Topside beef

lil_me

Ok tomorrow I am collecting the beef for Christmas dinner, kids and DP dislike turkey, someone suggested on a previous thread to cook in a roasting bag, are there any other ways ? I forgot to look for roasting bags today but am willing to have a look tomorrow if there is any left if that is the best way.

Do I need to do anything to it when I buy it or before it's cooked ?

Also any ideas how long to cook it for, don't want it rare, I have ordered a 2kg one. I do have a thermometer but no idea what temperature it should be at as I haven't cooked it before. I also need to prepare when to put it in as we have a tight schedule for the rest of the day.

TIA for any help, this is the first time I am doing dinner and don't want to mess it up

Toxic_Lemon

I just roast mine in the oven. No bag or anything. It depends on how well cooked you like it as to how long you cook it for. Personally, I only eat mine rare. Well done beef should be a crime, IMO!

You can also add chopped peppers, garlic and onions into the pan. They make a delicious gravy after the beef is removed, combined with the beef juices.

lil_me

I have all those things, will give that a go, I bought a pan today, I have to just hope it fits in it now. I didn't buy a rack as someone said didn't need it. Don't think the kids would eat it too rare, but they could have the outer bits. DP likes it with a bit of colour.

Do you need to put any oil or anythin in the pan it's cooked in.

Been looking all over online for cooking times and they all say different things

Toxic_Lemon

You want 15 mins per LB (30 mins per Kg) in a moderate oven (190c/375f) and add 15 mins for medium or 30 mins for well done. So about 1hr 15mins - 1hr 30mins for yours.

lil_me

Thats great, you're a super star, here was me thinking I would have to get up at the crack of dawn to start cooking it, what a relief

Now just have to time it all, will allow a bit extra of course, we're always late everywhere on Xmas day and this year determined to be more organised so less people moan!!

Toxic_Lemon

Don't forget the most important thing: leave the beef to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will make it more tender. That means remove it from the oven after cooking and let it sit. If you're worried about it going cold, pop a little foil over it.

Have you got horseradish sauce?

lil_me

I have bought horseradish but don't actually know if any of us likes it, so bought cranberry too, might be ok. Doing roasties, mash, yorkshires and veg. Been practising my yorkshires nearly every day and they are now edible No more pre mades for us!

Been suggested to cook the roasties with the beef but I don't think there is room on the tray.

Will check if I have some foil, think I may need some more.

I am cheating, been bought an electric knife as a present so think I will use that to cut it.

I'll be taking the laptop in the kitchen on Xmas day to help me I think lol.

Toxic_Lemon

If it's just horseradish you probably won't like it. If it's creamed horseradish, you may do.

Sounds like a lovely dinner. Left over beef is delish sliced and warmed through in the left-over gravy!

LJM

beef curry with leftovers yummy

lil_me

Plan is to have lots of leftovers, hence 2kg between 2 adults and 2 children. Saying that my oldest who is usually a fussy eater will probably eat loads as he loves it. He chose what we are having. I did buy the creamed but only a small one, just incase.

I'm determined to make it nice, not having done it before and in all honesty only just starting to cook from scratch this last few months.

Toxic_Lemon

It's all about the timing, as you've already discovered. WE don't actually cook anything: the oven does it all. So the timing and prep is our bit!