Rump Roast Vs Chuck Roast: What’s the Difference?

June 29, 2023
Written by Kristy J. Norton

The rump roast is taken from the cow’s hindquarters, while the chuck roast comes from the region between the cow’s neck and shoulder. Both these are tough cuts of beef but they are some of the tastiest meats I’ve cooked. 

In my years of cooking these cuts, I’ve found a few differences between the chuck roast and the rump roast, especially when it comes to the cooking methods. We’ll take a look at these and more in our article. So, without further ado, let’s compare the chuck roast vs rump roast to see which one comes out on top.

rump roast vs chuck roast

Rump Roast vs Chuck Roast

Rump roast and chuck roast are both delicious meat cuts. However, they differ in some aspects. Let’s highlight the differences between the chuck roast vs rump roast.

Location

The rump roast is located at the steer’s round, or rump. This connective tissue-filled muscle cut is obtained from the steer’s back.

Chuck roasts, in contrast, originate from the cow’s front, just below the neck and above the forequarters.

Fat Content

Rump roast which has 15% total fat per 3-ounce serving has a tad less fat than chuck roast, making it the leaner cut 

Comparatively, the chuck roast has 20% total fat per 3-ounce serving as it has more fat and marbling.

Calories

The chuck roast has roughly 201 calories per 3-ounce serving. On the other hand, a rump roast contains 185 calories per 3-ounce serving. So, a rump roast would be the best choice if you’re looking to cut calories.

Tenderness

Both these meats are regarded as tough cuts because they’re taken from a regularly exercised region of the animal. However, the higher fat content makes the chuck roast more tender than the rump roast when cooked. That said, both meat cuts require slow cooking, or you may experience tough and chewy meat.

Price

Both cuts are almost identical in terms of pricing. However, the rump roast costs slightly more than the chuck roast. The average price of the rump roast is $11.15 per pound. On the other hand, chuck roasts also cost around the same price range with an average price of $11.14 per pound.

Cooking Method

Like brisket, rump roast requires a lot of patience and skill to master. I recommend stewing or braising the meat to break down the cut’s connective tissue and keep it soft. Additionally, it will give the meat extra flavor and moisture.

This piece of meat can also be roasted in the oven or on a natural gas grill over indirect heat. However, to keep the rump roast moist while it cooks when grilling, you need to watch it closely and baste it with the cooking juices.

In comparison, chuck roasts are a flavorful meat cut that can be used in a variety of recipes. Cooking chuck roast in a pot roast or boiling it slowly on a stovetop gives tender results.

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What is Rump Roast?

The rump roast is a big, boneless piece of beef cut from the cow’s hindquarters, an area that helps the cow stand and move.

As a result, this area is frequently exercised, making it less tender than other parts of the steer. This lean meat is known for its robust beef flavor, which is unlocked by a slow cooking method.

Raw Beef Rump Roast

How to Smoke Rump Roast?

  • First, remove the beef roast from the fridge and let it thaw to room temperature.
  • Then, set your grill’s temperature to 250 °F.
  • Mix salt, pepper, and any other condiment of your choice in a small bowl and sprinkle them over the lean meat.
  • After the grill reaches the desired temperature, put the seasoned roast on it and let it smoke at low heat.
  • The internal temperature of a rump roast should be 135 °F for medium-rare. It should take roughly 2 hours to smoke and cut three pounds of meat. That said, you can give the meat more time in the oven if you prefer it a little more cooked.
  • Lastly, take out the roast and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it as you like.

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What is Chuck Roast?

The cut of meat is taken from the region between the cow’s shoulder and neck. It is specifically sliced from the middle of the chuck roll.

Furthermore, the region of the chuck roast supports the cow’s head. As a result, the beef around this region has a good amount of collagen and connective tissue. So, the meat must be cooked slowly and at a low temperature. The chuck roast comes in three types:

7 Bone

The 7-bone chuck roast, also called the center-cut pot roast beef, starts from the end of the ribs and extends to the next three slabs.

7 Bone Chuck Roast

Chuck Eye Steak

The chuck eye is derived from the cow’s upper shoulder. If you use it when cooking, your meat will taste more flavorful with a distinct beef flavor.

Remember, the meat must be cooked slowly because it is extremely chewy.

Raw Chuck Eye Beef Steak

Boneless Chuck Roast

As the name suggests, no bones can be found in boneless chuck roast. This roast beef is the most common type sold in stores. Pick this meat type if you want thin slices of delicate meat.

Raw Red Grass Fed Chuck Beef Roast

How to Smoke Chuck Roast?

  • Remove the meat from the refrigerator and let it warm up.
  • Then, set your grill’s temperature to 250 °F.
  • Prepare your rub and coat the meat evenly.
  • Place the roast on the grill and slow cook at a low temperature for 3 to 4 hours.
  • Then, remove the cut of meat from the slow cooker when the temperature is around 135 degrees, slather barbecue rub and wrap the roast in aluminum foil.
  • Raise the thermostat to 300 °F.
  • Continue cooking for an additional 2 hours, or until the internal temperature is close to 145 °F. Then, remove the cut of meat from the slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Meat Cut is a Good Alternative for Rump Roasts?

Using the top or bottom round roast beef is typically recommended as a suitable alternative. Additionally, sirloin roast and shoulder clod roast are great alternatives for rump roast if you want something leaner.

2. How Should I Cook a Rump Roast?

Rump roasts are excellent when using slow cooking methods. Braising and oven roasting the meat also produce tasty results. Furthermore, you can try smoking a beef rump roast for smoked meat.

3. Which Wood Pellets Are Best for Chuck and Rump Roasts?

For each of these cuts, hickory, competition blend, or oak wood pellets are possibly the best flavors.

Regardless of your decision, make sure to get high-quality pellets. Although both cuts of beef are inexpensive, they both have excellent flavors and textures when cooked on a pellet grill.

4. What Else is a Chuck Roast Called?

The chuck eye, shoulder roast, blade roast, shoulder steak, arm roast, arm steak, cross-rib roast, and seven-bone roast are names for cuts of meat that are either identical or from the same region.

Additionally, some butchers offer the chuck under the umbrella term “pot roast.”

Conclusion

The winner of the chuck roast vs rump roast contest is ultimately down to preference. If you enjoy a beefy taste, you should try these cuts. You can also transform these pieces of meat into ground meat and enjoy it with sides like mashed potatoes.

Moreover, these cuts of beef come in both bone-in and boneless varieties and are filled with nutrients. Remember to follow my smoking tips to get the best results while preparing these roasts.

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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