Roasts are all about big flavor, minimal fuss, and the kind of leftovers you actually look forward to. These recipes take a variety of proteins, from beef and chicken to pork, turkey, and even a vegetarian option, and turn them into warm, hearty meals with depth and texture. Some are oven-roasted, others use the slow cooker or Instant Pot, but each one delivers that familiar comfort with a few unique twists. From bold glazes and savory stuffings to rich gravies and crisped edges, these dishes are great for making your kitchen smell like something’s been cooking all day, even if it hasn’t. Whether you’re after a simple roast chicken or a stuffed turkey with sticky rice, there’s something here that brings the flavor without the extra work.

Roast Turkey Recipe

Roast Turkey Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This classic turkey roasts to a golden finish with crisp skin and juicy meat throughout. A simple mix of herbs, butter, and seasoning keeps it flavorful and moist. It carves easily and works well with all the sides. A reliable roast that’s built for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Roast Turkey Recipe

Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe (Simple and Delicious)

Juicy and tender Chinese-style roast chicken with crispy skin on a plate with a fork and a spoon.
Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe (Simple and Delicious). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This roast chicken is marinated in a soy-based mix with garlic, ginger, and spices before roasting. The skin crisps up with a deep, savory flavor while the meat stays moist. A quick pan sauce made from the drippings finishes it off. A flavorful take that’s easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Roast Chicken Recipe (Simple and Delicious)

Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese

Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Slices of roast beef and smoked gouda are layered between buttery bread and grilled until golden. The cheese melts into the beef, creating a rich, savory bite. Great for using up roast leftovers in a new way. Crisp, gooey, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese

Roast Chicken with Orange Butter

Christmas Roast Chicken on a white platter with halved oranges and fresh herbs.
Roast Chicken with Orange Butter. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Citrus zest and butter get tucked under the skin of this chicken for a bright, rich flavor. The orange adds subtle sweetness while the butter keeps it juicy. As it roasts, the flavors seep into the meat. A fresh spin on a classic chicken roast.
Get the Recipe: Roast Chicken with Orange Butter

Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy

Intentional Hospitality
Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy. Photo credit: .

This recipe uses the pressure cooker to turn beef roast into fork-tender slices with rich, savory gravy. The meat cooks quickly but still tastes like it’s been slow roasting for hours. The sauce thickens as it rests. It’s quick, flavorful, and great with mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy

Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables

Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This one-pot meal uses the pressure cooker to make pork loin and vegetables tender and flavorful in less time. The meat stays juicy while the vegetables soak up the broth. A quick sear at the end adds color. It’s a balanced meal made fast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables

The BEST Roast Chicken Recipe

Roasted chicken and vegetables in a teal dish.
The BEST Roast Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

This classic roast chicken focuses on juicy meat, golden skin, and simple flavor done right. Butter and seasoning go under the skin for extra moisture. The bird roasts evenly and carves easily. A straightforward recipe that delivers consistent results.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Roast Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Image shows an overhead shot of Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork on a blue plate served with rice.
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pork shoulder slow cooks until it falls apart with garlic, herbs, and broth for flavor. The outside caramelizes while the inside turns tender and juicy. It’s great for slicing or shredding. A hands-off roast with big payoff.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Pot Roast with Bacon

A plate of pot roast with bacon and mashed potatoes with gravy.
Pot Roast with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This version layers in bacon for extra richness alongside the classic vegetables and slow-cooked beef. The bacon melts into the broth, adding smoky depth. The beef turns fork-tender after hours in the oven. A hearty dish with bold, layered flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Bacon

Asian Roast Turkey Recipe (With Sticky Rice Stuffing)

Juicy Asian-style roast turkey stuffed with flavorful sticky rice on a plate.
Asian Roast Turkey Recipe (With Sticky Rice Stuffing). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This turkey is filled with sticky rice seasoned with soy, mushrooms, and aromatics for a deeply savory stuffing. The skin roasts crisp while the rice absorbs flavor from the inside. It carves well and has a bold, unexpected twist. A unique approach to a traditional bird.
Get the Recipe: Asian Roast Turkey Recipe (With Sticky Rice Stuffing)

Pot Roast – Classic, Easy Comfort Food

Pot Roast – Classic, Easy Comfort Food. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Beef chuck roast slow cooks with potatoes, carrots, and onions until everything is tender and full of flavor. The broth thickens into a rich gravy as it cooks. It’s simple, filling, and always reliable. A true comfort food that needs little tweaking.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast – Classic, Easy Comfort Food

Roast Rack of Lamb

Roasted rack of lamb on a cutting board.
Roast Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This elegant roast gets a simple seasoning of garlic, herbs, and olive oil before going into the oven. The meat stays pink and tender with a flavorful crust. It slices clean and plates beautifully. A lean, flavorful roast that doesn’t take much time.
Get the Recipe: Roast Rack of Lamb

German Pork Loin Roast with Sauerkraut

German Pork Loin Roast with Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Masala Herb.

This roast simmers with sauerkraut, apples, and caraway seeds for bold flavor and deep comfort. The pork stays juicy while the sauerkraut softens and soaks in the drippings. It carves easily and serves well with potatoes. A hearty dish with strong roots in tradition.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin Roast with Sauerkraut

Roast Beef Sliders

Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Thinly sliced roast beef is piled onto soft slider buns with melty cheese and a tangy spread. A quick roast in the oven makes the bread crisp and the fillings hot. Each bite is warm, savory, and easy to grab. A simple way to use leftovers or feed a group.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

A tangy-sweet cranberry and balsamic glaze coats this beef roast as it cooks. The outside gets caramelized while the inside stays tender and juicy. Each slice has rich flavor with just the right hint of acidity. A bold twist on traditional roast beef.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Follow Lucy on social media:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *