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!

Bama Beef Blog Weekly Update | July 6, 2022

Welcome to the Bama Beef Blog, where you can check out the latest news from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program and the Southeastern Livestock Expo. Keep reading for more info!

CONGRATS, over the top counties!

Big CONGRATULATIONS are due to the 27 counties who went Over the Top in 2022! This is the grassroots activity of our association that makes it one of the largest and most effective in the country, and we thank you for all your hard work and recruitment efforts! Without further adieu, the 27 Over the Top counties in 2022 are:

Baldwin
Barbour
Butler
Calhoun
Chambers
Clay
Coosa
Cullman
Dale
Dallas
Elmore
Fayette
Franklin
Geneva
Greene
Hale
Henry
Lauderdale
Lowndes
Madison
Monroe
Morgan
Randolph
St Clair
Sumter
Washington
Winston

2022 REGIONAL CATTLEMEN’S COOKOUTS

We have enjoyed delicious food, fun giveaways and some very welcomed fellowship at the first three of our Regional Cattlemen’s Cookouts in Grove Hill, Troy and Moundville. Up next is our East Central Alabama Cookout on July 12 in Wetumpka— we’d love to see you there! Click here for a map to check out when we’ll be headed to your neck of the woods! This event is FREE for ACA members to attend— all you have to do is click here to RSVP to attend your local meeting or call us at 334-265-1867. Guests who are not members will cost $25 per plate.

July 12, 2022: East Central Alabama; Wetumpka Civic Center, Wetumpka
July 19, 2022: Northwest Alabama, Moulton Rec Center, Moulton
August 2, 2022: Northeast Alabama, Guntersville Rec Center, Guntersville

STOCKMANSHIP & STEWARDSHIP- COMING TO AUBURN!

Mark your calendars for August 12-13, 2022, to partake in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) premiere Stockmanship & Stewardship educational experience at the Auburn University Equestrian Center.

Register Now » https://www.stockmanshipandstewardship.org/events/auburn-al

The program will feature low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Educational certification, facility design sessions, industry updates and your choice of additional specialized education. The program sponsored by the NCBA, Merck Animal Health, and the Beef Checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Assurance program will allow attendees the opportunity to participate in educational sessions, a local beef cattle tour and a valuable networking reception.

Attendees will learn cutting-edge operation techniques through demonstrations by stockmanship experts Curt Pate and Dr. Ron Gill. Cattle enthusiasts will have the option to participate in Auburn’s Beef 201 program offering education in feeder grading, value-added marketing concepts, evaluation of harvest ready cattle, fabrication of carcasses combined with economic analysis, and off the farm locally produced niche market opportunities. Additionally, participants will be offered sessions on various topics including best-practices in nutrition and Southeast U.S. forage management, tools for improved sustainability, current herd health management concepts, beef advocacy training, and a unique program designed for teen junior cattlemen members.

Full Registration ($100) – Access to all events & meals.
One Day Registrations (Friday $30, Saturday $80) – Access to events on specified day only.
Student Registration ($50) – Access to all events & meals with student ID

AJCA ROUND-UP SPONSORSHIPS

The 16^th Annual Round-Up is coming to town NEXT WEEK! We are proud to report that 120 youth participants are registered for this summer event featuring calf shows, cattle judging, career-centered contests, a volleyball tournament, and more! Events like this are not possible without sponsorships. We are asking counties to consider a donation of $250.00. The counties that show their support of our youth by sponsoring at the amount of $250.00 or more will receive a star on the county sponsorship map that will be on display ringside. However, anyway you can support our juniors would be appreciated. Please consider supporting the AJCA Round-Up. It is requested that all donations be mailed to 201 South Bainbridge Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Thank you in advance for your continued support of Alabama’s youth in livestock.

For the full sponsor details, please check out our event website » https://cvent.me/KRGM5z

Alabama LMA Meets on the Coast

The Alabama Livestock Marketing Association (ALMA) met this week in Orange Beach, Alabama as all auction yards across the state were closed for the week of Fourth of July. ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley attended the meeting to network with market owners, provide an association update and hear market news on the state and national level.

The MOOseum, Staying Busy!

The MOOseum, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association premiere children’s educational center, has stayed busy this summer hosting thousands of walk-up guests and scheduled tour groups. This week alone will host three summer children’s groups, and that’s not to mention all the walk-in visitors! Sydney Dougherty on our staff does an excellent job promoting and organizing tours.

