Alabama Cattlemen's Association

Beef on a Budget— Steak Swaps & Ground Beef

If you’re trying to keep your family fed this summer without running up a tab at the supermarket, beef can be your go-to for budget-friendly, easy meals.

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

Just when you think it can’t get any hotter and sweatier, a trip to the grocery store has you sweating even more. If you’re trying to keep your family fed this summer without running up a tab at the supermarket, beef can be your go-to for budget-friendly, easy meals. With 25 grams of protein per 3 ounce serving, beef is a versatile, nutrition power-house that can fit any tastes or budgets.

Do you have any favorite beefy go-tos for your family? In our house we keep ground beef on-hand for quick, easy, nutritious meals. Ground beef’s versatility makes it the easy way to keep your family going. Buying ground beef in larger quantities is a great way to stock up and save money. Portion out your bulk beef in freezer bags or container in 1-2 pound packages, and keep frozen for up to 6 months. When you are in need of some for a recipe and it’s still frozen, there are a number of thaw/cook instructions to help you get it done; Electric Pressure Cookers (Instant Pot), stove top, or even grilling. Some of our family’s favorite ground beef recipes include: Beefy Sweet and Sloppy Joes, Cheeseburger Sliders, tacos, and spaghetti.

Steaks are one of the most coveted of beef cuts, and those of us who love beef probably have a favorite that is our go-to for grilling. When steaks are mentioned, your mind probably goes to a delicious ribeye, filet, or T-bone, but there are plenty of other cuts of beef that pair perfectly with grilling flames. Flat iron steaks, tri-tip roasts, skirt & flank steaks can all be grilled for delicious beef-filled meals. If a steak is what you’re craving but store prices have you making other decisions, Beef It’s What’s For Dinner has a guide to some perfect, money-saving steak swaps that will keep your steak dreams alive.

*Beef’s great versatility means there are plenty of options for every taste and budget. www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com*

Some stores may be stocking some of the more lesser known cuts of beef at lower prices. If you come across a sale on some of these trendy cuts, and are not sure how to prepare them, give Google a go to find some great recipes that may become some of your favorites.

Beef’s versatility can keep you fed this summer while maintaining your family’s budget! Beef It’s What’s for Dinner has you covered with more beef cut information, recipes, grilling tips and techniques, food safety, and information on beef from pasture to plate.

Be safe, stay cool, and eat more beef! Happy Summer to everyone!

Busy Schedule? Beef’s Got Quick and Easy Nutrition in the Bag

Beef is your springtime ticket to keeping everyone going during these busy days. With so many affordable cuts and recipe options, there’s always something that can fit your family’s needs.

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

It is hard to believe that April is already here, bringing with it warmer temperatures and busy schedules. If you’re struggling with how to keep your family fed during these busy days, beef is here to help! Packed with 25 grams of protein per 3 ounce serving, it’s the perfect versatile food to fit any schedule or budget.

Plan your week’s meals in advance and relieve the stress of trying to figure out meals on-the-fly or stopping at the drive-thru. Add some frozen or canned veggies to your shopping lists to keep on-hand for quick meals and all you have to add is beef. Preprepared beef such as meatballs, meatloaf, or smoked sausage can quickly be added to your weeknight routine; or make up a double (or triple) batch of Baked Italian Meatballs and freeze some for later use. For a one-pot full meal, try Barbeque Beef Casserole, using ground beef.

An electric pressure cooker can be a busy family’s best friend! Keep frozen ground beef on hand for quick weeknight meals like sloppy joes, spaghetti, tacos, or stroganoff. Use your pressure cooker to cook ground beef from frozen in less than 30 minutes. Give a go to a full Instant Pot meal that your whole family will love with this Beef and Broccoli recipe-ready in 30 minutes or less!

Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner has an entire collection of recipes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less to keep you out of the kitchen and at all the events on your calendar this spring! For long afternoons or weekends at the ballpark, keep beef jerky/sticks on-hand for a quick snack, or make up a batch of Beef Jerky Trail Mix for everyone’s travel bags.

