Choose what you've got, and I'll help you figure out what to make.
What kind of beef are you cooking?
Ground Beef — what can I help you with?
Cooking with Ancestral Blend
What's in it?
Grateful Graze Ancestral Blend is
90% ground beef, 7% beef liver and 3% beef heart.
You can use it much like regular ground beef, but it's especially
good in seasoned dishes where the other flavors complement the liver and heart.
Chef Matthew's Tip:
If you're new to Ancestral Blend, I wouldn't make your first experience
a plain hamburger patty. Start with tacos, chili or a good meat sauce.
Once it's seasoned and combined with the other ingredients, the organ
flavor is much less noticeable.
USDA guidance:
Like other ground beef products, cook Ancestral Blend to an internal
temperature of 160°F.
A Few Ideas for How to Use It
Let's get supper on the table fast.
You've got about 30 minutes.
You've got time to make something worth waiting for.
Great. What are you making?
Ground Beef Cooking Time & Temperature
USDA food-safety guidance:
Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of
160°F.
Use an instant-read thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time.
Chef Matthew's Tip:
Don't keep cooking after you need to. Once you've reached the safe
temperature, unnecessary extra cooking just gives away moisture and flavor.
Grateful Graze Beef Tallow, optional for the skillet
Here's How
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape into patties. Don't pack them too tightly.
Season both sides with salt and pepper just before cooking.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill. If using a skillet, a small spoonful of Grateful Graze Beef Tallow is a great cooking fat.
Cook the burgers, flipping once. Don't press down on them while they cook — that pushes those flavorful juices out.
Check the center with a meat thermometer rather than relying on color.
USDA Safety Guidance: Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Handle the meat lightly. A loosely formed patty stays more tender than one that's packed tightly.
Make It a Meal
Oven-roasted potato wedges
Creamy coleslaw
Grilled vegetables
Cucumber and tomato salad
Chef Matthew's Ranch Kitchen Meatloaf
You'll Need
1 lb Grateful Graze ground beef
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Here's How
Heat oven to 350°F.
Gently mix all ingredients just until combined. Don't overwork the meat.
Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet.
Bake about 45–55 minutes, checking the center with a meat thermometer.
Rest about 10 minutes before slicing.
USDA Safety Guidance:
Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Chef Matthew's Tip:
Mix gently. Overworking meatloaf makes it dense. Stop mixing as soon as everything comes together.
Make It a Meal
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted green beans
Buttered sweet corn
Cucumber salad
Chef Matthew's Skillet Meatballs
You'll Need
1 lb Grateful Graze ground beef or Ancestral Blend
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking fat
2 cups tomato or marinara sauce, optional
Here's How
Combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl.
Mix gently just until everything comes together. Shape into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches across.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs and brown them on several sides, turning gently as they cook.
If using sauce, pour it into the skillet, cover and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through. You can also finish them in the skillet without sauce, lowering the heat as needed so the outside doesn't overbrown.
Check the center of the meatballs with an instant-read thermometer before serving.
USDA Safety Guidance:
Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Chef Matthew's Tip:
Don't pack the meatballs too tightly. Mix and shape them gently so they stay tender instead of becoming dense.
Make It a Meal
Pasta and tomato sauce
Roasted broccoli
Garlic bread
Green salad
Chef Matthew's Easy Beef Tacos
You'll Need
1 lb Grateful Graze ground beef or Ancestral Blend
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup water
8 small tortillas
Your favorite toppings — shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, salsa, sour cream or avocado
Here's How
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion.
Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Add the water and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seasoning coats the beef and most of the liquid has cooked away.
Warm the tortillas and fill with the seasoned beef.
Add your favorite toppings and serve right away.
USDA Safety Guidance:
Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Chef Matthew's Tip:
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 20–30 seconds per side. It makes a simple taco taste much better and helps keep the tortillas from tearing.
