When it comes to meal prepping, few proteins are as versatile, satisfying, and nutritious as beef. Whether you’re planning for a busy workweek, feeding a family, or simply looking to save time in the kitchen, choosing the right cut of beef can make all the difference. The best cuts for meal prep are flavorful, cook well in batches, and hold up beautifully in the fridge or freezer. Here are our top 5 cuts of beef that are perfect for meal prepping—along with tips, recipes, and ideas to help you get the most out of each one.
1. Ground Beef
Why It’s Great: Ground beef is a classic meal prep staple for a reason. It's affordable, quick to cook, and incredibly versatile. You can make large batches of chili, taco meat, meatballs, or pasta sauces in under 30 minutes, and it freezes exceptionally well.
Meal Prep Ideas:
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Taco bowls with rice, beans, and veggies
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Spaghetti with meat sauce
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Stuffed bell peppers
Tips: Look for an 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for a good balance of flavor and less grease. Brown and season all at once, then divide into meal-sized portions for the week.
2. Flank Steak
Why It’s Great: Flank steak is lean, flavorful, and perfect for marinating. When sliced thin against the grain, it stays tender and makes a great protein option for everything from salads to wraps.
Meal Prep Ideas:
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Steak fajita bowls
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Asian beef stir-fry with veggies
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Flank steak over chopped salad with vinaigrette
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Steak and quinoa meal prep bowls
Tips: Marinate overnight for maximum flavor. Cook quickly over high heat (grill or pan-sear) to medium-rare, rest, then slice thin.
3. Chuck Roast
Why It’s Great: Chuck roast is a tough cut that becomes meltingly tender when slow-cooked. It's perfect for set-it-and-forget-it prep like crockpot or Instant Pot recipes, and the shredded beef can be repurposed into multiple meals.
Meal Prep Ideas:
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Shredded beef tacos or burritos
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Beef and vegetable stew
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Open-faced beef sandwiches
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Beef ragu over pasta or polenta
Tips: Cook low and slow with aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs. Store the beef in its cooking juices to keep it moist throughout the week.
4. Sirloin Steak
Why It’s Great: Sirloin strikes a balance between tenderness, leanness, and affordability. It's easy to cook in batches and pairs well with a wide variety of sides.
Meal Prep Ideas:
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Steak and roasted veggie bowls
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Teriyaki sirloin with broccoli and rice
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Beef and grain salads
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Sliced steak wraps with hummus and spinach
Tips: Pan-sear or grill to medium-rare or medium, then slice after resting. Divide into containers with grains and vegetables for balanced meals.
5. Stew Meat
Why It’s Great: Beef stew meat is typically cut from chuck or round, making it ideal for slow-simmered dishes. It’s affordable, easy to batch cook, and holds its texture well in the fridge or freezer.
Meal Prep Ideas:
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Classic beef stew
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Beef curry with rice
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Slow-cooked beef chili
Tips: Use a Dutch oven, slow cooker, or pressure cooker to tenderize. Like chuck roast, store in its sauce or broth to retain moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Meal prepping with beef doesn’t have to be complicated. By selecting the right cuts and using smart cooking techniques, you can create a week’s worth of delicious, nourishing meals that save you time and stress. Whether you prefer quick-cooking options like ground beef or long-simmered favorites like chuck roast, each of these cuts brings something unique to the table.
Looking to stock up for your next meal prep session? Browse our full selection of high-quality, pasture-raised beef at Simpson’s Meats and find the perfect cuts to fit your lifestyle. Your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you.
