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There’s not many things I love more than the aroma of a roast filling up my kitchen. A roast can make any meal feel special, and doesn’t require a lot of fuss to do it.
This works for me, because I’ve always been a believer in letting good ingredients do the work. A fragrant herb rub, a sticky glaze, a hot oven and a bit of time are really all you need here.
So here are my favourite roast meat recipes, the ones I pull out for Sunday lunches, holiday tables or any occasion when I want dinner with a little bit of ceremony.
There’s a roast for ever mood in this list, and everything from a speedy roast tenderloin to a stunning prime rib, and even a cheeky duck! Just add in a few of your favourite sides and you’ll have a meal to remember.
Coffee Rubbed Top Round Roast (Topside Beef)
5 from 1 vote
Sometimes you need to feed a crowd without spending a fortune on a fancy cut of meat. Here's my trick, using a deeply savoury coffee rub to give this affordable beef joint a wonderfully rich crust. And the red onion cider gravy makes every slice feel special.
This spectacular roast deserves pride of place on a holiday table. The mustard, honey and rosemary rub gives the beef a gorgeous crust, while the centre stays beautifully juicy and pink. A true Christmas dinner hero.
A leg of lamb is easier to perfect at home than you would think. The garlic, rosemary and lemon crust is spectacular, and the rich meat is lifted beautifully by the homemade mint sauce. A wonderful choice for Easter or Sunday lunch.
Roast chicken and potatoes will always be the ultimate comfort food for me. This simple roast is so full of flavour thanks to the rosemary thyme, lemon and garlic, while the potatoes turn golden in the chicken juices. A fantastic roast dinner with very little prep.
If you are looking for a jaw-dropping centrepiece without hours in the oven, this rack of lamb is hard to beat. The pistachio, herb and garlic crumb is fragrant and crisp, perfect for the tender lamb.
I love a glossy glaze, which is why I slathered this ham in a deep amber maple, mustard and bourbon syrup and then roasted it until caramelised around the edges. Made for a festive table but you'll love it anytime. Great for leftovers too!
I love this roast so much! The tender beef, carrots and baby potatoes are all cooked together in one pot filled with dark, syrupy Guinness gravy. it all feels so rich and special, yet only needs 15 minutes prep!
I'll never understand why pork roast isn't as popular as beef. This beautifully seasoned pork loin is tender, economical and so tasty when served with a lovely gravy made from the pan drippings.
I love a non-traditional twist! This whole chicken is rubbed with ginger, coriander, turmeric and paprika and then finished with a sticky mango chutney glaze. Indian flavours in a crispy roast.
This pork tenderloin is a proper midweek treat that cooks in just 30 minutes. Its sweet-sour mustard and molasses glaze gives it all the flavour it needs. Quick enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve guests.
My answer to a comforting roast dinner that won't make you spend all day in the kitchen. The beef becomes mouth-wateringly tender as it cooks in the red wine and earthy vegetables. Finish it off with its own deeply flavoured gravy.
No need to spend all day at the stove with this recipe! The beef cooks gently in a rich, velvety vegetable sauce while you get on with a lazy morning or a long walk. All that is left to do is serve it with potatoes to soak up every drop.
I often make this glazed ham as a low-fuss option for a holiday table. It's poached gently in apple cider so the ham becomes tender before finishing it off with sticky honey and mustard glaze.
It's easy to appreciate a roast that feels special but comes together quickly, just like this one. Rosemary-scented pork is wrapped in balsamic maple bacon for a glossy roast ready in just 30 minutes. Serve it with potatoes for an easy dinner that feels far more luxurious than the effort suggests.
A comforting, low-fuss dinner with rich and tender beef and that can be shredded with just a fork. Only five ingredients and one pot are needed for irresistible Southern-style pulled meat with barely any effort.
This lean, tender pork cooks in just 30 minutes. But it's the sweet and sharp mustard and molasses glaze that really sets it apart, giving it a gorgeous sticky finish. Absolutely perfect with a few simple sides.
Don't want to wait for the oven to cook a chicken? This Instant Pot whole chicken is a clever option. It cooks in roughly half the time and stays exceptionally juicy. Plus I know you'll love the delicious glaze and Thai-inspired sauce made right in the pot.
Spatchcock Roast Chicken in Breadcrumbs and Potatoes
5 from 3 votes
If you don't have the time to wait for a whole chicken to cook, you might want to give spatchcocking a try. The chicken turns beautifully golden beneath the breadcrumb coating, while the potatoes roast right alongside for an easy, satisfying one-pan meal.
I love a good spatchcocked chicken, especially when paired with an incredible garlic, thyme and zippy mustard cream sauce. A brilliant midweek roast with plenty of sauce to spoon over potatoes or crusty bread.
I choose Herbed Butter Turkey Crown Breast when I want a smaller, simpler holiday roast that still feels wonderfully special. The herbed butter keeps the turkey breast juicy and full of flavour, and it cooks far faster than a whole bird.
Cooking the chicken in an air fryer is one of my favourite shortcuts to a proper roast dinner when time is tight. The zesty Greek-inspired marinade makes the chicken wonderfully flavourful, while the air fryer delivers crisp skin and juicy meat in just 40 minutes.
Take the guesswork out of making a turkey with this guide to roasting a beautifully juicy, flavourful bird. Everything you need is here, from seasoning and timings to making homemade gravy, so you can carve with confidence.
I love an elegant duck, especially as a smaller alternative to a turkey for Christmas dinner. The duck is rich, succulent and celebratory, while the vibrant port cranberry sauce brings just the right sharp, wintry contrast. Add your favourite festive trimmings and you have a truly special centrepiece.
The warm persimmon sauce means this roast is a real walk on the wild side! The pork is rubbed with an aromatic herb mix, while the fruit sauce brings an unexpected sweetness. A memorable choice!
Julia Frey is a London based recipe developer and photographer. Julia founded Vikalinka in 2012 with the main mission to provide her readers with delicious and accessible everyday recipes, which could be enjoyed by everyone.