How to Cook a Rump Roast in the Oven That's Juicy and Delicious

The best way to cook a rump roast in the oven is slow-cooking it in low heat.
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Beef roast doesn't have to be expensive, and there are plenty of rump roast recipes out there to choose from that make the perfect star of any dinner.

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With this particular cut of meat, you have to be careful to cook it for the right amount of time at the right temperature so that it comes out juicy, especially if you're cooking rump roast in the oven.

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What Is Rump Roast?

Rump roast is a cut of beef taken from the bottom round or rear leg of the cow. This cut tends to be more affordable than other cuts, but don't let that fool you: It's full of flavor, and it goes well in roast recipes alongside veggies like potatoes, onions and peppers.

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But because rump roast is a leaner cut of beef, it can end up dry and tough if you don't cook it the right way.

How Do You Cook a Rump Roast in the Oven?

One of the best ways to cook rump roast is in the oven because you can keep the cooking temperature low.

The trick to baking a tender rump roast and avoiding a dry result is cooking your roast slowly in low, moist heat.

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You'll want to cover rump roast while cooking in an oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid, such as a dutch oven. Adding liquid in the pot will yield a very tender pot roast.

As for how long to cook rump roast in the oven, the cooking time is 30 to 35 minutes per pound at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the USDA.

Rump Roast Bake Times at 325 Degrees

2 1/2 lb. small rump roast

about 1 hr. 15 mins to 1 hr. 30 mins.

3 lb. medium rump roast

about 1 hr. 30 mins to 1 hr. 45 mins.

4 lb. large rump roast

about 2 hrs. to 2 hrs. 15 mins.

Source(s): USDA

Baked Rump Roast Recipe

Baking your rump roast in the oven is a great option because you can cook it for a long time without using too much heat. Plus, it's a simple method that doesn't require a ton of prep work.

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Things You'll Need

  • Small rump roast, about 1.5 lbs.

  • Oven

  • Large, oven-safe pot with lid

  • 2 cups Wine, beef stock, or other liquid for flavor

  • 2 tbsp. flour

  • 2 tbsp. oil

  • Chopped vegetables of choice, such as potatoes, carrots or celery

  • Seasonings and herbs, to taste

  • Meat thermometer

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Place the rack in the middle or lower position to allow room for the pot or dutch oven and lid.

While it's heating up, you'll prepare your rump roast for baking.

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Tip

If you prefer a shorter cooking time, you can cook your rump roast at 350 degrees. You'll have to check the internal temperature of your roast with a meat thermometer every 15 or so minutes to know when it's done.

Rump roast must reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees, per the USDA.

2. Prep the Rump Roast

Trim off any small pieces of excess fat from the surface of the rump roast, but leave the large fat layer that is on one side of the meat intact to act as natural basting.

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Season the meat all over with salt, pepper and your choice of herbs and spices, then coat it in some flour.

Optional Tip

To keep the juices and flavor sealed inside, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear each side of your rump roast until light brown, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side.

3. Prep the Pot

Place the oil in the pot, then put the pot in the oven to warm up. After five minutes, pull out the pot and gently place the rump roast in it with the fat layer facing up.

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To keep your rump roast juicy in the oven, add your broth (or other liquid) in the pot.

4. Add Your Veggies

In the pot, arrange any chopped vegetables of your choice like potatoes, carrots, turnips or celery around the meat. Make sure your veggies are cut into cubes or pieces that are no larger than 1 to 1 1/2 inches, or they won't fully cook.

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Finally, put the lid on the pot.

Tip

Experiment with a variety of liquids and spices. Tender vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach or tomatoes, should only be added in the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking.

Firm, root vegetables, such as potatoes, onions, celery and carrots should be added in the beginning.

5. Cook the Roast

How long you cook rump roast depends on a few factors. First, you have to know how you like your meat. It's worth noting that beef is considered safe to eat by the USDA when the internal temperature reads 160 degrees.

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That said, some people do like their beef cooked to a cooler temperature. For a medium-rare result, plan on cooking the rump roast at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 28 to 33 minutes per pound.

The exact cooking time will also vary depending on the exact shape and size of the rump roast you purchased. The best way to ensure it comes out how you like it is to begin checking the meat after 28 minutes and continue checking it every seven to 10 minutes after that.

6. Let It Rest

A rump roast cooked in the oven should rest for 10 to 20 minutes after it has reached the target internal temperature, per the USDA. Not only will the temperature rise during this time, but the rest allows the juices inside the meat to settle, giving you a juicier, more flavorful end result.

And that's it! Your rump roast is ready to carve and serve.

Recipes to Try With Rump Roast

Enjoy your juicy, tender rump roast with some of our favorite sides, like:

  1. Spiced Butternut Squash Fries
  2. Zucchini Alfredo
  3. Sauteed Mushroom and Grain Salad
  4. Vegan Quinoa Pilaf & Sauteed Spinach
  5. Almond Spice Baked Sweet Potato

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