24 Sunday roast recipes: from beef, lamb, chicken and pork
From tender lamb to roast beef, these essential recipes will elevate your Sunday roast. We’ve got you covered with tips and easy recipes for perfectly roasted meats, crispy potatoes, and velvety gravy.
The Sunday roast is a cornerstone of Australian family meals, evoking nostalgia and comfort. From the perfect lamb and beef to succulent roast chicken or duck, there’s a recipe for every palate. With the right techniques and a few key ingredients, you can elevate your Sunday roast to a celebration of flavour, alongside a glass of wine or two. Whether you’re opting for a classic roast or experimenting with spiced or slow-cooked variations, these recipes will bring the family to the table and keep everyone asking for seconds.
The Origins of the Sunday Roast
The Sunday roast dates back centuries, originally a meal to feed the entire family after a busy week. Once reserved for special occasions, the roast has evolved into a weekly ritual for many Australians, with modern interpretations that continue to honour the tradition of a hearty, slow-cooked meal.
How to Make the Perfect Sunday Roast
Mastering the Sunday roast requires some know-how, from choosing the right cut of meat to getting that golden-brown finish. The key to a perfect roast lies in timing, temperature, and seasoning. Each meat type—whether lamb, chicken, or beef—has its own unique requirements, but with our expert tips, you’ll have it all down pat. Remember, it’s not just about the meat; it’s about the sides—crispy potatoes, fresh vegetables, and indulgent gravies to complement every bite.
Top Tips for Making a Sunday Roast
- Choose quality meat: Opt for grass-fed beef or free-range chicken for the best flavours.
- Rest the meat: Let your roast sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
- Use fresh herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and mint enhance the natural flavour of your roast.
- Roast vegetables right: Toss them with olive oil, salt, and herbs for a crisp finish.
- Don’t forget the gravy: A rich, homemade gravy will tie your roast together.
Lamb Roast Recipes
Lamb, Potatoes, and Oranges
An unexpected but brilliant pairing, this Greek-inspired dish brings a fresh twist to the traditional lamb roast.
Get the recipe for Anastasia Miari’s Greek roast leg lamb.
The Perfect Roast Lamb Loin
Achieve a golden brown crust with this simple, foolproof technique for a mouthwatering roast lamb.
Get the recipe for Lennox Hastie’s roast lamb loin.
Indian-Style Roast Lamb
This marinated lamb roast packs a punch with fragrant spices—perfect for a change from the ordinary.
Get the recipe for David Herbert’s Indian-style roast lamb.
Pot roast shoulder of lamb with fennel
Ask your butcher to remove the bone from the shoulder, roll and tie it – the meat will be easier to slice.
Get the recipe for David Herbert’s pot roast shoulder of lamb with fennel.
Elizabeth Hewson’s braised garam lamb shoulder
Lamb shoulder deserves a place on our summer entertaining menu. It’s a flavoursome economical cut of meat that needs little hands-on cooking.
Get the recipe for Elizabeth Hewson’s braised garam lamb shoulder.
Jane Devonshire’s braised garam masala shoulder of lamb
Turmeric, garlic and salt-crusted roast potatoes are the perfect accompaniment.
Get the recipe for Jane Devonshire’s braised garam masala shoulder of lamb.
Michel Roux Jr rack of lamb with an olive crust
Straight out of Provence, this rack of lamb with braised fennel is good served with roasted new potatoes.
Get the recipe for Michel Roux Jr rack of lamb with an olive crust.
Roast Chicken Recipes
Secret’s to the perfect roast chicken
Discover the secrets to juicy, crispy skin every time.
Get the recipe for David Herbert’s secret to perfecting roast chicken.
A chicken pot roast to please the whole family
Old-fashioned and comforting this pot roast is one for the ages.
Get the recipe for Annie Smithers’s chicken pot roast.
Portuguese Roast Chicken
A delightful spin on the classic, served with a refreshing cucumber, fennel, and avocado salad.
Get the recipe for David Herbert’s portuguese roast chicken.
Yoghurt Roast Chicken
Tender and full of flavour, this chicken pairs perfectly with a crisp tarte tatin.
Get the recipe for Matthew Evans’s roast chicken and tarte tatin.
Roasted butterfly chook
This succulent chicken recipe is all about creating a sense of home and bringing comfort.
Get the recipe for Elizabeth Hewson’s roasted butterflied chicken.
Stuffed Greek roast chicken
This is the perfect recipe for a summer Sunday lunch, with everything you need all in one dish.
Get the recipe for Diana Henry’s stuffed Greek chicken with cayenne.
Roast Beef Recipes
David Herbert’s roast rib of wagyu beef
This recipe shows off its versatility, great flavour and texture. To test for perfectly done steak, it’s worth investing in a digital meat thermometer.
Get the recipe for David Herbert’s roast rib wagyu beef.
Roast Pork Recipes
Alison Roman’s slow roaster pork shoulder
This flavourful cut of meat is best slow cooked, then sliced when it’s just tender enough. That said, if it were to fall apart into melt-in-the-mouth shreddy bits, would that really be the worst thing?
Get the recipe for Alison Roman’s slow roaster pork shoulder.
Porchetta with roasted vegetables
Traditionally, porchetta is a whole boned young pig, rolled with herbs and garlic then roasted.
Get the recipe for David Herbert’s Porchetta with roasted vegetables.
Roast Pork Belly with Crackling
The perfect balance of meltingly tender meat and crispy skin.
Get the recipe for David Herbert’s roast pork belly with crackling.
Roast Vegetable Recipes
The perfect roast potatoes
The reward of this recipe is a satisfyingly audible crunch, followed by a burst of fluffy potato goodness.
Get the recipe for Lennox Hastie’s crispy potatoes.
Roasted Vegetable with Hummus Dressing
Leftover hummus dressing is good as a dip or with steamed greens.
Get the recipe for David Herbert’s roasted vegetable with hummus dressing.
Roasted parsnips
Sprinkling of pickled mustard seeds and fresh mustard leaves provide a welcome punch and pop to the proceedings. Have them with Hastie’s pork chops recipe.
Get the recipe for Lennox Hastie’s roasted parsnips.
Roasted pumpkin recipe
All dressed up this earthy roasted pumpkin, with its nutty skin and sweet, velvety flesh, is ready to take its place as the star of the show.
Get the recipe for Lennox Hastie’s roasted pumpkin.
Roasted broccoli
Once you start roasting vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts or cauliflower, you’ll never go back.
Get the recipe for David Herbert’s roasted broccoli.
What to Do with the Sunday Roast Leftovers
Don’t let any of that roast go to waste! Transform your leftovers into hearty stews, sandwiches, or savoury pies. Check out our guide to using leftover roast meat for simple, delicious meals.
Want more meal ideas? Check out these flavour packed salad recipes or 11 tray bake recipes. For more food ideas, go to theaustralian.com.au/life/food-drink. For weekly recipes, sign up to our weekly food and wine newsletter.
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