How Big Of A Roast Do I Need?
par {{ author }} Darius Campeau au Dec 16, 2024
Often we are asked "How big of a roast do I need?", and honestly the answer is always - it depends! Howevere there are some general rules of thumb to use. We have put togther a list of pointers
Here’s a simple guide for calculating the size of beef roast, ham, or turkey you’ll need for a gathering. The amount depends on whether the meat is the main dish, if there are other protein options, and the type of meal (sit-down vs. buffet).
1. General Guidelines
Per Person Serving Sizes:
- Prime Rib Roast (bone-in): 1 lb (454 g) per person
- Boneless Prime Rib Roast (boneless): 1/2 lb (227 g) per person
- Smoked Virginia Ham (boneless): 1/2 lb (227 g) per person
- Free Range Heritage Turkey (whole): 1 to 1.5 lbs (454-680 g) per person
2. Adjusting for Situations
- Big Appetites or No Leftovers: Add an extra 1/4 lb per person.
- Buffet with Many Options: Reduce by 10-20%.
- Want Leftovers? Plan for 25-50% more meat.
3. Quick Calculation Table
| Number of Guests | Beef Roast (Boneless) | Beef Roast (Bone-in) | Ham (Boneless) | Ham (Bone-in) | Turkey (Whole) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | 5-6 lbs (2.3-2.7 kg) |
| 8 | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) | 8 lbs (3.6 kg) | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | 10-12 lbs (4.5-5.4 kg) |
| 12 | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | 12 lbs (5.4 kg) | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | 9 lbs (4 kg) | 15-18 lbs (6.8-8.2 kg) |
| 16 | 8 lbs (3.6 kg) | 16 lbs (7.3 kg) | 8 lbs (3.6 kg) | 12 lbs (5.4 kg) | 20-24 lbs (9-10.9 kg) |
4. Key Considerations
Bone-In vs. Boneless:
- Bone-in cuts have more weight from the bone, so you’ll need more meat per person.
Cooking Yield:
- Expect a 10-20% weight loss during cooking for moisture and fat loss. Adjust your purchase accordingly.
Meal Context:
- If serving alongside heavy sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or casseroles, you can reduce the serving size slightly.
Pro Tip:
If unsure, round up! Leftover beef, ham, or turkey can be easily repurposed into sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.
