How many pounds of roast beef to prepare for 200 people?

It's impossible to give an exact answer without more information! Here's why and how to figure it out:

Factors to Consider:

* Appetite: Are these people hungry? Are they at a formal dinner or a casual barbecue?

* Other Food: Will there be other main dishes? Lots of sides?

* Serving Size: Do you plan to serve thin slices or thicker cuts?

* Type of Roast: Some cuts of beef are more lean than others, affecting how much you'll need.

General Guidelines:

* Formal Dinner: Plan on about 4 ounces of cooked roast beef per person.

* Casual Barbecue: You might need 6-8 ounces per person.

Example Calculation:

Let's say you're having a casual barbecue and estimate an average of 6 ounces per person.

* 200 people * 6 ounces = 1200 ounces of cooked roast beef needed

* There are 16 ounces in a pound, so 1200 ounces / 16 ounces/pound = 75 pounds of roast beef

Important Note: It's always better to overestimate a little. Leftover roast beef is fantastic for sandwiches!

For a more accurate estimate:

* Talk to your butcher: They are experts on roast beef and can advise on the right cut and how much to purchase based on your specific needs.

* Research recipes: Look up recipes for roast beef and see what they recommend for serving sizes.