How Much Meat Do You Get From a Cow?
If you’re considering freezer beef for the first time — or comparing a half cow vs. buying individual cuts — one of the most common questions we hear is simple:
How much meat do you actually get from a cow?
The short answer: less than most people expect, but more than enough to stock your freezer with high‑quality Angus steak, roasts, and ground beef for months.
Below, we’ll break down realistic beef yields, explain what affects your final take‑home weight, and help you decide whether a whole cow or half cow is the right fit for your freezer.
Live Weight vs. Take‑Home Meat (Why the Numbers Change)
A live steer weighs far more than the beef that ends up in your freezer. That’s because several steps happen between the pasture and your packaged cuts.
Here’s a realistic breakdown:
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Live weight: ~1,100–1,300 lbs
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Hanging (carcass) weight: ~60–62% of live weight
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Final take‑home beef: ~36–43% of live weight
Once the hide, head, organs, bones, excess fat, and moisture loss are removed, the final packaged beef weight is significantly lower — but what remains is the good stuff.
How Much Meat Do You Get From a Whole Cow?
From an average Angus steer, you can expect approximately:
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400–430 lbs of packaged beef from a whole cow
That beef typically includes a mix of:
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Premium Angus steak cuts (Ribeye, New York Strip, Sirloin, Filet)
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Short ribs, Stew Meat, and specialty cuts
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A large portion of Ground Beef
For many families, a whole cow provides enough beef for 12–18 months, depending on household size and consumption habits.
How Much Meat Do You Get From a Half Cow?
A half cow is the most popular freezer beef option for households that want bulk savings without needing commercial freezer space.
On average, a half cow yields:
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190–220 lbs of beef, fully packaged and frozen
This typically breaks down to:
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60–70 lbs of steaks
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40–60 lbs of roasts and other cuts
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90–110 lbs of ground beef
A half cow comfortably feeds a family of four for 6–9 months.
Why Ground Beef Makes Up a Large Portion
Many customers are surprised by how much ground beef comes from a cow — and that’s a good thing.
Ground beef is made from trim produced while cutting steaks and roasts. Rather than waste high‑quality beef, it’s ground and packaged, making it one of the most versatile and valuable items in your freezer.
From burgers and tacos to meatloaf and weeknight dinners, ground beef is usually the first thing customers reorder.
What Affects Your Final Beef Yield?
Several factors influence exactly how much meat you’ll receive:
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Animal size and breed – Angus cattle are known for excellent yield and marbling
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Cut preferences – Steak thickness, and roast sizes
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Fat trimming level – Leaner trimming slightly reduces total weight
At Simpson’s Meats, we focus on consistency, careful trimming, and cuts that maximize both flavor and value.
Is Freezer Beef Worth It?
For most customers, the answer is a clear yes.
Buying freezer beef allows you to:
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Lock in pricing against grocery store inflation
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Stock your freezer with premium Angus steak and roasts
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Get a reliable supply of high‑quality ground beef
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Know exactly where your beef comes from
When you break it down per pound, freezer beef is often more economical than buying comparable cuts individually at retail.
How Much Freezer Space Do You Need?
As a general rule:
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Half cow: 8–10 cubic feet of freezer space
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Whole cow: 16–20 cubic feet of freezer space
A standard chest freezer works perfectly for most half‑cow orders.
Order Freezer Beef from Simpson’s Meats
If you’re ready to fill your freezer with premium beef, Simpson’s Meats offers carefully raised, expertly butchered freezer beef shipped directly to your door.
Whether you’re choosing a half cow or a whole cow, you’ll receive a balanced selection of Angus steak, roasts, and ground beef — all vacuum‑sealed and ready for the freezer.
👉 If you have any other questions, please give us a call!
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezer Beef
How much meat do you get from a cow?
From an average Angus steer, you’ll take home about 400–430 pounds of packaged beef from a whole cow and 190–220 pounds from a half cow. Final weight varies based on animal size and cut preferences.
How much ground beef comes from a cow?
Ground beef typically makes up 40–50% of the total take-home weight. This includes trim from steaks and roasts and is one of the most versatile cuts in your freezer.
Is freezer beef cheaper than buying beef at the grocery store?
In most cases, yes. Freezer beef offers better value per pound compared to buying individual Angus steak cuts and ground beef at retail, while also locking in pricing.
How much freezer space do I need for freezer beef?
Plan for 8–10 cubic feet of freezer space for a half cow and 16–20 cubic feet for a whole cow. A standard chest freezer is usually sufficient for a half cow.
What cuts come with a half cow?
A half cow includes a balanced mix of Angus steaks, roasts, short ribs, stew meat, and ground beef. Exact cuts depend on how the cow is split and your cut selections.
How long will freezer beef last?
When vacuum-sealed and kept frozen at 0°F, freezer beef will maintain quality for 12 months or longer, with ground beef typically best within 9–12 months.