Make It a Meal
Cilantro-lime rice
Black beans
Sweet corn
Avocado and tomato salad
Chef Matthew's Beef Chili
You'll Need
1 lb Grateful Graze ground beef or Ancestral Blend
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) kidney or pinto beans, drained and rinsed, optional
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Here's How
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion.
Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles, until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds more.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and beans, if using. Stir well.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
USDA Safety Guidance:
Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Chef Matthew's Tip:
Chili usually tastes even better the next day. If you have time, make it ahead and let those flavors get acquainted overnight.
Make It a Meal
Cornbread
Shredded cheese
Simple slaw
Baked potato
Chef Matthew's Sloppy Joes
You'll Need
1 lb Grateful Graze ground beef
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon brown sugar, optional
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 hamburger buns
Here's How
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion.
Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles, until browned and the onion is tender. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds more.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar if using, salt and pepper.
Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick enough to pile onto a bun.
Toast the buns if you like, spoon the beef mixture on top and serve.
USDA Safety Guidance:
Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Chef Matthew's Tip:
Let the mixture simmer until it's thick, not soupy. A good Sloppy Joe should be messy enough to earn its name, but it shouldn't run off the bun.
Make It a Meal
Oven fries
Coleslaw
Sweet corn
Pickles
Chef Matthew's Beefy Tomato Pasta
You'll Need
1 lb Grateful Graze ground beef or Ancestral Blend
8 oz pasta
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained, optional
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
Here's How
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Before draining, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion.
Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles, until browned and the onion is tender. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds more.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes if using, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated. Stir in the mozzarella or Parmesan and serve hot.
USDA Safety Guidance:
Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Chef Matthew's Tip:
Save a little pasta water before you drain the noodles. A splash helps the sauce cling to the pasta instead of sitting in the bottom of the bowl.
Make It a Meal
Garlic bread
Roasted broccoli
Green salad
Roasted zucchini
Chef Matthew's Beef Lasagna
Layer noodles with beef tomato sauce, ricotta or cottage cheese, mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F until hot and bubbling. Rest before cutting.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Cutting lasagna straight from the oven gives you a delicious landslide. Give it time to rest.
Make It a Meal
Garlic bread
Caesar-style salad
Roasted green beans
Roasted broccoli
Chef Matthew's Quick Ground Beef Skillet
You'll Need
1 lb Grateful Graze ground beef or Ancestral Blend
1/2 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 small zucchini, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked rice or diced cooked potatoes, optional
Here's How
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion.
Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles, until the beef is browned and the onion begins to soften.
Add the bell pepper and zucchini. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Cook about 30 seconds more.
Stir in cooked rice or potatoes, if using, and heat through.
Taste, adjust the seasoning and serve hot.
USDA Food-Safety Guidance: Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Chef Matthew's Tip: This is a great clean-out-the-fridge supper. Use the vegetables you already have and cut them about the same size so they cook evenly.
Make It a Meal
Green salad
Crusty bread
Fresh fruit
Steaks — what can I help you with?
What sounds good?
Which steak do you have?
How are you cooking your steak?
Steak Temperature & Doneness
USDA food-safety guidance:
Beef steaks should reach at least 145°F,
followed by a 3-minute rest.
Use an instant-read thermometer rather than relying entirely on minutes per side.
Chef Matthew's Tip:
Check near the center of the thickest part before taking the steak off the heat.
Chef Matthew's Ribeye
Pat dry, season with salt and pepper and cook over high heat on the grill or in cast iron. Give the first side time to develop a deep crust before turning.
USDA recommends 145°F followed by at least a 3-minute rest.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Ribeye needs very little besides good seasoning and a proper sear.
These steaks give you two textures in one steak: strip on one side of the bone and tenderloin on the other. Grill or sear over high heat, then use gentler heat as needed to finish a thick steak evenly.
USDA recommends 145°F followed by at least a 3-minute rest.
Chef Matthew's Tip: The tenderloin side is smaller and can cook faster. Position it toward the cooler part of the grill when possible.
