Sundays are made for comfort, connection, and unforgettable food. Few meals bring people together like a traditional Sunday roast, and Chef Ed’s take on the classic delivers big flavor and timeless warmth. This 600-word recipe celebrates tender roast beef, juicy roasted chicken, crispy vegetables, and a rich pan gravy—all made with care and served with love.
Ingredients
Serves 6–8
For the Roast Beef:
- 3 lb top sirloin or ribeye roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional for crust)
For the Roast Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (3.5–4 lb)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, halved
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 1 onion, quartered
For the Vegetables:
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 Yukon gold potatoes, chopped
- 1 sweet potato, cubed
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, thyme to taste
- Pan drippings
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef or chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Rub the beef with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and Dijon mustard. Place in a roasting pan with a rack and roast for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting for about 60–75 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Let rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Rub the chicken with softened butter and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stuff the cavity with lemon, onion, and thyme. Place breast-side up in a roasting pan. Roast at 425°F (218°C) for 75–90 minutes, or until internal temp at the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste halfway through for extra crispy skin.
Step 3: Roast the Veggies
Toss carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and red onion in olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (204°C) for 30–40 minutes until golden and tender. For extra crispness, flip halfway through cooking.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
After removing beef and chicken from the pans, pour pan drippings into a skillet. Heat over medium, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the stock and stir until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Season to taste.
Serving the Sunday Roast
Arrange thick slices of beef and carved chicken on a large serving platter, surround with roasted vegetables, and drizzle gravy over the top or serve it on the side. Pair with buttered rolls or Yorkshire pudding for a full Sunday experience.
This meal is a celebration of texture and taste—crispy skin, tender meats, caramelized vegetables, and savory gravy. It’s hearty, rich, and comforting, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day in sandwiches or wraps.
Chef Ed’s Tips:
- Let meats rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Add a splash of red wine to the beef gravy for depth.
- Toss veggies with a touch of honey or balsamic for added flavor.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours
Total Time: 2.5 hours
Servings: 6–8
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- America’s Test Kitchen. (2017). Cooking at Home with Bridget and Julia: The TV Hosts of America’s Test Kitchen Share Their Favorite Recipes. America’s Test Kitchen.
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. (2020). Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart
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- BBC Good Food. (n.d.). How to Make the Perfect Roast Beef. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/roast-beef
- The Kitchn. (2021). How to Roast a Whole Chicken. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-roast-a-chicken-240918
- Serious Eats. (2022). How to Make Rich and Flavorful Gravy from Pan Drippings. https://www.seriouseats.com/pan-gravy-recipe