Beef
Beef is a popular and versatile choice of meat to eat at home. Different cuts of beef can be cooked in a variety of different ways from sunday roast to stews and the BBQ. It is rich in protein and provides vitamins and minerals that keep us healthy.
How to store
How to store fresh beef
All raw meat should be stored at the bottom of the fridge in a clean, sealed container.
Freezing beef
You can freeze uncooked and frozen beef. It's best to use food from the freezer within 3 - 6 months.
Storing cooked beef
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days, freezer for 3 - 6 months.
Beef top tips
How to freeze and defrost
To freeze: Cooked and raw beef can be frozen in a sealed bag or container. You can also freeze previously frozen meat if it’s been cooked.
To defrost: When you take food/ drink out of the freezer, it’s important to defrost it safely. Don’t defrost at room temperature. Ideally, defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Or, use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking/ reheating.
Take a look at our How do I guide on freezing and defrosting meat.
Eating the whole food
Use/ freeze bones and carcass meat after a roast to make stock. Use juices from a roast to make tasty gravy.
Be fabulous with leftovers
Leftover fresh beef
Cut any leftover uncooked steak into strips and use it for a stir fry.
Leftover cooked beef
Any leftover cooked meat can be added to salads, sandwiches or wraps for lunch the next day.
Buying tips
Buy the right pack size for your needs. Think about whether you’ll get through the whole pack before the use by date and how long you have to use the beef once the pack has been opened. If you’re not going to eat the whole pack in time, freeze some for later. Think about buying frozen beef instead of fresh beef. Frozen foods last a long time in the freezer, you can use as much as you need when you need to and they can often be a cheaper option.
Also consider buying from your local butcher to reduce your food footprint (impact on our planet).
Perfect portions
Use our portion calculator for a quick and simple way to check how much of this food to serve at mealtimes.
Valuing your Beef beyond the price tag
Goodness in food
Your food is more than its shape, colour and price. Your food has an important role to play to help keep you healthy and with enough energy to live your life how you wish to.
- Rich in protein which is needed for growth and repair of body tissues and is especially important for healthy muscles and bones.
- Good source of iron which is important in making red blood cells. These are the cells that carry oxygen around the body.
- Beef is high in saturated fats which can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood. This could increase your risk of developing heart disease
Food story
By the time your food arrives in your home, it’s already been on quite a journey starting with how it’s made or grown and how your food reaches the supermarket.
So please help our food to finish its story in the most sustainable way, ensuring the planet’s resources that’s already used are put to good use. Take care of your food when it’s in your home and ensure every edible morsel is eaten - and that your food doesn’t end up in the bin!
Why not try these delicious recipes to use up Beef
This recipe can be adapted to suit what you have in the fridge. Stewing steak will work just as well as diced beef, just cut it yourself beforehand.
This stuffed marrow with mince recipe is easy and delicious. You can use your favourite mince recipe such as bolognese or chilli (or vegetarian options) to stuff a marrow, so do experiment.