Heat a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of Grateful Graze Beef Tallow if needed, then brown the roast well on all sides.
Add the onion and garlic around the roast.
Pour in enough Grateful Graze Beef Broth to come about one-third of the way up the roast. You do not need to cover the meat with liquid.
Cover tightly and place in the oven.
Cook until fork-tender. For many roasts, begin checking around 3 hours, but larger roasts may need longer.
Let the roast rest briefly, then slice or pull apart and spoon some of the cooking juices over the meat.
Chef Matthew's Tip: If your pot roast is still tough, it usually needs more time. Chuck and arm roasts contain connective tissue that becomes tender during long, slow cooking. Keep cooking gently until a fork slides in easily.
These are leaner roasts. Unlike a chuck or arm roast, they're best roasted and sliced rather than cooked until they fall apart.
You'll Need
1 Grateful Graze Rump or Eye of Round Roast
Salt and black pepper
Garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Your favorite herbs, such as rosemary or thyme
Grateful Graze Beef Tallow, optional for browning
Here's How
Heat the oven to 325°F.
Season the roast generously with salt, pepper, garlic and herbs.
For extra flavor, heat a little Grateful Graze Beef Tallow in a heavy skillet and brown the roast on all sides.
Place the roast in a roasting pan and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part.
Roast until the center reaches your desired temperature, keeping the USDA minimum below in mind. Cooking time varies with the size and shape of the roast, so trust your thermometer more than the clock.
Rest before carving, then slice very thinly across the grain. This is especially important with these lean cuts.
USDA Safety Guidance: Whole beef roasts should reach at least 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Don't try to turn this into a fall-apart pot roast. Rump and Eye of Round are at their best when roasted, rested and sliced thinly across the grain. Save some for tomorrow — cold, thinly sliced roast beef makes a terrific sandwich.
Sirloin Tip is a lean, flavorful roast that's best roasted and sliced. The key is using a thermometer, letting it rest, and slicing it thinly across the grain.
You'll Need
1 Grateful Graze Sirloin Tip Roast
Salt and black pepper
Garlic powder or minced fresh garlic
Rosemary or thyme, optional
Grateful Graze Beef Tallow, optional for browning
Here's How
Heat the oven to 325°F.
Season the roast generously with salt, pepper, garlic and herbs.
For extra flavor, heat a little Grateful Graze Beef Tallow in a heavy skillet and brown the roast on all sides.
Place the roast in a roasting pan and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part.
Roast until the center reaches your desired temperature, keeping the USDA minimum below in mind. Because roast size and shape vary, use the thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time.
Rest the roast before carving, then slice thinly across the grain.
USDA Safety Guidance: Whole beef roasts should reach at least 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Sirloin Tip is lean, so don't treat it like a fall-apart pot roast. A thermometer and thin slicing make a big difference.
This is a special-occasion roast with plenty of flavor of its own. Keep the seasoning simple and use a meat thermometer so you don't overcook it.
You'll Need
1 Grateful Graze Bone-In Rib Roast
Salt and black pepper
Fresh or dried rosemary
Garlic, minced
Here's How
Heat the oven to 325°F.
Season the roast generously with salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary.
Place the roast bone-side down in a roasting pan. The bones act as a natural roasting rack.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure the tip is not touching bone.
Roast until the center reaches your desired temperature, keeping the USDA minimum below in mind. Roast size varies, so let the thermometer — not just the clock — tell you when it's ready.
Remove from the oven and let the roast rest before carving.
To carve, first cut the roast away from the rib bones, then slice the meat across the grain into your desired thickness.
USDA Safety Guidance: Whole beef roasts should reach at least 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest.
Chef Matthew's Tip: This roast doesn't need much fuss. Good beef, simple seasoning and careful temperature control are the stars. A thermometer is your best insurance against overcooking an expensive roast.
Whole tenderloin is very tender and cooks quickly. The biggest keys are creating an even shape, searing for flavor, and watching the internal temperature closely.
