Angus

The Cuts You Can Expect

When you buy a whole cow, you're in for a treat because you'll get a variety of meat cuts to enjoy. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Steaks

Many look forward to these premium cuts. From a whole cow, expect around 70-85 lbs of various steaks. This includes:

  • Ribeye Steaks: From the rib section, you might get about 10-14 steaks, each rich in marbling and flavor.
  • Sirloin Steaks: Lean yet tender, the sirloin yields approximately 6-10 steaks.
  • New York Strip Steaks: Near the rear, you get about 8 strip steaks.
  • Filet Steaks: You can also expect 6 filets from the rear of a half cow.

Ground Beef

A staple in any kitchen, you could get around 200-220 lbs of ground beef from a whole cow. It's perfect for everyday meals, from burgers to spaghetti sauce.

Roasts

Roasts are the heart of comfort food, and from a whole cow, you can expect around 80-100 lbs in total. This includes:

  • Chuck Roasts: Hearty and flavorful, perfect for slow-cooked dishes, yielding around 14-18 lbs.
  • Brisket: Ideal for smoking or slow braising, you'll get about 10-14 lbs.
  • Round Roasts: Lean and versatile for a variety of dishes, expect around 45-55 lbs.

Ribs Ready for the smoker or grill, a whole cow provides about 10-12 lbs of ribs, including both short ribs and back ribs, offering plenty for several barbecue sessions.

Stew Meat Cut from tougher parts that become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked; you'll have around 15-18 lbs, perfect for stews, soups, and casseroles.

Specialty Cuts and Other Usable Parts

Additionally, you'll find specialty cuts and other usable parts, such as:

  • Filet Mignon: From the tenderloin section, small but highly prized, yielding about 6-10 lbs.
  • Flank and Skirt Steaks: Great for fajitas and stir-fries, totaling around 5-7 lbs.
  • Liver, Heart, and Other Offal: For those who enjoy or want to experiment with these nutrient-rich parts, expect about 10-15 lbs.

Each cut comes from specific parts of the cow and has its unique flavor and best cooking method.

Buying a whole cow gives you the chance to explore and enjoy a wide range of beef dishes!