Beef is your springtime ticket to keeping everyone going during these busy days. With so many affordable cuts and recipe options, there’s always something that can fit your family’s needs. For more recipes, nutrition information, and information on beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner. Happy Spring!

This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Brought to you by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers. Photo courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Easy, Delicious and Nutritious- Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.

No matter what your goals or resolutions are for this year, be sure to put lean beef at the center of your plate.

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

With 2021 gone, a lot of people are looking for ways to get healthier and stronger this new year. If those are the things on your 2022 wishlist, beef is here to help! Lean beef is touted for its high protein content, but did you know it’s also a great source of iron and zinc? Both of these minerals are essential components of a healthy body and immune system! So make this new year a new you by incorporating more beef into your meal plan.

Cold Days and Quick Meals

Short, cold days and a busy schedule means that you need something quick for you and your family. Beef It’s What’s for Dinner has a whole collection of recipes that are 30 minutes or less, helping your family get a healthy meal in a short time span. Try Beef and Asparagus Pasta Toss, and if you’re looking to cut the carbs, sub out with a low carb pasta made from vegetables like hearts of palm. Make a batch of Mongolian Beef using brown rice, to increase fiber content, or riced cauliflower. Both of these delicious meals are a great way to keep your family fed a healthy meal without overworking yourself or your pocketbook.

Meal Prep

One of the most difficult tasks of eating from home or taking your meals to work is planning. Making out a menu for a few days a week and spending a little extra time prepping can be a daunting task. Search for easy recipes and only make plans to cook on the days that your schedule allows, and make larger batches for take-to-work meals or weeknight leftovers. If you have your grill or smoker fired up over the weekend, cook an extra pound or two of lean ground beef to use throughout the week for various recipes like Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce, Sloppy Joes Five Ways, Chili, or On-the-Go Beef Tacos. Just throw your ground beef in a cast iron skillet and cook until 155 degrees and half your cooking for the week will be complete!

No matter what your goals or resolutions are for this year, be sure to put lean beef at the center of your plate. A serving of lean beef is about the size of a regular smartphone and has 25 grams of protein for only 175 calories!

For more recipes, nutrition information, or information on beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner. Happy New Year from all of us at Alabama Cattlemen’s Association!

This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Brought to you by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers. Photo courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Falling for Beef This October

Happy October Beef Month! Beef is an affordable, versatile, and healthy option that can be a staple in your family’s kitchen.

By Registered Dietitian Elesha Ergle@EleshaErgleRDN

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! October is Beef Month in Alabama, and we at Alabama Cattlemen’s Association want to make the most of the month to share some great recipes, tips, and all the healthful benefits of beef. Beef is an excellent source of protein, as most of us know, but did you know that it is also a great source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins? One 3-ounce portion of lean beef provides 25 grams of protein, 40% of your daily value of B vitamins, and 35% daily value of zinc with only 175 calories per serving.

With so many different choices and cuts of beef available, what does a serving size look like? Well, that’s simple! A 3-ounce portion is about the size of a deck of cards or an iPhone.

Despite what you may think, there are plenty of choices for beef that are affordable and easy-to-prepare options for your family. Pre-made frozen meatballs make a great addition to your staples and can be used for quick spaghetti or sub-style sandwiches for busy weeknight meals. Buying ground beef in bulk is also a great way to cut costs; portion up for freezing or cook all at once to make different recipes throughout the week like Aloha Beef Sliders, Lazy Beef Lasagna, or Beef and Cheese Burritos.

Football season is in full-swing! Celebrate your tailgates with plenty of beef-filled goodies. Make a batch of Big Game Fritos Pie and let your guests graze and build their own to their liking by offering different toppings like sweet peppers, onions, black olives, sour cream, jalapenos, and different cheeses. Keep your friends happy with a yummy One Skillet Beefy 7-Layer Dip and offer plenty of different crackers or chips for snacking.

