Family Birthday Roast Beef Dinner – A True British Classic
There’s nothing more comforting or celebratory than a proper British roast beef dinner, especially when it’s made for a family birthday.
Juicy, tender slices of roast beef served with crispy golden roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables, rich gravy, and classic trimmings—this is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Hearty, elegant, and deeply satisfying, this roast is proof that simple, well-cooked food is unbeatable.
Try to find a flaw in this plate… I dare you
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Roast Beef:
2–2.5 kg beef roasting joint (rib, sirloin, or topside)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp English mustard
3 cloves garlic, crushed
Fresh rosemary or thyme
For the Roast Potatoes:
1.5 kg potatoes, peeled and halved
4 tbsp beef dripping or vegetable oil
Salt
For the Yorkshire Puddings:
140 g all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
200 ml milk
Pinch of salt
Beef dripping or oil for the tray
Vegetables:
Carrots, peeled and cut into batons
Broccoli or tenderstem broccoli
Optional: parsnips or green beans
For the Gravy:
Beef pan juices
1 tbsp flour
500 ml beef stock
Method of Preparation
1️⃣ Roast the Beef:
Remove the beef from the fridge 1 hour before cooking.
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Rub beef with olive oil, salt, pepper, mustard, garlic, and herbs.
Roast for 20 minutes at high heat, then reduce to 180°C (350°F).
Cook for:
Rare: 15 min per 500 g
Medium: 20 min per 500 g
Well done: 25 min per 500 g
Rest the beef 20–30 minutes, loosely covered with foil.
2️⃣ Roast Potatoes:
Parboil potatoes in salted water for 10 minutes.
Drain, roughen edges, and place in hot fat.
Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 45–60 minutes, turning once, until crispy and golden.
3️⃣ Yorkshire Puddings:
Whisk flour, eggs, milk, and salt until smooth.
Rest batter for 30 minutes.
Heat oil in muffin tray until smoking hot.
Pour batter in and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 20–25 minutes without opening the oven.
4️⃣ Vegetables:
Steam or boil carrots and broccoli until tender but vibrant.
Lightly season with salt and a little butter if desired.
5️⃣ Gravy:
Place roasting pan on heat, add flour, and stir.
Gradually add beef stock, scraping up all the flavor.
Simmer until thick and glossy.
Professional Serving Tip
Slice the beef against the grain and arrange on warm plates. Add roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and finish generously with rich gravy. Serve immediately while everything is hot and crisp.
A roast like this isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration. Perfect for birthdays, Sunday gatherings, or anytime you want to impress without overcomplicating things.