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Top Round Roast Cooking Time Calculator

Top round roast is a lean, economical cut from the hindquarters. It's perfect for roast beef sandwiches and slices beautifully when cooked to medium-rare and sliced thin against the grain.

Top Round Roast Cooking Calculator
Enter your top round roast details to calculate cooking time

Enter the weight of your top round roast

Estimated Cooking Time

5h 0m

(300 minutes total)

Internal Temp

160°F

Resting Time

15 min

USDA Safe Temperature: The USDA recommends cooking beef to an internal temperature of at least 160°F for food safety. Always use a meat thermometer to verify.

Pro Tips for Top Round Roast

  • 1Don't overcook - this lean cut dries out past medium
  • 2Slice very thin against the grain for tender eating
  • 3Marinate or dry brine overnight for better flavor and texture
  • 4Sear before roasting for a flavorful crust
  • 5Perfect for making deli-style roast beef at home
  • 6Let rest at least 15 minutes before slicing thin

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep top round roast from being tough?
Cook to medium-rare (130°F max), let rest fully, and slice very thin against the grain. Marinating or dry brining overnight also helps tenderize the meat.
What temperature for deli-style roast beef?
For deli-style roast beef, cook to 125-130°F (medium-rare) for the most tender slices. The meat should be pink throughout when sliced thin.
How long to cook a 3 lb top round roast?
A 3 lb top round roast at 325°F takes about 1 hour 5 minutes for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer and remove at 125°F - it will rise to 130°F while resting.

Last updated: December 2025