these extra tips in mind:

• Truss roasts – Tying them into an even shape aids cooking.

• Dry brine – Salt roasts heavily a day ahead. Promotes juiciness.

• Use aromatics – Stud with garlic and herbs for extra flavor.

• Make a pan sauce – Whisk pan drippings into an easy, delicious sauce.

• Let meat come to room temp – Prevents searing from toughening the exterior.

• Baste with juices – Use a bulb baster or large spoon to keep roasts moist.

• Rest on a rack – Elevates roasts above drippings to prevent sogginess.

With the right prep and techniques, you can successfully roast two beef roasts for perfect results every time. Now that you know how to cook two roasts together with ease, invite over a crowd and dig in!