38 kcal P 1.44g C 7.14g F 0.4g
🥩 Beef Products
Calories in Beef round, top round roast
Packing more protein per calorie than many chicken breasts, this relentless workhorse muscle stays tough unless cooked low and slow.
123 kcal
What makes beef round so powerful?
Top round comes from the rear leg of the cow. Because cattle stand and walk for most of their lives, the muscles in the round get a constant workout. This exertion builds dense muscle fibers and abundant connective tissue, specifically collagen. When cooked quickly, these fibers seize up and the collagen stays tough, yielding a chewy bite. However, when subjected to low, slow, moist heat, a chemical transformation occurs: the tough collagen denatures and slowly hydrolyzes into gelatin. This process dissolves the connective tissue, turning a rigid roast into a tender meal. Top round is also notably low in intramuscular fat, or marbling, which means it lacks the internal lubrication that naturally tenderizes premium cuts like ribeye. With only about 2.4 grams of fat per 100 grams, it is a favorite for lean diets, but it requires precise temperature control. Overcooking it even slightly past medium-rare will squeeze out the limited moisture, leaving it dry. Slicing it thinly against the grain after resting is essential to shorten the long muscle fibers for easier chewing.
Heavily Worked Hindquarter Muscle
The top round comes from the cow's rear leg, a muscle group that supports the animal's weight and builds dense, tough fibers.
Collagen Converts to Gelatin
Slow, moist heat breaks down the tough connective tissue collagen into soft gelatin, transforming the chewy meat into a tender roast.
Virtually Zero Marbling
With under 2.5 grams of fat per 100 grams, this cut lacks the internal fat needed to keep it moist, demanding careful cooking.
💡 When & how to use it
Because top round is so lean and naturally tough, avoid high-heat roasting unless you plan to slice it paper-thin for sandwiches. For a tender pot roast, braise it slowly in a covered Dutch oven with a liquid like crushed tomatoes. The acidic compounds in tomatoes help break down muscle fibers. Always slice the cooked roast perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers to shorten them, making the lean meat significantly easier to chew. Let it rest for at least ten minutes before carving to retain its minimal juices.
Calories by Serving Size
100g
123 kcal
P 23.7g C 0g F 2.41g
1 roast (788g)
969 kcal
P 186.8g C 0g F 19g
200g
246 kcal
P 47.4g C 0g F 4.8g
50g
62 kcal
P 11.9g C 0g F 1.2g
Full Nutrition Facts
Per 100g — daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 100g
Calories 123
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2.41g 3%
Saturated Fat 0.92g 5%
Trans Fat 0.13g
Cholesterol 63mg 21%
Sodium 55mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%
Protein 23.7g 47%
Calcium 13mg 1%
Iron 2.34mg 13%
Potassium 316mg 7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
How does Beef round fit your daily goals?
25 min
Walking to burn 123 kcal
6%
of 2,000 kcal daily goal
23.7g
protein (47% of daily 50g)
16
servings until 2,000 kcal
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Beef round, top round roast?
Beef round, top round roast contains 123 calories per 100g. A standard serving of 1 roast (788g) provides 969 calories. It is a moderate-calorie food that can fit into most healthy diets.
How much protein does Beef round, top round roast have?
Beef round, top round roast provides 23.7g of protein per 100g, which is 47% of the 50g daily recommended value. It is an excellent source of protein.
How many carbs are in Beef round, top round roast?
Beef round, top round roast contains 0g of carbohydrates per 100g .
Is Beef round, top round roast good for weight loss?
Beef round, top round roast has 123 kcal per 100g, which is relatively moderate. It can fit into a weight-loss diet as long as portion sizes are managed. Its high protein content (23.7g/100g) helps with satiety.
How do I track Beef round, top round roast calories accurately?
The easiest way to track beef round is with CalRay. Simply snap a photo of your meal and the AI will automatically identify the food and calculate calories and macros based on the estimated portion size — no manual lookup required. You can also search by name and adjust gram weight manually.
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