Ingredients:
- Beef roast (such as chuck roast, round roast, or sirloin roast)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Optional: garlic, herbs (rosemary, thyme, etc.), onions, carrots, potatoes for flavoring and roasting alongside the meat
Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to around 325°F (160°C). Adjust the temperature as needed based on the specific cut of meat and your recipe.
2. **Prepare the Roast**: If your roast has excess fat on the outside, you may want to trim some of it off, leaving a thin layer for flavor. Pat the roast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season the roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
3. **Optional: Add Flavorings**: If desired, you can enhance the flavor of the roast by adding minced garlic, chopped herbs, or sliced onions on top of the meat. You can also place root vegetables like carrots and potatoes in the roasting pan to cook alongside the roast.
4. **Sear the Roast (Optional)**: Searing the roast before roasting it in the oven can help develop a flavorful crust. Heat a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, sear the roast on all sides until browned.
5. **Roast the Meat**: Place the seasoned roast in a roasting pan or baking dish. If you haven't already seared the roast, you can simply place it directly in the roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure it doesn't touch the bone if your roast has one.
6. **Cook to Desired Doneness**: Roast the meat in the preheated oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature should register as follows on the meat thermometer:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Well-done: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
7. **Rest the Roast**: Once the roast reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let the roast rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast.
8. **Carve and Serve**: After resting, carve the roast into thick slices and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy your oven-roasted meat! Adjust cooking times and temperatures according to the specific cut of meat, size of the roast, and your desired level of doneness.