How Many Steaks Are in a Half Cow?
Buying a half cow is one of the best ways to stock your freezer with high-quality beef, but one of the first questions people ask is simple: how many steaks do you actually get?
The short answer is: plenty. The longer answer depends on how the beef is cut and how thick you like your steaks. Below is a realistic breakdown of what you can expect when you purchase a half cow from Simpson’s Meats.
What Comes From a Half Cow?
A half cow typically yields around 200 pounds of packaged beef after processing. From that total, roughly 80–90 pounds will be steaks and roasts, with the rest made up of ground beef, brisket, short ribs, stew meat, and other versatile cuts.
Most customers receive approximately 30–40 individual steaks. The exact number depends on steak thickness and how certain cuts are allocated during processing.
Common Steak Cuts in a Half Cow
While every animal is different, a typical half cow includes a mix of premium and everyday steak cuts, such as:
You can choose thicker steaks, which results in fewer total pieces, or thinner cuts if you prefer more individual portions. Our butchers cut everything to order, so your half cow is tailored to how you actually cook.
Can You Customize the Cuts?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of buying a half cow is customization.
You can decide:
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Steak thickness
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How many roasts versus steaks
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How much beef is turned into ground beef
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Package sizes that fit your household
If you grill often, you may want to prioritize ribeyes and strips. If you rely more on slow cooking or meal prep, you might opt for additional roasts and ground beef. The final mix is up to you.
How Much Freezer Space Do You Need?
A half cow requires about 8–10 cubic feet of freezer space. A standard chest freezer works well and allows you to organize beef by cut.
All beef is vacuum sealed, which helps maximize freezer space, prevents freezer burn, and keeps everything fresh for long-term storage.
Why Buy a Half Cow?
Customers choose a half cow for several reasons:
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Better quality: Beef is responsibly raised and hand-cut by real butchers
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Cost savings: Buying in bulk lowers the average cost per pound
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Consistency: You know where your beef comes from and how it was processed
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Convenience: A well-stocked freezer means fewer trips to the store
For families, frequent home cooks, or anyone tired of inconsistent grocery store beef, a half cow is a practical long-term solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many steaks are in a half cow?
Most customers receive 30–40 steaks, depending on steak thickness and cutting preferences.
What types of steaks will I get?
Common cuts include ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, sirloin, flank, and skirt steak. Some specialty cuts may vary depending on the animal and your preferences.
Can I choose how thick my steaks are?
Yes. Steak thickness is customizable. Thicker steaks mean fewer total steaks, while thinner cuts increase the number of individual portions.
How much freezer space do I need?
Plan for 8–10 cubic feet of freezer space. A chest freezer is ideal for storing a half cow.
Is a half cow worth it?
If you value quality, consistency, and long-term savings, buying a half cow is often more cost-effective than purchasing individual cuts at retail prices.
How long will the beef last in the freezer?
When vacuum sealed and kept at a consistent freezer temperature, beef can maintain quality for 12 months or longer.
Final Thoughts
So, how many steaks are in a half cow? For most customers, the answer is 30–40 high-quality steaks, plus a wide variety of other cuts that make meal planning easy.
If you’re looking for better beef, more control over your cuts, and a freezer full of reliable options, a half cow from Simpson’s Meats delivers on all three.