You'll Need
1 Grateful Graze Whole Beef Tenderloin
Salt and black pepper
Garlic, minced or garlic powder
Fresh rosemary or thyme, optional
Grateful Graze Beef Tallow, optional for searing
Here's How
Heat the oven to 425°F.
If needed, trim excess silver skin. Fold the narrow tail end underneath so the tenderloin is a more even thickness, then tie it with kitchen twine every few inches.
Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic and herbs.
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of Grateful Graze Beef Tallow if needed, then sear the tenderloin on all sides until well browned.
Transfer to the oven and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part.
Roast until the center reaches your desired temperature, keeping the USDA minimum below in mind. Tenderloin cooks quickly, so start checking earlier than you think you need to.
Let it rest before removing the twine and slicing into thick medallions.
USDA Safety Guidance: Whole beef roasts should reach at least 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest.
Chef Matthew's Tip: The narrow tail cooks faster than the thick center. Folding it underneath and tying the tenderloin gives you a more even roast and helps prevent the thin end from overcooking.
Tri-Tip cooks more like a thick steak or small roast than a brisket. It has great beef flavor, but it can become chewy if overcooked or sliced the wrong way.
You'll Need
1 Grateful Graze Tri-Tip
Salt and black pepper
Garlic powder or minced garlic
Your favorite steak seasoning, optional
Grateful Graze Beef Tallow, optional for searing
Here's How
Heat the oven to 425°F.
Before seasoning, take a good look at the direction of the grain. Tri-Tip's grain changes direction across the roast, so noticing it now will make slicing much easier later.
Season generously with salt, pepper and garlic.
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of Grateful Graze Beef Tallow if needed, then sear the Tri-Tip well on both sides.
Transfer to the oven and roast until the center reaches your desired temperature, keeping the USDA minimum below in mind. Use a meat thermometer rather than relying only on time.
Let the Tri-Tip rest before slicing.
Slice thinly across the grain. Because the grain changes direction, you may need to turn the roast as you carve.
USDA Safety Guidance: Whole-muscle beef should reach at least 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest.
Chef Matthew's Tip: With Tri-Tip, how you slice it matters almost as much as how you cook it. Look at the grain before cooking so you know where to change your slicing direction later.
Don't let the name fool you. This meaty cross-cut shank can do
a lot more than make soup.
Chef Matthew's Slow-Braised Beef Shank
You'll Need
2–3 lb Grateful Graze Soup Bone / Beef Shank
Salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon Grateful Graze Beef Tallow or cooking oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups Grateful Graze Beef Broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme or a few sprigs fresh thyme
Here's How
Heat the oven to 325°F. Pat the shanks dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat the tallow in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the shanks deeply on both sides, then transfer them to a plate.
Add the onion, carrots and celery. Cook until they begin to soften, then stir in the garlic and tomato paste.
Pour in the beef broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Return the shanks to the pot and add the thyme. The liquid should come partway up the meat rather than completely covering it.
Cover and braise for about 2 1/2–3 1/2 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily pulls away with a fork.
Rest briefly, then serve with the vegetables and braising juices spooned over the meat.
Chef Matthew's Tip: If the meat still fights the fork, it needs more time. Shank becomes tender when slow cooking gives the connective tissue time to soften.
1 tablespoon Grateful Graze Beef Tallow or cooking oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups Grateful Graze Beef Broth or water
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 can diced tomatoes, optional
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Here's How
Season the shank with salt and pepper. Heat the tallow in a large soup pot over medium-high heat and brown the shank well on both sides.
Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook for several minutes. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds more.
Add the beef broth, tomatoes if using, thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover loosely and simmer gently for about 2–3 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
Remove the shank. When cool enough to handle, pull the meat from the bone and return the meat to the pot.
Add the potatoes and simmer until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Your soup bone has real meat on it. Browning it first builds flavor, and returning that tender beef to the finished soup makes this a hearty meal rather than just a broth.
