Beef · Round · $

Eye of Round

Eye of round is useful for lean roast beef or very thin sandwiches—not as a tenderloin substitute despite its shape.

TasteMild and very lean
TextureVery firm and lean
Best methodsRoast
Other labelsEye round roast

Safe minimum temperatures for beef cuts

FoodSafety.gov Safe Minimum Temperature Chart (planning-cluster.json and beef-decision-system.json); accessed 2026-08-24.

ProductSafe minimumRest or note
Beef steaks, roasts, and chops145°FThen rest at least 3 minutes
Ground beef160°FExcept ground poultry

What to look for

Read the label carefully when a package says London broil; eye of round is one possible muscle behind that marketing term.

How to cook it

Roast gently, chill, and slice paper-thin for sandwiches. It is not a tenderloin substitute despite its shape.

How this cut saves money

Choose eye of round when thin sliced roast beef is the plan. It is inexpensive partly because it demands careful doneness and slicing—not because it behaves like a steak.

Run the package numbers

Use the true cooked-cost calculator to compare trim, cooking loss, and cost per serving.

Related Round cuts

Top Round, Bottom Round Roast.

Compare all cuts in the interactive 20-cut library or rank cuts for a specific meal.

Common questions

Can eye of round go in a slow cooker?

It can, but its leanness makes it less forgiving than chuck for long moist cooking.

Is London broil always eye of round?

No. Stores may use top round, flank, or another lean cut, so identify the actual muscle.

Retail names and fabrication vary. See sources and methodology.