How to Fill Out a Beef Cut Sheet
The cut sheet tells the butcher exactly how to process your beef. Here's what every option means and how to choose.
What is a Cut Sheet?
When you buy a half or whole cow, the farmer sends the animal to a butcher (processor) for you. Before processing, you fill out a cut sheet—a form telling the butcher how to cut and package your meat.
This is one of the best parts of buying bulk beef. Instead of taking whatever cuts the grocery store has, you decide: thick or thin steaks? Big or small roasts? How much ground beef? It's your cow, your way.
Steak Options
Thickness
Most cut sheets offer: 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1.25 inch, or 1.5 inch
- 3/4" — Thinner, cooks fast, good for quick weeknight meals
- 1" — Standard thickness, versatile, most popular choice
- 1.25" - 1.5" — Steakhouse style, better for grilling and reverse sear
Recommendation: 1" is a safe default. Go thicker if you grill often.
Steaks Per Package
Usually 1, 2, or 4 steaks per package
- 1 per pack — Maximum flexibility, thaw only what you need
- 2 per pack — Good for couples, most common choice
- 4 per pack — Family dinners, less packaging waste
Recommendation: Match to how many people you typically cook for at once.
Bone-In vs Boneless
Some cuts give you the choice: ribeye and NY strip can be bone-in or boneless
- Bone-in — More flavor, looks impressive, slightly harder to cook evenly
- Boneless — Easier to cook and slice, more uniform
Recommendation: Bone-in for grilling, boneless for pan-searing.
Roast Options
Roast Size
Usually 2 lb, 3 lb, 4 lb, or "leave whole"
- 2-3 lb — Good for 2-4 people, fits in most slow cookers
- 3-4 lb — Feeds 4-6, good for Sunday dinners
- Whole — Maximum flexibility, but requires more freezer space per piece
Recommendation: 3 lb roasts are versatile. Smaller households may prefer 2 lb.
Roast Types
Common roasts from a beef side:
- Chuck Roast — Most common, great for pot roast and shredded beef
- Arm Roast — Similar to chuck, slightly leaner
- Rump Roast — Leaner, best sliced thin after slow cooking
- Sirloin Tip Roast — Can be roasted or cut into steaks
Ground Beef Options
Package Size
Usually 1 lb, 1.5 lb, or 2 lb packages
- 1 lb — Most flexible, good for small batches, easy to thaw
- 1.5 lb — Middle ground
- 2 lb — Better for big batches of chili, meatloaf, etc.
Recommendation: 1 lb packs are most versatile. You can always thaw two.
Patties vs Bulk
Some processors offer pre-made burger patties
- Bulk ground — Maximum flexibility, use for anything
- Patties — Convenient for grilling, but locked into burger size
Recommendation: Get mostly bulk. Maybe one package of patties if you grill a lot.
Lean Percentage
Not all processors offer this, but some let you choose lean/fat ratio
- 80/20 — Standard, good flavor and moisture for burgers
- 85/15 — Leaner, better for tacos and meat sauce
- 90/10 — Very lean, can be dry for burgers
Specialty Items
Many cut sheets have a section for extras. Don't skip this—some of the best value is here.
Soup Bones
Marrow bones for making beef stock. Usually free, just check "yes." Amazing for homemade broth.
Stew Meat
Pre-cut cubes for stews and kabobs. Saves prep time. Usually comes from tougher cuts.
Short Ribs
Great for braising. Ask for them cut "English style" (across the bone) or "flanken" (thin across multiple bones).
Brisket
You usually get one brisket. Choose whole, or ask them to separate the flat and point.
Organ Meats
Heart, liver, tongue, oxtail. Often free if you want them. Nutritious and underrated.
Fat/Suet
Can be rendered into tallow for cooking. Some people make candles or soap. Usually free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1.Skipping the extras. Soup bones and organ meats are usually free. Don't leave value on the table.
- 2.All steaks, no roasts. You'll end up with way more ground beef if you skip roasts. Balance it out.
- 3.Oversized packages. A 5 lb package of ground beef is a pain to thaw. Smaller is more flexible.
- 4.Not calling the processor. If you have questions, call them. They do this every day and can help.
Sample Cut Sheet Choices
Here's a reasonable default for most families:
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