These marrow bones are ideal for making a rich homemade beef stock or broth. Roasting the bones first develops deeper beef flavor before they go into the stockpot.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Looking for marrow bones to roast and serve with crusty bread? Choose our Canoe-Cut Marrow Bones. They're split lengthwise to expose the marrow and are much easier to roast, scoop and serve.
Here's How
Heat the oven to 425°F.
Arrange the marrow bones on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until deeply browned.
Transfer the roasted bones to a stockpot.
Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic if desired.
Cover with cold water and bring slowly to a gentle simmer.
Simmer gently for several hours, skimming the surface as needed.
Strain the finished stock.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Keep the stock at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil. Low and slow helps develop a rich, clean-tasting stock.
Storing Your Stock: Cool finished stock promptly and refrigerate within about 2 hours. Use refrigerated cooked stock within about 3–4 days, or freeze it for later.
Canoe-cut marrow bones are split lengthwise so the marrow is exposed. That makes them the best choice for roasting and serving the marrow.
You'll Need
Grateful Graze Canoe-Cut Marrow Bones
Salt and black pepper
Toasted sourdough or crusty bread
Parsley and lemon, optional
Pickled onions, optional
Here's How
Heat the oven to 450°F.
Arrange the bones cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet.
Season the exposed marrow lightly with salt and pepper.
Roast for about 15–20 minutes, until the marrow is hot, soft, bubbling and lightly browned.
Watch closely near the end. You want the marrow softened and roasted, not completely melted out of the bones.
Serve immediately with toasted bread and a small spoon for scooping the marrow.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Beef marrow is wonderfully rich. Something bright and acidic balances it well — parsley, lemon, pickled onion or a simple dressed green salad are all good choices.
Oxtail is full of connective tissue and deep beef flavor. Give it enough time and it becomes incredibly rich and tender.
You'll Need
Grateful Graze Oxtail
Salt and black pepper
Grateful Graze Beef Tallow, optional for browning
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3–4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups Grateful Graze Beef Broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Fresh thyme or rosemary, optional
Here's How
Heat the oven to 325°F.
Season the oxtail generously with salt and pepper.
Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of Grateful Graze Beef Tallow if needed, then brown the oxtail well on all sides.
Remove the oxtail and add the onion, carrots and celery to the same pot. Cook until they begin to soften, then add the garlic.
Pour in the Grateful Graze Beef Broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Return the oxtail to the pot. The liquid should come partway up the meat rather than completely covering it.
Cover and braise for about 3–4 hours, or until the meat is very tender and pulls easily away from the bone.
Let the oxtail rest briefly before serving. Spoon some of the vegetables and rich braising juices over the top.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Oxtail rewards patience. If the meat still seems tough, keep cooking it gently. For an even richer sauce, make it a day ahead, refrigerate it, remove the hardened excess fat, and reheat slowly.
Some of the most traditional cuts of beef are also the ones people
are least sure how to cook. Pick what you've got and I'll walk you through it.
Not ready for a plate of organ meat?
Grateful Graze Ancestral Blend combines
90% ground beef, 7% liver and 3% heart.
Use it in familiar seasoned meals like tacos, chili, meatloaf or pasta sauce.
It's an easy way to introduce liver and heart without making them the centerpiece.
Chef Matthew's Beef Liver & Onions
If liver is new to you, this is one of the easiest ways to start. The key is slicing it thin, cooking it quickly, and pairing it with sweet browned onions.
You'll Need
1 lb Grateful Graze Beef Liver
2 large onions, thinly sliced
Salt and black pepper
1/2 cup flour, optional for a light coating
2 tablespoons Grateful Graze Beef Tallow or other cooking fat
Here's How
Pat the liver dry and slice it into thin, manageable pieces.
Season lightly with salt and pepper. Dust very lightly with flour if you like a little crust.
