How much roast beef per person?

It's impossible to give a definitive answer to how much roast beef per person without more information! Here's why, and how to figure it out:

Factors Affecting Roast Beef Per Person:

* Appetite: Are your guests big eaters, or light eaters?

* Other Food: Will there be other main courses or side dishes?

* Cut of Meat: A lean cut like a sirloin will yield more edible meat than a fatty cut like a brisket.

* Cooking Method: Some cooking methods, like roasting, result in more shrinkage than others.

* Leftovers: Do you want to have leftovers?

General Guidelines:

* Light Eaters: 1/4 to 1/3 lb per person

* Average Eaters: 1/2 to 3/4 lb per person

* Hearty Eaters: 1 lb per person

Here's a more practical approach:

1. Estimate Your Guests' Appetite: Think about your guests' usual food intake.

2. Consider Other Food: Will there be other meat, or just sides?

3. Choose a Cut: Select a cut that will yield the desired amount of edible meat.

4. Account for Shrinkage: Roast beef shrinks about 10-15% when cooked.

5. Leftovers: Do you want enough for leftovers?

Example:

* Guests: 6 people

* Appetite: Average eaters

* Other Food: Salad and sides

* Cut: Lean Sirloin roast (shrinkage: 10%)

Calculation:

1. Roast Beef per person: 1/2 lb

2. Total Roast Beef: 6 people x 1/2 lb = 3 lb

3. Account for Shrinkage: 3 lb + 10% = 3.3 lb

You would need approximately 3.3 pounds of sirloin roast.

Important Note: It's always better to overestimate than underestimate. You can always freeze leftovers for later!