The MOOseum — which highlights the beef cattle life cycle, history of the beef industry in Alabama, cattle handling, cattle nutrition, rodeo and beef cookery stations— is a great, air conditioned stop for Downtown sojourners looking to explore Alabama history, while catching a break from the Alabama heat! It continues to be an excellent avenue to educate young minds to the big picture behind the food on their plate.

Bama Beef Events Calendar

The Bama Beef Events Calendar (www.BamaBeef.org/Events) is beginning to fill up with activities as we look toward the fall months. The Producer Education tab has been updated recently, as well as the Cattlemen’s Activities. As we get closer to fall, all of the tabs (especially the sales!) will start to fill up, so check it daily to make sure you don’t miss an event near you!

Thanks for reading this week’s post! Until we post again, we want to remind you that you can stay in touch with us by following us on Facebook or Instagram.

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.

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.

A Lean New Year

By Elesha Ergle, RDN
Welcome to 2020, the year of hindsight! As we start this fabulous new year, set your sights on some new and creative ideas to add to your lunch boxes and dinner plans. If your previous years’ recipes are starting to lose their luster, let beef help you come up with some exciting and healthy ideas that will keep you going all year long.

Beef’s Nutrition
Beef is a healthy option! Here are the fast facts: a 3-ounce portion of lean beef (about the size of a deck of cards) contains less than 10 grams of fat and about 170 calories with about 25 grams of protein! If you are curious about all the lean cuts that beef has to offer, Beef It’s What’s for Dinner has you covered.<

BOLD Beef
In 2012, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the study Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD), which promoted four different diets, each integrating beef in varying amounts. At the end of the study, the participants that received larger amounts of lean beef were found to have lower cholesterol levels than those of diets with lower amounts of lean beef. The study provides “support for including lean beef in a heart-healthy dietary pattern.”

Fast Foods
While there are many beef recipes that require a lot of your time to prepare, Electric Pressure Cookers (EPC)— such as an Instant Pot— can cut your cooking times more than half. If you love a good roast with potatoes and carrots, try using a lean rump roast in your EPC for your next meal. This recipe uses only 3-4 ingredients and is ready in under 2 hours! (Tip: add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar OR substitute 1-cup water with 1-cup cola to the recipe to further increase tenderness.)

Snacking with Beef
If you have resolved to add more exercise in to your new year, try some beef snacks for the trip to the gym or post-workout routine. Beef It’s What’s for Dinner has a great Beef Trail Mix, and this recipe for beefy sweet and savory trail mix can be the answer to your afternoon snacking routine. If you are looking for a great home workout, try the Farm To Gym workout at the link below.

No matter what your resolutions, resolve to eat more healthy, lean beef! Set your sights on some of these new ideas or visit Beef It’s What’s for Dinner for more information and recipes. Let your hindsight be 2020 as the best year ever!

Happy New Year from all of us at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association.

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

All About Holiday Roasting

By Elesha Ergle, RDN

It is hard to believe that Christmas is upon us! Whether you’re busy trying to finish up those last-minute gifts or scrambling to get paperwork done before the end of the year, count on beef to help make your holidays go smoothly. The holidays are the perfect time to try out some new techniques and recipes for the perfect Christmas Roast.

Oven Roasting

Many will shy away at the very thought of an large and pricy cut of meat that you have to cook in the oven. Fear no more! Beef It’s What’s for Dinner is here to the rescue with all the information you could need bring the perfect Christmas roast to the table. If you are looking for a step-by-step tutorial, here is a great video from Fine Cooking on how to reverse sear the perfect prime rib roast.

Slow Cooking

Slow cookers are among the favorite ways to cook a delicious, tender roast. If you enjoy a roast with gravy and vegetables this Ultimate Slow Cooker Pot Roast is a must for your recipe collection. Wow your guests with a Mississippi Roast from your slow cooker and the only worry you will have is washing the dishes.

Electric Pressure Cooking (EPC)

Did you get an EPC for Christmas last year and still haven’t used it? Now is a good time to start! You can produce an easy, delicious holiday roast in less than half the time of oven roasting or slow cooking. If you are worried about where to start, Conquer Your Instant Pot with Chef Alli. When you’ve mastered the basics, give this Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots recipe a try.

The Perfect Cut

When you are shopping for the perfect cut of meat for your roast, be sure to choose a size that will work well for the equipment that you are going to use. Most slow cookers or electric pressure cookers can comfortably hold a 4-5 pound roast. While prime rib or chuck roasts are among the most popular for holiday roasting, there are many other choices as well. Beef It’s What’s For Dinner can help with a listing of different cooking methods, the best choice of cuts, and recipes for all your roasting needs

Be Merry and get roasting this holiday season. Merry Christmas 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.