Heat 1 tablespoon of Grateful Graze Beef Tallow in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the onions and cook slowly until soft, golden and lightly caramelized. Remove them to a plate.
Add the remaining tallow and increase the heat to medium-high.
Cook the liver in a single layer for about 1–2 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Work in batches if needed so the pan stays hot.
Return the onions to the skillet just long enough to warm through, then serve immediately.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Liver gets tough and stronger-tasting when overcooked. Thin slices, a hot pan and a short cooking time give you a much better result.
Make It a Meal
Mashed potatoes
Caramelized onions
Green beans
Roasted carrots
Chef Matthew's Garlic-Herb Beef Heart
Beef heart may sound intimidating, but heart is a muscle. Once it's properly trimmed and sliced, you can cook it much like other lean beef.
You'll Need
1 Grateful Graze Beef Heart
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Here's How
Trim away the tough connective tissue, valves and any hard pieces from the heart.
Slice the trimmed meat into thin strips or bite-size pieces.
Combine the olive oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt and pepper. Toss with the beef heart and let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high to high heat until hot.
Add the heart in a single layer. Work in batches rather than crowding the skillet.
Sear quickly, turning the pieces so they brown well on the outside without becoming tough.
Serve immediately while hot and tender.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Don't treat beef heart like a pot roast when you're using thin slices. Quick, hot cooking helps keep it tender. It's a great first organ meat for someone who isn't sure about organ meat yet.
Make It a Meal
Grilled peppers and onions
Rice
Warm tortillas
Fresh tomato salad
Chef Matthew's Beef Kidney with Mushroom Gravy
Kidney has a stronger flavor than some other organ meats, so this is a good way to make it approachable. Mushrooms, onions and a rich gravy pair especially well with it.
You'll Need
1 Grateful Graze Beef Kidney
1 small onion, sliced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
Here's How
Trim away the tough white core and connective tissue from the kidney, then cut it into bite-size pieces.
If desired, soak the prepared kidney briefly in cold salted water or milk. Drain, rinse and pat dry.
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the kidney briefly, then remove it to a plate.
Add the remaining butter, onion and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until softened and browned.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for about 1 minute.
Slowly stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until the gravy begins to thicken.
Return the kidney to the skillet and cook gently until cooked through and tender. Season to taste.
Chef Matthew's Tip: If kidney is new to you, don't make it the only flavor on the plate. Onions, mushrooms and a rich beef gravy make a much friendlier introduction.
Make It a Meal
Mashed potatoes
Buttered peas
Roasted carrots
Crusty bread
Chef Matthew's Tender Beef Tongue Tacos
Beef tongue may look intimidating, but it's actually very straightforward to cook. Low, slow cooking makes it exceptionally tender, and tacos are an easy way to serve it for the first time.
You'll Need
1 Grateful Graze Beef Tongue
1 onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt
Water or beef broth to cover
Warm tortillas for serving
Here's How
Place the tongue in a large pot with the onion, garlic, bay leaves and salt.
Add enough water or beef broth to completely cover the tongue.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover and cook for several hours until the tongue is very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Remove the tongue from the cooking liquid. While it's still warm enough to handle, peel away and discard the outer skin.
Slice or chop the tender meat.
For extra flavor, heat a skillet until hot and quickly brown the tongue pieces before serving.
Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Don't wait until the tongue is completely cold to peel it. The outer skin comes off much more easily while the cooked tongue is still warm.
If one end is much thicker, gently pound the thick portion so the breasts cook evenly.
Pat dry and rub with oil, garlic, seasoning, salt and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until nicely browned, turning once.
Continue cooking until the thickest portion reaches 165°F.
Rest about 5 minutes, then squeeze fresh lemon over the top.
USDA Food-Safety Guidance: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Check the thickest portion with an instant-read thermometer.
Chef Matthew's Tip: The thermometer is your friend with chicken breast. Once it safely reaches temperature, unnecessary extra cooking is what turns a good chicken breast dry.
