Previous research demonstrated benefit in beef calves growth performance fed no roughage diets balanced to meet AA requirement. The study objective was to separate the effects of balancing diets for AA:effective energy (AA:EE) and roughage removal on steers growth performance (initial BW 338 ± 23 kg) during growing phase (GP; 84 d). We hypothesized balancing diets for postruminal AA:EE supply as well as roughage removal would improve feed efficiency and growth performance. Crossbred steers (n = 117) were randomly assigned to 3 corn-based diets. Control, common feedlot diet (CON; 13.5% CP, 20% NDF, 10% roughage, 60% corn, 27% dried distillers grains with solubles); roughage and AA:EE balanced (RBAL; 16% CP, 16% NDF, 10% roughage, 62% corn, 12% Aminoplus, 10% dried distillers grains with solubles, 2% soybean meal); or no roughage and AA:EE balanced (NRBAL; 16% CP, 10% NDF, 72% corn, 14% Aminoplus, 9% dried distillers grains with solubles, 2% soybean meal). Steers had ad libitum access to feed and water. Individual feed intake was measured using GrowSafe feed intake system and BW was recorded every 28 d. Data were analyzed as repeated measure. Dry matter intake (kg/d) was greater (P < 0.01, SEM 0.28) for CON (10.5) and RBAL (10.4) compared with NRBAL (9.0). Average daily gain (kg/d; 28 d) was greater (P < 0.03, SEM 0.09) for NRBAL (2.02) and RBAL (2.06) compared with CON (1.77) however throughout GP ADG did not differ among treatments (P = 0.3). Gain:Feed (28 d) was greater (P < 0.01, SEM 0.009) for NRBAL (0.22) compared with CON (0.18) however RBAL (0.20) did not differ. During total period (84 d) NRBAL (0.19) had greater (P < 0.03, SEM 0.005) G:F compared with RBAL (0.17) and CON (0.16). Balancing diets for postruminal AA:EE supply improved G:F by 11% and roughage removal improved G:F an additional 11%. In conclusion balancing diets for postruminal AA:EE supply can improve growth performance and feed efficiency when lean tissue deposition potential results in postruminal AA demand. Balancing diets to allow roughage removal also benefits growth performance throughout the feeding period.