Beef is an affordable, versatile, and healthy option that can be a staple in your family’s kitchen. Beef farmers continue to strive to promote safe, healthy, sustainable beef from pasture to plate. For thousands of beef recipes and more information about beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner.

This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Brought to you by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers. Photo courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Seasoning’s Greetings, from Beef!

BY ELESHA ERGLE, RDN

Bring on the holidays and get ready for a new year! Holidays have looked a little different for some of us, but we can still have some great times with our family this season.

Get your menus going with beef! Holidays are a time for trying new recipes as well as keeping up traditions. Whether you have family coming in to town, or it is just going to be you and your household, beef can help you keep everyone fed.

Quick & Easy Ground Beef

It’s been a long year and you want to make the holidays as simple and cost effective as possible. Get started with some easy beef recipes. Ground beef is a high protein, budget-friendly staple that can be used in so many ways. From soups to casseroles, sloppy joes to tacos, ground beef is a simple ingredient to keep on-hand for those busy days when you need to feed family but do not want to spend all day in the kitchen. Cook ground beef ahead of time and keep on-hand for seasoning for an easy meal such as this Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole.

Break Out the Apps

If you are headed to a small holiday gathering, impress your friends with some great beefy appetizers. Flaky Beef Stuffed Pinwheels make an appetizer platter that will be the hit of the party. Cocktail sausages are a party favorite; grab some all beef cocktail sausages and throw in a crock pot with grape jelly and BBQ sauce for a crowd favorite. Try some quick and easy Maple Chili Meatballs and your friends will be begging for the recipe!

Home for the Holidays

Beef It’s What’s For Dinner has your holidays covered no matter what your holiday plans look like. Try some new recipes for Classic Holiday Dinners or Holiday Entertaining. Search for new spices and rubs for your favorite cuts of beef. You can even keep your guests mesmerized to the crackling of the “Drool Log”. Make your holidays something special with beef!

No matter the season, beef has you covered with the taste and nutrition for all your family’s needs. Set up the Drool Log and keep your family fed this holiday (and every day!) with beef.

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to everyone from all of us at Alabama Cattlemen’s Association!

This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Brought to you by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.

MVP: Most Valuable Protein

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

Over the past six months, we have all wondered whether or not we would have fall sports and tailgating. While football seems to be limited, let’s take some time to continue to enjoy one of our favorite things about this time of year— tailgating! Let’s be creative and keep some of our traditions alive by adjusting how we do tailgating and still enjoy the flavors of football season, with these delicious recipes from Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Beef is a staple amongst most tailgating fans, providing versatility and optimal nutrition. So don’t give up on tailgating, just give in to some changes!

Break Out the Slow Cooker

A staple kitchen device around most tailgating fans is the slow cooker. Knock the dust off your favorite slow cooker and get ready to watch some football at home. Get game day ready with a beefy tailgating favorite, meatballs. Meatballs can be made the day before and held in a slow cooker for your game day fun. Try something different like these Cheese Stuffed Meatballs in the air fryer. Cook up the day before and reheat/hold in a slow cooker with marinara sauce. Keep toothpicks close for grabbing and snacking or cut into some rolls to make meatball sliders.

Grilling Out at the Tailgate

Wood pellet grill/smokers have come on the scene as a great way to change the way you grill. If you have a pellet grill/smoker and haven’t given in to smoking hamburgers yet, wow your small crowd with a new flavor that is sure to be a hit! Make your patties the night before and place on your smoker the next day, set temperature, and go watch the game without having to constantly monitor the grill. Find a recipe that suits your tastes or try this recipe from Hey Grill Hey.

MVP of Food Safety

Always be food safety smart with tailgating, whether you are at an actual game or at home with your close family. Remember to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Hold hot foods at 135 degrees or higher, and cold foods at 40 degrees or below. Use a slow cooker, hot plate, grill, or oven to maintain temperatures of your hot foods. Just remember, “when in doubt, throw it out,” or take a look at the FDA’s food safety guidelines.

