Cook, Learn, and Share to Fight Hunger.

Bottom Round Roast (beef)

When seeking a flavorful, adaptable, and budget-friendly roast, the bottom round is a true workhorse in the kitchen. This lean cut from the cow's hindquarters may not have the inherent tenderness of some of its pricier counterparts, but with the right approach, it transforms into incredibly satisfying and comforting meals.

Lean but Flavorful

Bottom round roast boasts an exceptionally low amount of internal fat (marbling). This translates to a pronounced, deeply beefy flavor without the richness present in fattier cuts. If you love the pure essence of beef, bottom round delivers.

The Pot Roast Champion

Bottom round roast truly shines when it comes to the classic pot roast preparation. Here’s why it’s the perfect match:

  • Moisture is Key: The slow, moist cooking environment of a pot roast prevents the lean meat from drying out.
  • Tenderizing Transformation: Braising in flavorful liquid coaxs the tough connective tissues to break down, resulting in a succulent, fork-tender roast.
  • Flavor Infusion: The bottom round readily absorbs the flavors of the braising liquid, aromatics like onions and garlic, and hearty root vegetables cooked alongside it.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Like other less-tender cuts, bottom round roast thrives with low and slow cooking techniques. Braising (in a flavorful liquid) or slow roasting are your go-to methods. This extended cooking time is crucial for breaking down the connective tissues and allowing the roast to reach its full potential.

Kitchen Guide

Beef, Lamb, Venison (steaks, chops, roast)

The USDA minimum safe internal temperature is 145°F.

Popular serving temperatures:

  • 110 – 120°F – Blue
  • 120 – 130°F – Rare
  • 130 – 135°F – Medium Rare (most popular, especially by chefs)
  • 135 – 145°F – Medium
  • 145 – 155°F – Medium Well
  • 155°F and more – Well Done

Beyond the Pot Roast

While it’s a natural for pot roast, bottom round roast opens possibilities beyond the Dutch oven:

  • Roast Beef: Cooked to medium-rare and sliced thinly against the grain, bottom round can be enjoyed as classic roast beef. Remember, thin slices are key!
  • Shredded Delights: Slow-cooked to perfection, bottom round shreds easily and is ideal for tacos, sandwiches, or as a base for barbecue sauce.
  • Flavorful Stews: Cubed bottom round simmers beautifully in hearty stews, developing tenderness and absorbing the savory flavors of the stew.

Tips for Success

  • Marinades help: A flavorful marinade infuses extra flavor and can provide some tenderizing action.
  • Don’t be afraid of leftovers: Bottom round makes fantastic leftovers, perfect for sandwiches and creative recipes.
  • The right tools: A Dutch oven or slow cooker is ideal for achieving that fall-apart tender texture.

Bottom round roast may not be the most glamorous cut of beef, but its affordability, robust flavor, and suitability for various preparations make it a smart choice. With a little patience and the understanding that slow cooking is key, you can turn this economical roast into a culinary triumph.

Tom Tom Founder

Beef doesn’t magically appear in the grocery store. It follows a journey from the farm to your table, and the way cattle are raised along the way drastically influences everything from taste to sustainability. Let’s explore the different paths beef can take, and how those choices affect what ends up on your plate.

Beef Roast

May 24, 2024

A perfectly cooked beef roast is a celebration in itself. Whether it’s a holiday centerpiece or a comforting Sunday supper, roasts offer the satisfaction of a hearty, flavorful dish. But with so many cuts to choose from, how do you decide? Let’s dive into the world of beef roasts and explore some of the most popular options.

Tom Tom Founder

Beef Steak

May 24, 2024

Beef steak is a culinary chameleon, offering a range of flavors, textures, and cooking possibilities to suit every taste and occasion. Whether you crave the lean and satisfying nature of low-fat cuts, the balanced medium-fat options, or the pure richness of high-fat steaks, there’s a cut out there to tantalize your tastebuds.

Tom Tom Founder

Ground Beef

May 26, 2024

Ground beef, the humble staple in kitchens across the country, boasts a surprising variety when it comes to its lean-to-fat ratio. This seemingly simple percentage can drastically change the flavor, texture, and ideal uses of this versatile ingredient. Let’s delve into the world of ground beef subcategories and what they mean for your cooking endeavors.

Tom Tom Founder

Disclaimer

All content and information (including recipes, articles, and other materials) on CookingHub.com are the opinions of the authors and are not intended to provide dietary, medical, legal, or political advice. Consult with a professional before deciding to follow these opinions.

Authors and www.CookingHub.com (operated by CookingHub Foundation) are not responsible for any part of any possible outcome or its consequences, which include (but are not limited to):

  • Any health risk related to the handling of food, food quality, and/or not following USDA recommendations (including minimum safe serving temperatures and other guidelines).
  • Safety during preparation, including the handling of equipment and the equipment’s suitability for food preparation.
  • Improper performance of cooking techniques.
  • Sourcing of ingredients, providing tools, equipment, and anything else related to the preparation and consumption of the products of this recipe.
  • Nutritional data and information and diet-related information (and their accuracy). It is important to consult with your medical provider to ensure that the diet you are considering is suitable for you and to verify the information provided before proceeding.
  • The overall outcome of following recipes, including the look and taste of the final product.
  • Possible errors in articles and recipes (including incorrectly or unclearly explained steps and directions).
  • Typos.

All readers (users and visitors of www.CookingHub.com) are responsible for evaluating the recipes and articles and making their own decisions about whether to follow the steps and recommendations. They must ensure that the ingredients and steps fit with their dietary restrictions and avoid preparation methods that could pose a health risk due to an unsuitable diet.