How to Perfectly Cook 4 of the Most Versatile Cuts of Natural Angus Beef at Home
May 12, 2020 | Cooking with Beef
Whether you’re firing up a charcoal or gas grill, or cooking indoors, getting your meat “just right” can seem like an art. At Aspen Ridge® Natural Angus Beef, we believe it’s more of a science, and everyone can prepare their beef to perfection with the right instructions. So, we’ve put together a guide on how to prepare some of the most versatile cuts of Natural Angus beef.
Before you get started, use these tips for food safety:
- Refrigerate or freeze as soon as possible after purchasing.
- Keep raw beef and its juices away from other foods
- Use two cutting boards: one for beef, one for vegetables
- Never thaw frozen beef at room temperature
- Make sure your beef isn’t undercooked (beef temperature guidance below!)
Turn These Classic Beef Cuts into Chef-Level Dishes
How to Cook Beef Tenderloin
Also known as filet or filet mignon, beef tenderloin is the “go-to” steak for many people. Tender and lean, this versatile cut pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. The finished internal temperature for a medium rare steak should be around 145°F, and 160°F for medium. For general grill times, follow these guidelines:
| Cut Size | Charcoal Grill Time | Gas Grill Time |
|---|---|---|
| .75” | 7-10 minutes | 7-10 minutes |
| 1” | 10-14 minutes | 11-15 minutes |
| 1.5” | 14-18 minutes | 16-20 minutes |
Once grilled to perfection, transform that delicious Natural Angus beef into this satisfying salad.
How to Cook Ground Beef
Ground beef is extremely versatile. Whether using it to make juicy burgers, a savory taco filling, or meatballs for spaghetti, ground beef is simply delicious in any form it takes. Follow our guidelines to grill your ground beef patties to perfection. Ground beef should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F for optimal flavor and food safety.
| Cut Size | Charcoal Grill Time | Gas Grill Time |
|---|---|---|
| .5” (4oz) | 7-9 minutes | 11-15 minutes |
| .75” (6oz) | 8-10 minutes | 13-15 minutes |
Want another great way to cook with ground beef? Turn up the heat (spiced to taste) by making chili from scratch.
How to Cook Top Round Steak
Also called Beef Round or London Broil, this lean cut of steak is often marinated and sliced thin. Because it’s from the muscly hind legs and rump, it should be cooked a bit longer for optimal tenderness. It can be enjoyed with a vegetable side, as part of a salad, or even with pasta. We suggest the following grill times for hitting the medium rare (145°F internal temperature) or medium (160°F internal temperature) sweet spot.
| Thickness | Charcoal Grill Time | Gas Grill Time |
|---|---|---|
| .75” | 10-11 minutes | 10-11 minutes |
| 1” | 12-14 minutes | 16-19 minutes |
Savor the flavor with this Ginger-Soy Marinated Top Round Steak recipe.
How to Cook a Tri-Tip Roast
Perfect for roasting, Tri-Tip Roast is a Bottom Sirloin cut that’s lean, boneless, fairly tender, and full of flavor. Oven roast to internal temperatures of 135°F for medium rare or 150°F for medium per the following specs:
| Thickness | Oven Preheat Temp | Oven Roast Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5-2” | 425°F | 30-50 minutes |
| 2-3” | 425°F | 40-60 minutes |
For a simply special dinner, roast up this Pesto-Rubbed Tri-Tip Roast with Warm Tomato Sauce.
Cook to Perfection
Avoid the disappointment of under-and over-cooking your beef by using our suggested cook times to get the most enjoyment from your Natural Angus beef cuts.
Cooking may be the science part of preparing your Natural Angus beef, but the recipes are really where the art is. Visit our Angus Beef Recipes for more steak, sandwich, stew, salad, and other beef-centered dishes to take your Natural Angus beef preparation skills to the next level.
