Are you looking for a delicious and budget-friendly cut of beef to cook for your next family dinner or special occasion?
Look no further than the heel of round roast! This cut of meat may be tough, but with the right cooking techniques, it can be transformed into a tender and flavorful dish that will have your taste buds singing.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to cook beef heel of round roast, including tips on seasoning, cooking times, and alternate cooking methods.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Beef Heel Of Round Roast?
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to note that beef heel of round roast should not be cooked more than medium. Overcooking this cut of meat will result in a dry and fibrous texture, so it’s best to aim for a medium-rare to medium level of doneness.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating up, season your beef heel of round roast with your preferred herbs and spices. Thyme, basil, and parsley work well in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with your own favorite seasonings.
Next, sear the beef over high heat in a skillet until it browns on both sides. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor and ensuring that the roast stays juicy during the cooking process.
Once the beef is seared, transfer it to a roasting pan and place it in the preheated oven. Cook the roast for approximately 1 hour per pound of beef. For example, a 3-pound roast would need to cook for around 3 hours.
However, if you prefer your beef more well-done or want to develop even more flavor, you can cook the roast for longer. Some people prefer to cook their 3-pound roasts for up to 4 hours until the beef is well done and falls apart easily.
What Is Beef Heel Of Round Roast?
Beef heel of round roast is a lesser-known cut of beef that is located above the hock on the cow. It is composed of many small muscle groups and has a lot of seam fat, which makes it one of the least tender cuts of beef. This cut is often reserved for making beef stock or for use as stew meat, and it can be difficult to find in grocery stores.
However, if you can find beef heel of round roast, it is a very flavorful cut that can be braised as a pot roast. It is important to note that this cut should not be cooked more than medium, as overcooking can result in a dry and fibrous texture. When cooked properly, beef heel of round roast is a delicious and budget-friendly option for a hearty meal.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Beef
Choosing the right cut of beef is key to achieving a delicious and tender roast. While heel of round roast is a tougher cut of meat, there are other cuts that are more suitable for roasting.
One popular cut is the filet mignon, which is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. However, it can be quite pricey. Another option is the rump roast or bottom round roast, which are leaner cuts but still have a good amount of flavor.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider the chuck roast or brisket. These cuts are often used for slow-cooking and can become incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked properly.
When selecting your beef, look for steaks that are a bright cherry red in color. This indicates that the meat is fresh and has not been sitting in the store for too long. Additionally, ask your grocery store butcher for advice on which cuts would work best for your desired cooking method.
Remember to trim any excess fat after cooking your beef, as this can add moisture and make the meat more tender. And avoid piercing your steak with a fork before cooking or marinating, as this can cause the juices to escape and result in a drier steak.
By choosing the right cut of beef and following proper cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and tender roast that will be sure to impress your dinner guests.
Preparing The Meat For Cooking
Before cooking your beef heel of round roast, it’s important to properly prepare the meat. Start by ensuring that the roast is at room temperature before cooking. This can be achieved by leaving the roast out on the counter for about an hour before cooking.
Next, pat the roast dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the meat sear better and prevent it from steaming in the pan.
Season the roast generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred herbs and spices. Be sure to season all sides of the roast evenly.
If desired, you can also sear the roast in a skillet over high heat before transferring it to the roasting pan. Searing will help develop a crust on the outside of the meat and seal in the juices for a more flavorful and tender end result.
Once the roast is seasoned and seared (if desired), transfer it to a roasting pan and add any vegetables or aromatics you’d like to cook alongside it. This could include carrots, onions, garlic, or potatoes.
Finally, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the roast to monitor its internal temperature as it cooks. For medium-rare, aim for a temperature of 130°F, while medium should be around 140°F.
By properly preparing your beef heel of round roast before cooking, you’ll ensure that it turns out flavorful, tender, and cooked to perfection.
Seasoning And Flavoring Options
Seasoning and flavoring options for beef heel of round roast are endless. One popular option is to use sweet Spanish paprika, which adds a subtle smoky flavor without overpowering the meat. However, it’s important to note that smoked paprika should be avoided as it can be too strong for this cut of meat.
Another great seasoning option is a blend of rosemary, garlic, basil, salt, thyme, and pepper mixed with olive oil. This mixture can be rubbed onto the roast before searing and baking to infuse the meat with a rich and savory flavor.
For those who prefer a more tangy and zesty taste, a blend of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey can be used as a marinade before cooking. This adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the beef heel of round roast.
Lastly, for those who enjoy a bit of heat, a mixture of chili powder, cumin, and coriander can be used to season the roast. This blend adds a bold and spicy flavor that pairs well with the natural richness of the beef.
No matter what seasoning or flavoring option you choose, the key is to let the beef heel of round roast rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This will result in a tender and flavorful roast that’s sure to impress your dinner guests.
Oven Roasting Method
One of the most popular methods for cooking a beef heel of round roast is oven roasting. This method allows for even cooking and results in a tender and juicy roast.
To oven roast your beef heel of round roast, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating up, season your beef with your preferred herbs and spices.
Next, place the roast in a roasting pan and insert a meat thermometer into the center of the roast. This will help you monitor the internal temperature of the meat and ensure that it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook the roast for approximately 1 hour per pound of beef. For example, if you have a 3-pound roast, it will take around 3 hours to cook.
It’s important to note that every oven is different, so it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast periodically throughout the cooking process. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 125-130 degrees Fahrenheit. For medium, aim for 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once your beef heel of round roast has reached your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and result in a more tender and flavorful roast.
Slow Cooker Method
If you prefer to use a slow cooker to cook your beef heel of round roast, it’s important to note that the cooking time will be longer than in the oven. This is because slow cooking infuses flavors gradually, simmering food on low heat, and is ideal for tougher cuts of meat like this one.
To start, season your beef heel of round roast with your preferred herbs and spices. You can also add chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, and potatoes for added flavor.
Next, place the seasoned beef in the slow cooker and add enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pot. Beef broth or red wine work well in this recipe.
Set the slow cooker to low and cook the roast for approximately 8-10 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set the slow cooker to high and cook the roast for 4-6 hours.
Once the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.