Here’s the thing: this was supposed to be about fore rib of beef. The Flintstones style piece of meat with the rack of bones around the side. It was to be my birthday treat, a deluxe cut I’d never cooked myself. But could I find it in any supermarkets? Nope. So I dejectedly chose a top rump roast joint instead. And what do you know despite my disappointment this turned out lovely. So here’s my top rump roast beef recipe.
Since there are no bones in this cut, it cooks pretty quickly, even though the pieces can be pretty big. You can make this beef joint quickly if you like your meat juicy. The outside will get a tasty crust, and the inside will be pink and tender. You can try different cooking times, but the best way to make sure the meat is done is to use a meat thermometer. It’s the only way to be sure, since every piece of meat is different and has thick and thin parts. To make sure, don’t cut into the meat. The juices you worked so hard to keep will leak out and dry it out.
Top rump roast beef offers an affordable yet delicious alternative to premium rib or sirloin roasts. When cooked properly, this lean cut can be incredibly tender and flavorful. In this article, I’ll share my best tips for preparing and roasting top rump roast beef to juicy perfection.
What is Top Rump Roast?
Top rump roast sometimes labeled top round roast comes from the back leg of the cow. It’s a very lean cut without much fat marbling. Since it gets more exercise, rump roast can be tougher than other roasts if not cooked carefully. The key is cooking it quickly at high heat to keep it tender.
Compared to prime rib or chuck roast top rump offers a few advantages
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Lower cost – Top rump roast is very affordable, usually about half the price of fancier roast cuts.
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Quick cooking – With less fat and connective tissue, it cooks faster than many roasts.
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Healthier: It has less fat and calories because it doesn’t have as much fat marbling. It still tastes great though.
Choosing the Right Top Rump Joint
Picking the best roast is key for optimal flavor and texture Look for
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Uniform shape – Try to avoid oddly shaped or very thin sections which will cook unevenly.
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Bright red color – The meat should look fresh, avoid any brown or gray patches.
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Moderate marbling – While a lean cut, some thin white streaks of fat ensure flavor and moisture.
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Firm and springy: When you press on raw top rump, it should feel strong and not soft.
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2-3 pounds—A roast that weighs between 2 and 3 pounds will cook faster and be easier to cut.
Seasoning Top Rump Roast
To boost the flavor of this lean cut, take time to season it well:
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Dry brine – Salt generously all over and let rest for 1-2 hours before cooking. This seasons deeply.
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Fresh herbs – Try chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano or sage rubbed over the roast.
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Spice rubs – Coat with bold spice blends like garlic, pepper, paprika, coriander or cumin.
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Mustards – Spreading mustard adds tangy flavor. Dijon, whole grain or English mustards all work well.
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Umami flavors – Worchestershire sauce, soy sauce, mushrooms and tomatoes enhance savoriness.
Don’t be shy with seasonings – the roast can handle strong, robust flavors.
How to Cook Top Rump Roast Beef
To yield tender, juicy results, cook top rump roast using these methods:
Oven Roasting
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Sear at high heat first – In an ovenproof pan, brown all sides of the roast over high heat to develop flavor.
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** Roast at 180°C/Gas 4** – Use a moderate temperature to prevent drying out.
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20 minutes per 500g for rare – More well-done roasts need 25-30 minutes per 500g.
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Rest before slicing – Letting it rest for 10-15 minutes allows juices to redistribute.
Grilling
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Use direct high heat – Grill over direct high heat, turning every 5 minutes to prevent burning.
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Create grill marks – Rotate 45 degrees halfway through grilling to get those lovely sear marks.
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Cook to temperature – Grill to 125-135°F internally depending on desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer.
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Let rest – As with oven roasting, rest at least 10 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.
Pan Searing
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Get the pan very hot – Use a heavy pan like cast iron over high heat until smoking hot.
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Don’t overcrowd – Cook in batches if needed to properly sear the meat.
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Flip only once – Let the steak develop a nice crust before flipping, about 4 minutes per side.