Chef Matthew's Chicken Feet for Rich Homemade Stock
Chicken feet are especially useful for adding body to homemade stock. Their connective tissue helps create that rich, gelled texture when the stock chills.
Here's How
Clean and prepare the feet as needed.
Add them to a stockpot with chicken backs, necks or other stock-making pieces.
Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic if desired.
Cover with cold water and bring slowly to a gentle simmer.
Simmer gently until the stock develops good body and flavor, then strain and cool promptly.
Chef Matthew's Tip: You don't need a pot full of feet. Add some alongside your other chicken parts to give homemade stock more body.
Place chicken parts and vegetables in a large stockpot.
Cover with cold water and slowly bring to a gentle simmer.
Skim the surface as needed. Keep the stock at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil.
Continue simmering until the stock has developed good flavor.
Strain the finished stock and cool promptly.
Food-Safety Note: Cool homemade stock promptly and refrigerate within about 2 hours. Use refrigerated cooked stock within about 3–4 days, or freeze it.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Freeze stock in smaller portions so you can grab exactly what you need.
Melt half the butter over medium heat and slowly cook onions until soft and golden. Remove them.
Season the livers and dust lightly with flour if desired.
Add remaining butter and cook the livers, turning so they brown on both sides.
Continue cooking until the centers reach 165°F, then return the onions briefly before serving.
Food-Safety Note: Chicken liver can carry harmful bacteria inside the liver, not only on the surface. Cook thoroughly to 165°F as measured with a food thermometer.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Caramelized onions make chicken liver more approachable. A little lemon or vinegar at the end can balance its rich flavor.
Thread onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them first.
Grill or cook in a hot skillet, turning for even browning.
Cook thoroughly to 165°F and serve hot.
Food-Safety Note: Cook poultry giblets thoroughly to 165°F.
Chef Matthew's Tip: If you've never tried chicken hearts, skewers are a great introduction. Garlic-herb seasoning keeps the preparation familiar and simple.
Goat doesn't have to mean learning an entirely new way to cook.
The biggest thing to remember is that goat is generally lean,
so choosing the right cooking method for the cut makes a big difference.
Want an easy first experience?
Start with ground goat for tacos or meatballs,
loin chops for a quick dinner, or a
shoulder roast for something slow-cooked and tender.
Tender cuts such as loin chops and sirloin do well with quicker cooking.
Hard-working cuts such as shoulder and shanks shine with slower,
moist cooking.
Chef Matthew's Tip:
Don't be intimidated by goat. Start with a dish you already know.
Tacos, meatballs, pot roast and kabobs are all familiar meals —
you're simply changing the protein.
What sounds good?
Chef Matthew's Ground Goat Tacos
You'll Need
1 lb Grateful Graze Ground Goat / Keema
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup water
8 small tortillas
Avocado, salsa, cilantro and lime for serving
Here's How
Brown the ground goat with the onion in a skillet over medium heat, breaking the meat into crumbles.
Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and salt; cook about 30 seconds.
Add water and simmer until the seasonings coat the meat and the goat reaches 160°F.
Warm the tortillas, fill with goat and add your favorite toppings.
USDA food-safety guidance: Cook ground goat to 160°F.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Ground goat is one of the easiest ways to try goat. Use it much like ground beef in a well-seasoned dish.
1 1/2 cups Grateful Graze beef broth or chicken broth
Here's How
Heat oven to 325°F.
Rub goat leg with garlic, herbs, salt, pepper and oil.
Place onion in a roasting pan, set leg on top and add Grateful Graze broth.
Cover tightly and roast slowly until tender, adding a little broth if the pan becomes dry.
Uncover near the end for browning. Make sure the meat reaches at least 145°F, then rest at least 3 minutes.
USDA food-safety guidance: Goat roasts should reach at least 145°F and rest for at least 3 minutes. This slow-cooked leg may need to go beyond the minimum safe temperature for tenderness.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Goat leg is lean. The covered pan and broth help protect it while slow cooking develops tenderness.
