If you're looking for a delicious, tender cut of beef that won't derail your healthy eating goals, look no further than beef bottom round. A 3 oz serving of beef bottom round trimmed to 1/8" fat, choice grade, cooked, and braised contains just 216 calories. Whether you're on a low-calorie diet, watching your fat intake, or just looking to incorporate more protein into your meals, beef bottom round is a great choice.

In addition to being low in calories, beef bottom round is also a great source of protein, with 23 grams per serving. It's also rich in iron and vitamin B12, two important nutrients that are essential for keeping your body healthy and functioning properly.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits of beef bottom round, as well as some healthy cooking methods, serving suggestions, and tips for buying and storing this delicious cut of beef.

Calories in Beef Bottom Round

As mentioned earlier, a 3 oz serving of beef bottom round trimmed to 1/8" fat, choice grade, cooked, and braised contains just 216 calories. This makes it a great choice for those who are watching their calorie intake. It's important to note that the number of calories in beef bottom round can vary depending on the cut and how it's prepared. For example, a 3 oz serving of bottom round roast trimmed to 1/8" fat, choice grade, cooked, and roasted contains 142 calories, while a 3 oz serving of bottom round steak trimmed to 1/8" fat, choice grade, cooked, and broiled contains 160 calories.

Healthy Cooking of Beef Bottom Round

When it comes to cooking beef bottom round, there are several healthy cooking methods to choose from. Braising, stewing, or slow-cooking are great options, as they allow the beef to cook in its own juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Grilling or broiling are also good choices, as they allow excess fat to drip away from the meat. To ensure that your beef bottom round stays healthy, it's important to trim away any visible fat before cooking. You can also use herbs and spices to add flavor instead of relying on fatty sauces or marinades.

Carbs in Beef Bottom Round

Beef bottom round is a very low-carb food, with less than 1 gram of carbs per serving. This makes it a great choice for those who are on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. It's important to note that some marinades or sauces that are served with beef bottom round may contain carbs, so be sure to check the nutritional information of any condiments you're using.

Protein in Beef Bottom Round

As mentioned earlier, beef bottom round is a great source of protein, with 23 grams per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal. If you're looking to increase your protein intake, beef bottom round is a good choice. It's also a lean source of protein, which means that it contains less fat than some other cuts of beef.

Fat in Beef Bottom Round

When compared to other cuts of beef, beef bottom round is relatively low in fat. A 3 oz serving of beef bottom round trimmed to 1/8" fat, choice grade, cooked, and braised contains just 7 grams of fat, with 3 grams of saturated fat. This makes it a good choice for those who are watching their fat intake. It's important to note that the amount of fat in beef bottom round can vary depending on the cut and how it's prepared. For example, a 3 oz serving of bottom round roast trimmed to 1/8" fat, choice grade, cooked, and roasted contains 5 grams of fat, while a 3 oz serving of bottom round steak trimmed to 1/8" fat, choice grade, cooked, and broiled contains 10 grams of fat.

Vitamins and Minerals in Beef Bottom Round

Beef bottom round is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals. In particular, it's rich in iron and vitamin B12. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Vitamin B12 is important for maintaining healthy nerve cells and DNA synthesis. Beef bottom round also contains zinc, which is important for immune function, and selenium, which is essential for antioxidant defense.

Benefits of Beef Bottom Round

In addition to being a good source of protein, iron, and other important nutrients, beef bottom round also has several other benefits. For example, it's a relatively low-cost cut of beef, which makes it a good choice for those on a budget. It's also versatile, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from stews and soups to tacos and salads. Beef bottom round is also a lean source of protein, which means that it can help you to feel full and satisfied after a meal without adding excess calories or fat. Finally, because it's a relatively tough cut of meat, it can benefit from long, slow cooking, which can result in delicious, tender dishes.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Bottom Round

Because beef bottom round is a lean cut of meat, it can benefit from flavorful marinades or rubs to add extra taste. Some good options include garlic, rosemary, thyme, or soy sauce. You can also use beef bottom round in a variety of dishes, from stews and soups to stir-fries and salads. If you're looking for a more traditional way to serve beef bottom round, try slicing it thin and serving it on a sandwich with horseradish sauce, mustard, or sliced tomatoes. You can also serve it alongside roasted potatoes or other vegetables for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Comparison with Other Cuts of Beef

When compared to other cuts of beef, beef bottom round is relatively low in fat and calories. For example, a 3 oz serving of top sirloin trimmed to 1/8" fat, choice grade, cooked, and broiled contains 162 calories and 6 grams of fat, with 2 grams of saturated fat. A 3 oz serving of flank steak trimmed to 1/8" fat, choice grade, cooked, and broiled contains 160 calories and 7 grams of fat, with 3 grams of saturated fat. Beef bottom round is also a relatively tough cut of meat, which means that it can benefit from long, slow cooking methods. Some other cuts of beef, like sirloin or tenderloin, are more tender and may require less cooking time.

Tips for Buying and Storing Beef Bottom Round

When buying beef bottom round, look for cuts that are lean and have little to no visible fat. The meat should also be a bright red color and have a firm texture. If possible, purchase your beef from a trusted source, like a local butcher or farmer's market. To store beef bottom round, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze beef bottom round for up to 6 months. When thawing frozen beef, be sure to do so in the refrigerator, not at room temperature, to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria.