What's The Difference Between Rump Roast And Chuck Roast?
BY Matthew Spina
Rump roast and chuck roast are both large, tough, and lean cuts, but they come from different sections of the cow and have a few significant distinctions.
While rump roast comes from the top hindquarters of a cow, the larger section of which is called the round, Chuck roast is centered around the neck, shoulder, and upper front legs.
You'll find that chuck roast has more noticeable fat than rump roast. Rump roast's toughness and lack of fat make it a less desirable cut, so it's even cheaper than a chuck.
Rump roast is noticeably leaner and has almost no visible marbling, while chuck roast has enough fat marbling to give it a richer flavor and make it juicier as it cooks.
Both these cuts must be slow-cooked, but once done, a chuck softens beautifully, with the rendered fat adding flavor and texture. So, a chuck is also less prone to drying out.
Chuck roast is best for recipes like pot roast, where extra fat and flavor benefits the dish, whereas a rump is better if you're adding extra sauces or gravies, like in sandwiches.