Rump roast, also known as bottom round roast, is the beef cut that delivers robust flavor with every bite. This lean and hearty cut is made for slow cooking, rewarding you with tender, juicy perfection. It's the choice of those who know that patience and quality meat make the best meals.
What Is Rump Roast?
Rump roast comes from the hindquarters of the cow, specifically the lower part of the round primal cut. It’s a lean piece of meat with a good amount of flavor, but because it’s relatively low in fat and marbling, it can be tough if not cooked properly. This cut is best suited for slow-cooking methods like roasting, braising, or cooking in a slow cooker, which break down the muscle fibers and result in tender, flavorful meat.
Best Ways To Use Rump Roast
Rump roast can be used in a lot of different ways:
- Classic Pot Roast: Slow-cooked with veggies and broth until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Braised Beef: Sear it, then let it simmer low and slow in a hearty sauce—perfect for those who like their beef rich and deep in flavor.
- Roast Beef: Oven-roast it, slice it thin, and stack it high on a sandwich or plate it up as the main event.
- Beef Stew: Cut it into hearty chunks and let it simmer with your favorite veggies for a stew that sticks to your ribs.
- Pulled Beef: Cook it low and slow, then shred it up for tacos, sandwiches, or just straight up on a plate.
- Beef and Gravy: Serve it up with a rich, savory gravy over mashed potatoes—this is comfort food at its finest.
- French Dip: Thinly slice it, pile it on a roll, and dunk it in au jus for a sandwich that means business.
- Beef Stroganoff: Cut it into strips, simmer it in a creamy mushroom sauce, and serve it over noodles—because sometimes, you just want something indulgent.
- BBQ Beef: Slow-cooked, shredded, and smothered in barbecue sauce—throw it on a bun or eat it straight up.
- Beef Tips: Chunk it up and cook it in a rich, savory sauce—serve it over noodles or rice when you want something hearty.
How To Cook Rump Roast
To cook rump roast, you'll typically want to do one of the following:
Because this cut is tough and contains connective tissue, low and slow cooking methods that add moisture are best. In other words, this cut should be braised until it is fall-apart tender.
How To Cook Rump Roast On The Traeger
We recommend our smoked pot roast technique for rump roast. Smoke the roast directly on the grill at 180 degrees Fahrenheit for 1½ hours. Then turn the grill up to 275 degrees, and transfer the roast to a dutch oven that contains aromatics and braising liquid. Cook with the lid on for 4 to 5 hours, until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 204 degrees.
Rump Roast FAQ's
Is Rump Roast A Good Cut?
Rump roast is a decent cut for braising. It is not one of the most sought-after cuts.
How Much Does Rump Roast Cost?
A rump roast will cost $20 to $30 dollars, depending on the size of the roast.
How Do You Know When Rump Roast Is Done?
It's done when the meat is very tender, at an internal temperature of 204 degrees Fahrenheit. A good way to measure it is with a wireless meat thermometer like the MEATER.
What is a Rump Roast Good For?
This cut is best for low and slow cooking, along with aromatics for flavor and liquid to help maintain moisture.
Which is Better, Rump Roast or Chuck Roast?
The answer to this question depends on how you plan to cook the roast. A rump roast is tender enough that you could oven roast it, while a chuck roast is probably too tough for that preparation. However, if you plan to cook low and slow, the chuck roast tends to have a little more fat, which adds more flavor.
Can Rump Roasts be Substituted for Beef Brisket?
No, a rump roast is no substitute for beef brisket. Rump roasts are very lean, while brisket has a considerable amount of intramuscular fat. Learn how to smoke a brisket by reading our expert guide
Can Rump Roast Be Cooked From Frozen?
No, you can't cook a large cut of meat like a rump roast from frozen. The exterior will overcook before the interior reaches a safe temperature for eating.