Fall sports seasons may look a little different for everyone, but we can still have some tailgating fun with beef at home or a small crowd where allowed. Try some new recipes and make some new traditions! For more information on food safety, beef’s awesome nutrition, and beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner.

Enjoy the gift of September and stay safe everyone!

This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program. Brought to you by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.

Fire Up the Grill…It’s Summertime!

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

The summer sun is starting to make its debut, so let the summer fun begin! Grilling is a staple for summertime activities and is a great way to stay involved with your outdoor guests while preparing a delicious meal. If you have no idea where to begin with grilling, get started with some grill basics. Choose what works best for you and your surroundings. Whether gas or charcoal, you can find the option that is best suited for your grilling needs. For detailed information on different types of grills and their uses, check out this video from Home Depot. No matter the type of grill you decide on, beef can bring you versatile recipes to please any tastes. Beef It’s What’s For Dinner has grilling basics as well as a ton of recipes.

Burgers Galore

If perfecting an excellent burger is your goal, Food Network has a great informational video with beef buying, seasoning, and handling information, as well as grilling tips. If you are comfortable with your grilling skills, these Maple Bacon Beer Burgers are sure to be a favorite. Smash burgers are a diner favorite and make a great addition to your summertime grilling scene. Get your grill and griddle ready for these BBQ Smash Burgers, they will be a hit at your next gathering.

Steak Out

Grilling the perfect steak is something that most steak lovers desire, but remember- practice makes perfect. First choose the cut that best suits you. Some people only want a ribeye, where others may prefer a filet. Choose your cut and spend your time perfecting the one that you enjoy most. Sous vide has become a common-place household item and makes steak grilling even easier, especially for leaner cuts of beef such as sirloin or strip steaks. Grill master Bobby Flay has some great resources for grilling the perfect steaks such as this Perfectly Grilled Strip Steak.

Gas or charcoal, burgers or steaks, no matter what your taste buds crave, give into grilling and enjoy the wonderful taste of beef outdoors! Beef is an excellent source of protein, zinc, and iron with recipes for any meal, any occasion. For more recipes and more information on beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s For Dinner.

Happy Grilling!

Our Favorite Summer Grilling Links

This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.

Beef Up Your Quarantine Kitchen

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

April has brought about a new normal for our country, and I read something on social media the other day about us now realizing why our grandparents (or great-grandparents) washed their Ziploc bags, kept all their bacon grease and washed out all their butter tubs. We are in a time of cutting back on food waste and learning to live off the things that we are able to get at the stores. Beef is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals and is a versatile item to keep on hand for many meals or snacks. From Breakfast Tacos to Chocolate Beefy Brownies, beef is the staple you can always count on.

Beefy Substitutes

If you are missing some of your restaurant favorites, Beef It’s What’s for Dinner has a great collection of recipes to make your favorite recipe but substituting beef in place of another protein. Love Peking Duck? Give Peking Chuck a try! If it’s calamari you’re craving, go for this recipe for Cowlamari.

So Long, Leftovers

If you have cooked a big meal and have leftovers, never fear! Go to the So Long Leftovers recipe collection. You can turn that leftover pot roast or steak in to Sushi-Style Beef Rolls. Use leftover steak to top a great lunch time salad. Add your leftover ground beef, from tacos or sloppy joes, to your morning eggs for a protein-filled breakfast. If you have purchased frozen ground beef in bulk, you can cook it all in your instant pot and the add seasonings as desired for the meal. Use for gravy and biscuits, spaghetti, lasagna, quesadillas, or for those delicious Beefy Brownies I mentioned.

One Pan Meals

Casseroles are a perfect way to cook a big meal and have leftovers. Casseroles are great because they can be eaten as leftovers for a couple of days, or portion up in aluminum foil, wrap tightly and put in zippered bags for freezer storage. With the leftovers in smaller portions, it is easy to remove one (or more) portions for reheating on another day. If you are unsure where to start, try this Spicy Mexican Beef Bake.

