The Round Cut

beef cut diagram: round

While the round cut is most often used for ground beef, that’s far from its only function. It is one of the eight primal cuts of beef, and several well-known sub-cuts come from this rear section of the animal.

Round Beef Steak Cut

The round beef cut comes from the steer’s hind legs, thigh, butt, and hams. These are the largest muscles in the body. It is a less expensive beef cut and also quite lean. Round beef cuts provide some of the best value for family meals.

What Is the Round Beef Cut Good For?

Since the round beef cut derives from a part of the animal responsible for mobility, it is sometimes tough and muscular. That’s why marinating round beef is recommended for tenderizing. If not ground, most round beef cuts are prepared by braising, baking, or roasting.

 

Round beef cuts include:

  • London broil – A good protein source with little fat.
  • Bottom round roast – Also known as a rump roast, this is a large cut of meat, averaging 4 to 5 pounds. It is part of the animal’s upper leg’s outside muscle. Along with top round, used for deli-style roast beef. Makes good cube steaks.
  • Top round roast – More tender than bottom round, top round has no gristle when cut correctly.
  • Eye round roast – Very lean, with almost no fat. Because it can dry out easily, grilling is not recommended for this cut.
  • Eye round steak – This steak resembles tenderloin, but is tougher.
  • Sirloin tip roast – Also known as a round tip roast, slow cooking tenderizes this tougher cut into a flavorful meal.
  • Sirloin tip center roast – This cut consists of the meat from the kneecap to the femoral head.
  • Sirloin tip side steak – Lean and boneless, this cut comes from the meat running parallel to the sirloin tip center roast.

Learn more About Beef Cuts

Why do some beef cuts cost more than others?

What are the toughest and tenderest parts of the cow?

What is the best way to cook different meat cuts?

 

 

If you are not always certain about what cuts of beef are best for your purposes, learn more about your favorites with our guide to beef cuts.

100% Grass Fed Round Beef Cuts

At Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed, our 100% Grass Fed Beef receive no growth hormones, antibiotics, or grains – our cattle consume only grass or forage. Using the principles of regenerative agriculture, cattle graze as they evolved to do and help maintain biodiversity on the grasslands. Not only is our meat healthier for the body, as it is leaner and contains more nutrients than grain-fed beef, but also healthier for the planet.  Check out our online store and don’t miss our subscription bundle deals. Order today and receive fast shipping!

“All the benefits of grass-fed beef are ONLY gained when the cattle are holistically grazed for their lifetime.”
Matt Maier
Chief Renegade
The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.