How to Cook a Roast in a Bag

Use an oven bag to create a great roast and potatoes meal.

Using an oven bag to prepare a roast is an effective way to cook a substantial meal. An oven bag helps the meat retains moisture and locks in flavors from any vegetables or spices you decide to add. Even a beginner can look like a seasoned cook by performing a little preparation work and following a few easy steps. Though ingredients and cook times vary, most recipes are similar when using an oven bag. You can even choose your own variations if you want something a little different.

Instructions

1. 

   For most roasts, 325 degrees is the perfect cooking temperature.

   Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Some recipes call for slight variations in temperature, but 325 degrees is a safe temperature for most recipes.

2. 

   Make sure your roasting pan is large enough to hold all the fixings.

   Place an open oven bag into a roasting pan. Make sure the roasting pan is large enough to accommodate the roast and allow enough room around the sides for you to remove the roast with your hands after cooking.

3. 

   Sift some flour into the oven bag with your roast before cooking.

   Prepare the roast by rubbing 1 tbsp. flour into the roast, then place the roast into the oven bag. Another suggestion is to place the roast in the oven bag, add flour and shake to blend the flour into the roast. You can also rub the roast with salt, pepper or other spices.

4. 

   Add vegetables you like to the roast and give it your unique touch.

   Prepare any vegetables that you want to cook with the roast, then place them in the oven bag. Add any spices you wish. Once the spices and vegetables are added, add a little water to the oven bag to keep the roast moist. For a 4 lb. rump roast, 1/4 cup of water is usually sufficient. Depending on the type and type of roast, add up to an additional 1/4 cup of water.

5. 

   Remember to tie your oven bag closed.

   Pull the open ends of the oven bag together and tie the bag shut to seal in the roast and other ingredients. Cut a few tiny slits into the top of the oven bag to help vent the bag while cooking and keep it from popping open.

6. Cook the roast for the length of time appropriate to the type and weight of the roast, according to the recipe you're using. A 4 lb. rump roast will cook approximately 2 hours.

   Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a 4 lb. rump roast, an internal temperature of 160 degrees means the roast is fully cooked. This temperature varies by type of roast.

7. Remove the roasting pan from the oven when the meat gets to the correct temperature and place it on a flat surface. Use caution when opening the oven bag, as steam will rush out when opening. Let the roast sit for 5 to 10 minutes before carving.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to vent the oven bag before cooking. This will keep the bag from popping open in the oven.

• Take caution when opening a hot oven bag to avoid steam burns.

• Use oven bags only in conventional and microwave ovens.

References

• Reynolds Oven Bags: Beef Recipes

Resources

• RecipeTips.com: Beef Cooking Times