Use this time at home to hone your cooking craft and try some new recipes using ingredients you already have on hand. For more recipes and information on beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What’s for Dinner.

Enjoy the springtime weather, and stay safe everyone!

This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.

Handheld Meals for Families On the Go

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

It is that time of the year when we aren’t quite ready for summer, although in Alabama it could go either way, and we are tired of the cold. Spring forward into March with some new and exciting beef recipes. Beef is an excellent source of protein and iron and is a versatile staple that can create a wide variety of recipes to satisfy any time of the year. With spring activities beginning, quick and easy recipes are the go-to for a lot of families. If you’re burned out on the same old things, give these tasty ideas a try!

Will Travel for Beef

Travel sports parents everywhere know that one of the keys to not losing your mind (or spending all your money) is to be prepared for the weekend’s upcoming events. A tried-and-true staple for our family is all beef hotdogs that we cook ahead and put in a thermos to keep warm. Add buns and condiments and the whole family can eat without breaking the bank. Make up a container of Roast Beef and Veggie Wraps to add to your cooler and you will have a super satisfying on-the-go meal. For those cooler times, make some meatballs with sauce such as these Four Way Mini-Meatballs and keep warm in an insulated container, grab some sweet rolls and have mini-meatball sliders to fill you up. Don’t forget about all the delicious flavors of beef jerky and beef sticks that you can always keep handy to grab at any time.

Late Night Dinners

Homework, sports, jobs…how do you keep your family fed without running through the drive-thru every night? Plan ahead for the week by cooking up large batches of easy, reheatable foods such as a roast to make roast beef sliders, tacos, or quesadillas. Cook a large batch of ground beef that can be quickly seasoned for spaghetti or sloppy joes. Take advantage of your slow cooker and have these Tangy BBQ Sandwiches ready when you get home.

It is a busy time of the year! Take advantage of beef’s versatility, portability, and great protein to keep your family going. For more great recipes and information on beef from pasture to plate, visit Beef It’s What For Dinner.

Happy Spring from all of us at Alabama Cattlemen’s Association!

This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.

Beef for Heart Health

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

It is hard to believe that we are already on the second month of another new year, and February is American Heart Month. Beef is not only a great source of protein, but lean beef can be a part of your heart healthy diet. Beef It’s What’s For Dinner has a library of recipes certified by the American Heart Association, and you can find a recipe to satisfy any taste. If you are searching for the leanest cuts of beef, look for cuts with the term “round” or “loin”, or keep this link handy while you are grocery shopping or surfing the internet for recipes.

Steak In
Nothing says “Valentine’s Day” quite like a steak for your sweetheart. If you are looking to stay in and cook up your Valentine’s dinner this year, top sirloin is a great choice for a lean and delicious meal. If you are not sure how to cook the perfect sirloin, here is a great reference guide, complete with YouTube links for further instructions. If you are still looking for more steak cooking tips, or you prefer a different cut of steak, Cowboy Kent Rollins has you covered in this step-by-step video.

Beef Snacking
If you are looking for a great way to keep healthy, protein-filled snacks on-hand, look no further than beef. Beef jerky is available in all kinds of flavors and package options, many of which are available at grocery stores and online. If you are a kitchen gadget junkie like myself, knock the dust off your food dehydrator and make a batch of your own beef jerky! This beef jerky recipe is a great option, and suggests using flank steak or eye of round. Most cuts of lean beef will work well for jerky, so buy what is in your budget or on sale. If you find yourself with a thicker cut of meat, try partially freezing to make thin slicing much easier.

Make lean beef a part of your heart healthy diet this month, and every month! Try some new recipes, new kitchen techniques and gadgets, and eat more beef. Be sure to check out Beef It’s What’s for Dinner for more recipes, tips, and to learn more about beef from pasture to plate.

For more information on heart health and American Heart Month, visit the American Heart Association’s website at www.heart.org.

Happy Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month from all of us at Alabama Cattlemen’s Association!

This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.