Beefcut Guide: Here’s What You’re Actually Buying

Walking into a butcher shop or grocery store and staring at different beef options can be overwhelming. With so many names like ribeye, sirloin, brisket, and chuck, it’s easy to get confused about what you’re actually buying. The good news is, once you understand the basics of beefcuts, you’ll be able to choose the best one for your next meal with confidence.

At Wilson Farm Meats, a family-owned business in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, we believe knowledge about beefcuts helps you make better buying decisions. We provide locally raised, high-quality beef that’s custom cut to meet your specific needs. Plus, we’re here to help you navigate the choices so you always pick the right cut for your recipe.

Rib Cuts: Flavorful & Tender

Rib cuts come from the upper ribcage area of the cow, known for its marbling and rich flavor. This includes popular choices like:

Ribeye: Known for its juiciness and rich marbling, the ribeye is perfect for grilling or pan-searing. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend cookout or a fancy dinner, this cut never disappoints.

Prime Rib: A larger cut often roasted whole, this is an excellent option for special occasions. Preparing it with the right seasoning and slow-roasting method ensures a tender, savory dish that melts in your mouth.

Sirloin: A Balance of Tenderness & Affordability

Sirloin comes from the back of the cow and offers a great mix of tenderness and flavor without the higher price of rib cuts. Popular sirloin options include:

Top Sirloin: A lean cut with good tenderness, perfect for grilling, broiling, or stir-frying. Add some garlic butter on top for extra flavor, and you have a delicious, restaurant-quality steak.

Bottom Sirloin: Slightly tougher but still tasty, often used for roasting or slow cooking. If marinated overnight, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.

Chuck: Affordable & Perfect for Slow Cooking

Chuck comes from the shoulder area and is a hardworking muscle, meaning it has more connective tissue. This makes it a bit tougher, but when cooked properly, it becomes incredibly flavorful. Some well-known chuck beefcuts include:

Chuck Roast: Best for slow cooking, making delicious pot roasts or stews. Cooking it for hours on low heat allows the fat and collagen to break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth meal.

Chuck Steak: A budget-friendly option that benefits from marinating and slow cooking to enhance tenderness. It’s an excellent choice for meal prepping flavorful, hearty dishes.

Brisket: The BBQ King

Brisket comes from the lower chest area and is known for its tough texture when raw. However, when cooked low and slow, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Common brisket preparations include:

Smoked Brisket: Best when prepared with a long, slow smoking process for amazing flavor. Whether you’re using a smoker or a traditional slow cook, the result is always tender, juicy meat.

Braised Brisket: Cooking it in broth or sauce helps break down the fibers for a tender meal. This method is perfect for creating a rich and savory meal, great for holidays or family gatherings.

Round: Lean & Ideal for Roasting

The round is located in the back leg of the cow, making it naturally lean and slightly tougher. Some of the most common round beefcuts include:

Top Round: A lean and fairly tender cut, excellent for roast beef. Thinly sliced, it makes one of the best sandwich meats for deli-style roast beef sandwiches.

Bottom Round: A bit tougher but still ideal for slow roasting or braising. When cooked properly, it becomes a delicious addition to any meal.

What’s the Best Beefcut for Your Needs?

Choosing the right beefcut depends on how you’re cooking it and your personal taste preferences. Here’s a simple guide to help you pick the perfect cut:

For Grilling: Ribeye, sirloin, and T-bone steaks are the best choices. These cuts hold up well to high heat and develop a beautiful sear, enhancing their flavor.

For Slow Cooking: Chuck roast, brisket, and short ribs work well. Their high collagen content makes them ideal for long, low-temperature cooking that turns them ultra-tender.

For Roasting: Prime rib, round roast, and sirloin roast are excellent options. These cuts work great for Sunday roasts or holiday meals when an impressive centerpiece dish is required.

For Stir-Frying: Skirt steak, flank steak, or sirloin are ideal for quick, high-heat cooking. Their thin profile allows them to cook rapidly while maintaining excellent texture and flavor.

Why Buy Locally Raised Beef from Wilson Farm Meats?

Fresh, Custom-Cut Beef

At Wilson Farm Meats, we provide locally raised beef that’s custom cut to your preference. This means you get exactly what you need for your meals without unnecessary processing or additives. Whether you’re looking for the perfect steak or premium ground beef, we ensure top-notch quality for every order.

Better Quality & Flavor

Our beef is sourced from trusted local farms, ensuring high standards for quality and taste. When you buy from Wilson Farm Meats, you’re getting fresh, flavorful beef that stands out from mass-produced grocery store meat. The rich flavor and tenderness of truly fresh, farm-to-table beef make a noticeable difference in your cooking.

Farm-to-Table Experience

With over 150 years of farming heritage in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Wilson Farm Meats is committed to a true farm-to-table experience. When you buy from us, you’re supporting a family-owned business that prioritizes fresh, high-quality meats. Knowing where your beef comes from and how it’s raised ensures that you’re getting the best quality possible.

Additional Meats & Specialty Products

Pork, Poultry & Seafood

In addition to premium beef, Wilson Farm Meats offers heritage-breed pork, fresh poultry, and seafood to give you a variety of options for your meals. Whether you need delicious bacon for breakfast or fresh chicken for dinner, we have something for everyone.

Smoked Meats & Sausages

Our selection includes house-made smoked meats like bacon, ham, bratwurst, and summer sausage, processed right in our Elkhorn facility for top-notch quality. These handcrafted meats bring unique, bold flavors to your meals, making them perfect for grilling, charcuterie boards, or home-cooked dishes.

Custom Processing & Special Sales

Need something specific? Our custom meat processing services allow you to get exactly what you want. Whether you want a side of beef, custom portions, or unique cuts, our butchers are here to assist. Plus, we run regular specials, including the popular Yearly Pig Sale and weekly discounts on top-quality cuts.

Visit Wilson Farm Meats Today!

If you’re still struggling with beefcut confusion, don’t worry—Wilson Farm Meats is here to help. Our expert butchers are happy to guide you in choosing the best beefcuts for your next meal. Visit us at 406 S. Wisconsin Street, Elkhorn, WI, or check out our weekly specials online at WilsonFarmMeats.com.

With fresh, locally raised beef and a commitment to quality, you’ll always get the best cuts when you shop with us. Stop by today and experience the difference in farm-to-table meats!