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Cook to temperature – For medium-rare, remove from heat around 135°F internal temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to dry out lean top rump roast. Avoid these pitfalls:
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Cooking at too low temperature – This cut needs high heat to develop a flavorful crust before overcooking.
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Cutting into the roast too soon – Letting it rest allows juices to redistribute, slicing too early dries it out.
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Overcooking – Use a meat thermometer to take it off heat at the perfect moment for your desired doneness.
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Not seasoning adequately – Take time to season boldly with spices, herbs and umami flavors to make up for the lack of fat.
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Letting it sit in pan juices – The lean meat can soak up liquid and become soggy if left sitting too long after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
To complement the savory beef, consider these topping and sides:
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Horseradish cream – The punch of horseradish pairs perfectly with rare roast beef.
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Yorkshire pudding – The British classic soaks up meat juices brilliantly.
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Wine reduction – A quick pan sauce of red wine and stock adds flavor.
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Roast potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes are an essential side.
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Roasted vegetables – Hearty veggies like carrots, parsnips or Brussels sprouts.
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Fresh greens – A crisp green salad balances the rich meat.
With its affordability and quick cooking time, top rump roast is ideal for easy weeknight dinners. Serve sliced for elegant entertaining or chopped for hearty sandwiches. Follow these tips and you’ll enjoy tender, delicious top rump roast beef any night of the week.
Top rump roast beef cooking times
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Once the oven’s warmed up (about 20 minutes) put the meat in and roast for 20 minutes.
Turn the oven down to 170°C and continue to roast for:
Rare – 30 mins (temperature when probed 48 – 55°C)
Medium – 40 mins (60 – 65°C)
Well done – 60 mins (70 – 75°C)
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Once the oven’s warmed up (about 20 minutes) put the meat in and roast for 20 minutes.
Turn the oven down to 170°C and continue to roast for:
Rare – 45 mins (48 – 55°C)
Medium – 60 mins (60 – 65°C)
Well done – 80 mins (70 – 75°C)
Adjust according to your joint. Between 50 minutes and an hour into cooking, check the beef to see if it’s done to your liking. The temperature will be your key guide all the time.
If you don’t have one, meat thermometers are really cheap. Here’s one that’s only £2 at the time of writing.
One of the key steps is to allow the meat to rest after cooking. Putting it aside for at least 30 minutes lets the meat relax and the juices come back into the beef. You’ll be left with very tender and very tasty meat. Don’t worry about it getting cold, covering it well and serving with gravy will sort it out.
Your flavourings are up to you. Something robust and strong works well with beef; my seasonings will form a tasty crust as it cooks. The secret weapon here is oyster sauce. It’s a magic ingredient for imbuing your dinners with big, savoury flavours. Give it a try!.
And what should you serve with it? Roast potatoes and your favourite vegetables. Looking for a good sauce? Try this beef dripping sauce.
Cook top rump roast beef perfectly every time
FAQ
What is the best cooking method for rump?
How long does it take to cook top rump?
Is top rump beef good for roasting?
Is top rump good for slow cooking?
How to cook a beef rump roast?
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful rub. Rub the entire surface of the beef rump roast with the olive oil. This helps the spices adhere to the meat and creates a beautiful crust during cooking. Next, generously apply the spice rub to all sides of the roast.
What temperature should a beef rump roast be cooked to?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for cooking a beef rump roast. This lower temperature will allow for slow and even cooking, resulting in a tender and juicy roast. Should I marinate the beef rump roast before cooking it?
What is rump roast?
Rump roast is an inexpensive cut of beef. Cooked the right way – low and slow – it melts into a very flavorful, tender roast. We’ve got all the steps outlined for you. Bonus: the leftovers make a delicious roast beef sandwich.
How do you cook a rump roast in the oven?
Let your rump roast sit on the counter for at least 20 minutes to get closer to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Use a sharp knife to remove however much fat you want from the rump roast. Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder seasoning. Season rump roast with salt and pepper, garlic and onion powder for flavor!