Season goat with cumin, chili powder, oregano and salt.
Place onion and garlic in a covered Dutch oven; add goat and Grateful Graze beef broth.
Braise until very tender and the meat pulls easily from the bone.
Shred, discard the bone and return meat to enough cooking liquid to keep it moist.
Serve in warm tortillas with toppings.
USDA food-safety guidance: Goat roasts should reach at least 145°F and rest for at least 3 minutes. This recipe cooks the leg longer for shreddable tenderness.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Don't throw away those cooking juices. Use the flavorful liquid to keep the shredded goat moist.
Brown roast well in a Dutch oven with the cooking fat.
Add onion, carrots, garlic and thyme, then pour in Grateful Graze beef broth.
Cover tightly and braise until fork-tender.
Rest briefly, then slice or pull the meat and spoon vegetables and cooking juices over it.
USDA food-safety guidance: Goat roasts should reach at least 145°F and rest for at least 3 minutes. Shoulder is typically cooked well beyond that minimum to become tender.
Chef Matthew's Tip: If the shoulder is still tough, it usually needs more time. Low, moist heat turns this hard-working cut tender.
Season shoulder with cumin, oregano, chili powder and salt.
Place onion and garlic in a Dutch oven; add goat, lime juice and Grateful Graze beef broth.
Cover and braise until very tender and easy to pull apart.
Shred goat and toss with some cooking liquid.
USDA food-safety guidance: Goat roasts should reach at least 145°F and rest for at least 3 minutes. This shoulder is cooked longer for shreddable tenderness.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Shoulder is a great goat cut for tacos because the long braise gives you rich meat that stays moist in its cooking juices.
Cook onion until softened; add garlic, ginger, curry powder and cumin.
Stir in tomatoes, Grateful Graze beef broth and salt.
Return goat, cover and simmer very gently or braise in a 325°F oven until tender.
If bone-in, remove the bone when tender; taste and adjust seasoning.
USDA food-safety guidance: Goat roasts should reach at least 145°F and rest for at least 3 minutes. Shoulder is generally cooked longer for tenderness.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Keep the braise gentle. Time does more for shoulder than aggressive heat.
Cook onion until softened; add garlic, tomatoes, Grateful Graze beef broth and thyme.
Return shanks, cover tightly and braise until very tender and beginning to pull away from the bone.
Skim excess fat if needed and spoon sauce over the shanks.
USDA food-safety guidance: Whole cuts of goat should reach at least 145°F and rest for at least 3 minutes. Shanks are cooked much longer to soften connective tissue.
Chef Matthew's Tip: If a shank is chewy, don't turn up the heat — give it more time at a gentle braise.
Season goat and brown it in cooking fat in a heavy pot.
Add onion and cook until softened, then add garlic.
Add carrots, potatoes, Grateful Graze beef broth and thyme.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover and cook until goat is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
USDA food-safety guidance: Whole pieces of goat should reach at least 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest. Stew meat is generally cooked longer until tender.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Keep the simmer gentle. A hard boil doesn't make stew finish faster.
Stir in curry powder and cumin and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and Grateful Graze beef broth; return goat and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook slowly until goat is tender; taste and adjust seasoning.
USDA food-safety guidance: Whole pieces of goat should reach at least 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest. Stew meat is generally cooked longer until tender.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Boneless stew meat is excellent here because the smaller pieces soak up plenty of curry flavor as they become tender.
First check the package label to determine whether the ham is fully cooked or cook-before-eating.
Place ham cut-side down when appropriate in a roasting pan.
Heat or cook according to the package directions.
Stir maple syrup, mustard and vinegar together and brush over the ham near the end.
Return uncovered until the glaze is glossy, then rest briefly before slicing.
Chef Matthew's Tip: Ham may be fully cooked or may require cooking. Follow the package wording and handling directions rather than assuming from the word 'ham.'