Buying a Side of Beef: Everything You Need to Know to Fill Your Freezer with Quality Beef

If you’re considering stocking your freezer with a side of beef, there are a few things you should consider like storage space, recipe preferences and how much you'll use in a year.

When we started raising our own Black Angus beef a few years ago, it quickly became a way of life on our farm. We began with two cattle and now we’ve expanded to four.

While it might not be the same as a Yellowstone ranch, we’re doing pretty well. Call me Beth Dutton, but less of the eff word and a family-friendly vibe!

Why Buy Beef in Bulk?

The decision to buy a side of beef comes down to several factors:

• Quality: Nothing beats the taste of beef raised locally. The flavor and tenderness of grass-fed beef is far superior to the store-bought kind. When you buy directly from a farmer, you’re supporting local agriculture, and you know exactly where your food is coming from.
• Convenience: For larger families or people who cook from home often, having a freezer stocked with beef is incredibly convenient. No last-minute trips to the store for that missing ingredient!
• Cost Efficiency: While the upfront cost can be higher, buying beef in bulk often works out to be more economical in the long run. When you purchase a side of beef, you’re paying a lower price per pound than you would at the grocery store.

Should You Buy a Side of Beef?

Here are some things to consider before you take the plunge:

1. Do You Have Enough Space?
   A quarter of beef usually weighs between 200-225 pounds. For that much meat, you’ll need a freezer that’s larger than the typical fridge/freezer combo. For a half side, a chest freezer is your best bet.
   
2. Will You Eat That Much Beef?
   Think about how much beef your family eats in a year. Are you willing to commit to consuming a quarter or half of a beef over the course of several months?
   
3. Upfront Investment
   Buying beef in bulk is a bit of an investment. Consider whether you're prepared for the upfront cost, which can range depending on the beef’s quality and where it’s sourced.
   
4. Splitting with Friends or Family
   If a quarter or half side feels like too much beef for your household, you could team up with friends or family. Sharing the cost and the meat might make the process more affordable and manageable.

How Much Does a Side of Beef Cost?

The price varies depending on factors like the size of the animal, feed costs, and the processing fees. Generally, we charge based on the "hanging weight" of the beef, which is about 65% of the animal’s total weight. Be sure to check with your beef supplier about their price per pound for the hanging weight.

The Process: From Farm to Freezer

Here’s an overview of how the process works on our farm:

1. Notification
   When the cattle are ready for processing, we notify previous customers via email and social media. This is when you’ll place your order and choose the cuts you want.
2. The Locker
   We take our cattle to a local processing facility (often referred to as a “meat locker”). The butcher will prepare the beef into the cuts you requested. This is where they’ll ask questions like:
   • “How thick would you like your steaks?”
   • “Do you want stew meat or ground beef?”
   • “What size do you prefer for roasts?”
3. Aging the Beef
   The beef hangs in a controlled environment for a period of time, allowing it to age and develop a richer flavor. This is a big part of why our beef tastes so good!
4. Freezing and Packaging
   Once the beef is properly aged and cut, it is packaged in plastic wrap or butcher paper and frozen, ready for pickup.

How Much Freezer Space Will You Need?

You’ll need about 1 cubic foot of freezer space for every 35-40 pounds of beef. So, for a quarter of beef (around 200 pounds), you’ll need about 6 cubic feet of freezer space. Keep this in mind when deciding how much to buy.

What Cuts Are in a Side of Beef?

Here’s a list of common cuts you can expect when buying a side of beef. These cuts can vary slightly depending on the butcher, but here are some of the most popular:

• Chuck Roast: Perfect for pot roast or shredded beef. Recipes to consider; pot roast, slow cooker Mexican shredded beef and Italian Beef Sandwiches
• Soup Bones: Great for making rich, hearty beef broth.
• Brisket: A must for slow roasting or making corned beef.
• Ground Beef: Essential for burgers, tacos, and chili. This is our family's go-to. Think chili mac & cheese, old fashioned sloppy joes, and crockpot hamburger helper. You can check out these recipes using ground beef and healthy instant pot ground beef recipes.
• Burger Patties: Pre-formed patties, perfect for grilling.
• Flank Steak: Ideal for fajitas and stir-fry and great for steak fajitas.
• Skirt Steak: Similar to flank but with a different texture.
• Short Ribs: Great for slow cooking or braising.
• Steaks: Sirloin, T-bone, New York strip, and ribeye.
• Rump Roast: Leaner than other roasts, great for slow cooking.
• Stew Meat: Perfect for beef stew or soups. Due to a low and slow cook method, I like to use this tender meat for beef stew, beef barley soup or slow cooker beef stroganoff.
• Round Steak Recipes and Cube Steak - here are some great cube steak recipes

If you’re unsure about a certain cut, ask your butcher for recommendations on how to best prepare it. It’s always helpful to get guidance on cooking methods, especially for cuts you’re not familiar with.

Additional Tips for Buying a Side of Beef:

• Think About Your Cooking Style: Consider the types of meals you typically make. Do you love steaks? Roasts? Or do you lean more toward casseroles and chili? Tailor your beef cuts to match your cooking habits.
• Organize Your Freezer: Once you’ve got your beef home, make sure to organize your freezer so you can easily access your cuts. Label everything so you know what’s inside!
• Share with Friends and Family: Don’t be afraid to share with others! Splitting costs and portions can make buying in bulk more affordable for everyone involved.

Buying a side of beef is a great way to ensure you always have quality meat on hand. It may seem overwhelming at first, but once you’re familiar with the process, it’s a straightforward and rewarding experience.

Do you have any tips for buying beef in bulk? Share them in the comments below!