5 Affordable Beef Cuts for Families
Beef is one of the most widely consumed meats in the world. According to the USDA, people ate over 27.3 billion pounds of beef in 2019 in the United States alone. That amounts to around 58.1 pounds per capita.
It's not difficult to understand why people like beef so much. It's mineral-rich, an excellent source of protein, contains antioxidants and amino acids that help build lean muscle, and of course, it's delicious. However, beef can also be fairly expensive – especially if you're feeding a family.
Fortunately, you don't need deep pockets to enjoy beef regularly. We're not talking about treating yourself to filet mignon every time you're craving steak, but there are several other, more affordable beef cuts for families that are equally flavorful.
“Our marinated teriyaki flank steak for the win! We have six children who love this steak – it’s super easy to grill and feeds the whole family,” said Rochelle Holder, owner of Lakewood Meats & Sausage.
1. Tri-tip
This triangular cut of meat has a flavor profile just as big as a ribeye's but is far less expensive. Tri-tip cooks very well at high heat, so it lends itself perfectly to grilling. It's excellent on sandwiches and can be cooked ahead of time for meal prep and used throughout the week.
2. Flat Iron
Flat Iron steaks are cut from the cow's shoulder, or "chuck," and are thought to be nearly as tender as filet mignon – at a fraction of the price. They're extremely flavorful and have plenty of marbling, so keep it simple when it comes to cooking. Salt, pepper, and a few minutes on the grill are all you need.
3. Short ribs
Short ribs are exactly what they sound like – short sections of the rib bone. They're tender and incredibly flavorful, plus they're versatile and easy to cook. Toss them in the slow cooker, braise them in the oven, or sear them on the stove. Beef ribs also tend to have more meat on the bone than pork ribs, so your dollar stretches even further.
4. Skirt steak
This long, thin, and tasty steak is one of the most affordable beef cuts for families. Skirt steak isn't the most tender cut, but it shines in dishes like fajitas and stir-fry, and marinating it will go a long way. Flank steak is similar and often confused with skirt steak, but while they share some similarities, they are indeed different.
5. Ground beef
You really can't go wrong with ground beef. It's easily one of the most versatile meats you can buy (juicy burger, anyone?), and it ranks high among the most affordable beef cuts for families. Meat quality makes a tremendous difference here, so buy the best you can afford. Look for grass-fed beef that's at least 80% lean.
At Lakewood Meats & Sausage, we understand the value of a dollar. We've been family-owned since 1968 and we know the importance of feeding your family healthy, high-quality foods. All of our Creekstone MasterChef Beef is humanely and ethically raised on a Midwestern family farm, which is exceedingly important to us. Give us a call at (209) 369-1122 or stop by our Lodi, CA, shop Tuesday-Saturday to see our meat quality for yourself.