If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious red meat option, you might want to consider beef top round. This cut is trimmed to just 1/4" fat and cooked through braising, making it an excellent low-fat protein source that's perfect for a range of meals. Not only that, but it's also packed with nutrients that can benefit your overall health. One 100g serving contains about 248 calories, which is a reasonable amount for such a flavorful and satisfying meat.

So what exactly is in beef top round? This lean cut offers a range of important nutrients, including high-quality protein, vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. Additionally, it's low in fat and calories, making it a smart choice for anyone watching their weight or trying to follow a balanced, whole-foods diet.

If you're curious to learn more about the nutritional benefits of beef top round, as well as some easy recipes and tips for cooking it, keep reading!

Calories in Beef Top Round

Beef top round is a relatively low-calorie meat option, making it a good choice for anyone trying to maintain a healthy weight or balance their macronutrient intake. In just 100g of cooked, braised top round, you'll find around 248 calories. While that might sound like a lot, it's important to consider the nutrient density of this cut, which offers plenty of protein and other important vitamins and minerals. Of course, the actual number of calories in beef top round can vary depending on factors like the cooking method, seasoning, and preparation. However, by cooking this cut in a way that minimizes added fats or sugars, you can enjoy all the flavor and nutrition of beef top round without packing in too many extra calories.

Beef Top Round Nutrition Facts

As mentioned, beef top round is a nutritious cut of meat that offers plenty of important vitamins and minerals. In particular, it's a great source of high-quality protein, which is vital for building and repairing muscles, skin, and other tissues in the body. It also contains vitamin B12, which is important for brain health, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. Additionally, beef top round provides a good dose of zinc and iron, both of which play roles in immune function, hormone balance, and metabolism. Finally, beef top round is relatively low in fat and calories, making it a smart choice for anyone looking for a lean and satisfying protein source.

Protein in Beef Top Round

If you're looking for a protein-packed meal option, beef top round is an excellent choice. This cut contains around 28g of protein per 100g serving, which makes it a great way to fuel your muscles after a workout or boost your protein intake throughout the day. Additionally, beef top round is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs to function properly. This makes it an especially valuable addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet, which may otherwise be lacking in certain amino acids.

Vitamins and Minerals in Beef Top Round

As mentioned above, beef top round is a rich source of a range of essential vitamins and minerals. In particular, it's a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin B12, which is vital for brain and nerve health. Additionally, beef top round contains a good amount of zinc, which plays a role in immune function and wound healing, as well as iron, which is important for oxygen transport and energy production in the body. By incorporating beef top round into your diet, you can ensure that you're getting plenty of these important nutrients in a delicious and satisfying way. However, it's important to balance your red meat intake with other sources of protein and nutrients, such as plant-based options like beans, nuts, and tofu.

Beef Top Round Serving Size

When it comes to serving sizes for beef top round, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, the recommended portion size for most meats is around 3-4 ounces, or about 85-113g. This is roughly the size of a deck of cards, and should provide plenty of protein and nutrients without going overboard on calories or saturated fat. However, it's important to note that the serving size for cooked beef top round may be slightly different depending on the preparation method and final weight. Be sure to measure your portions carefully to avoid overeating or underestimating your calorie and macronutrient intake.

How to Cook Beef Top Round

One of the great things about beef top round is that it's a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. However, because it's a lean cut, it's important to use some care when cooking in order to avoid drying it out or making it tough. Some simple cooking methods for beef top round include braising, stewing, roasting, or slow-cooking it with plenty of liquid to keep it tender and moist. You can also marinade beef top round beforehand to add flavor and keep it from drying out during cooking. Just be sure to keep added fats and sugars to a minimum in order to preserve the lean, nutritious quality of beef top round.

Health Benefits of Beef Top Round

In addition to being a delicious and satisfying protein source, beef top round may also offer a range of potential health benefits. For one, the high-quality protein in beef top round can help support muscle growth, repair, and function. Additionally, the vitamin B12, zinc, and iron in beef top round all play important roles in various bodily functions, from immune function to energy production. Furthermore, because beef top round is relatively low in fat and calories, it can be a smart choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight or reduce their risk of heart disease or other chronic conditions. By incorporating beef top round into a balanced, whole-foods diet, you can enjoy all the flavor and nutrition of red meat without sacrificing your overall health and wellness.

Beef Top Round vs. Other Cuts of Meat

When it comes to choosing between different cuts of meat, there are pros and cons to every option. However, beef top round stands out as a particularly attractive choice for anyone looking for a lean, nutritious protein source. Compared to other cuts like ribeye or brisket, beef top round is lower in fat and calories, which can make it easier to incorporate into a healthy diet. Additionally, it's a great source of high-quality protein and a range of essential vitamins and minerals. Of course, like any meat option, it's important to balance your intake of beef top round with other nutritious foods and watch your overall calorie and saturated fat intake. However, by choosing beef top round, you can enjoy all the flavor and satisfaction of red meat without sacrificing your health or fitness goals.

Beef Top Round Recipes

Looking for some easy and delicious ways to incorporate beef top round into your meals? Here are a few recipes to get you started: 1. Slow-Cooked Beef Top Round Stew: In a large pot or slow cooker, combine beef top round with diced potatoes, carrots, onions, and low-sodium beef broth. Season with herbs like rosemary and thyme, and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender and flavorful. 2. Beef Top Round Stir-Fry: Slice beef top round thinly and stir-fry with colorful veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, and serve over brown rice or quinoa for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Beef Top Round Meal Ideas

If you're looking for more inspiration for incorporating beef top round into your meals, here are a few meal ideas to try out: 1. Beef Top Round Tacos: Fill corn tortillas with shredded beef top round, salsa, avocado, and any other taco toppings you like for a tasty and protein-packed dinner. 2. Beef Top Round Salad: Top a bed of mixed greens with sliced beef top round, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing for a fresh and filling lunch option.