We know buying a quarter cow can feel overwhelming, but it’s simpler than you might think. When you order from us, you’re getting about 125 pounds of beef, divided into steaks, roasts, ground beef, and specialty cuts, all vacuum-sealed for easy storage. This mix gives you the best of both worlds: premium cuts for grilling and everyday essentials like ground beef for quick meals.
Here’s what you can expect: 20–30 lbs of steaks (like ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip), 10–15 lbs of roasts, and 40–60 lbs of ground beef. Plus, extras like brisket, short ribs, and soup bones are included to round out your package. You’ll need about 4–5 cubic feet of freezer space, and the beef stays fresh for 12–18 months.
We make the process straightforward: everything is labeled, portioned, and ready for your freezer. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or prepping weeknight dinners, this package saves you time and money compared to buying individual cuts at the store. Let’s break down the details.
What’s Inside a Quarter Cow Beef Order? | Cuts, Packaging & More Explained!
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Steak Cuts in Your Quarter Cow
When you order a quarter cow, you’ll enjoy 20 to 30 lbs of premium steaks, which translates to about 12 to 20 individual cuts. The exact selection depends on whether you choose a mixed, front, or hind quarter option. Each steak is vacuum-sealed, so you can easily identify what you’re pulling from the freezer. Let’s break down what’s included in your quarter cow package.
Hind quarters focus on grilling favorites, front quarters highlight ribeyes, and a mixed quarter offers a balanced variety. These steak cuts bring a range of flavors and textures to your meals.
Ribeye Steaks
Ribeyes are prized for their superior marbling, making them ideal for high-heat grilling or pan-searing. Depending on your quarter type, you’ll typically get 4 to 6 packages. The marbled fat melts during cooking, creating a buttery texture and a steakhouse-quality crust. Cut to about 1 to 1.25 inches thick, these steaks are perfect for quick, flavorful sears.
T-Bone or Porterhouse Steaks
These iconic cuts combine a strip steak and a tenderloin section, separated by a T-shaped bone. In a mixed or hind quarter, you’ll receive 2 to 4 packages. T-Bones have a smaller tenderloin, while porterhouses feature a larger filet portion. Both cuts excel on the grill, where the bone helps retain heat and enhances flavor.
Filet Mignon or Tenderloin Steaks
Filet mignon is the most tender cut you’ll find in your quarter cow, with 1 to 2 packages included. These lean steaks are perfect for grilling, broiling, or pan-searing and are a go-to choice for special occasions. Since they’re lean, we suggest cooking them to medium-rare or medium to maintain their buttery texture.
New York Strip Steaks
New York strips are known for their bold, beefy flavor and balanced marbling. You can expect 2 to 4 packages in your quarter. These steaks are best when grilled or pan-seared and pair beautifully with simple seasonings like salt, pepper, or herb butter. They’re versatile enough for both casual dinners and entertaining guests.
Sirloin Steaks
Sirloin steaks are leaner than ribeyes but still deliver plenty of flavor. A typical quarter includes 1 to 2 packages. These cuts work well for grilling, broiling, or pan-searing and are excellent when sliced thin and served over salads. For the best results, we recommend marinating sirloins to enhance their tenderness and moisture during cooking.
Roasts and Shoulder Cuts for Slow Cooking
When you purchase a quarter cow, you’ll receive 10 to 15 lbs of roasts, typically divided into 3 to 4 packages, each weighing around 2 to 3 lbs. These cuts are ideal for Sunday dinners, meal prepping, or hosting family and friends. Each roast is vacuum-sealed and labeled, making meal planning a breeze. We suggest slow cooking or braising these cuts to break down the connective tissue, resulting in tender, fall-apart meat. Front quarters tend to include more chuck and arm roasts, while mixed quarters provide a balance of shoulder and hind cuts. Here’s a closer look at the types of roasts included in your quarter cow.
Chuck Roasts
Chuck roasts, taken from the shoulder, are a favorite for pot roasts and shredded beef recipes. A quarter cow typically includes 1 to 2 packages of chuck roasts. Thanks to their rich marbling, these cuts become incredibly tender after slow cooking, making them perfect for hearty family meals. We recommend braising them with vegetables and broth for a comforting, classic dish.
Sirloin Tip or Rump Roasts
These leaner cuts come from the hind quarter and are versatile enough for roasting or slicing thin for sandwiches. You’ll usually receive 1 package in your quarter. While not as marbled as chuck, they still deliver excellent flavor when roasted or slow-cooked. For optimal results, roast them at a moderate temperature or slow-cook them for deli-style slicing.
Arm or Round Roasts
Arm and round roasts are economical options that work well for everyday meals. Expect 1 package of these traditional slow-cooking cuts in your quarter. They’re great for stews, soups, or as a simple roast with root vegetables. For the best texture, thaw these roasts in the refrigerator for 24 hours and slice thinly across the grain before serving.
Ground Beef and Daily Cooking Cuts
When it comes to daily cooking, your quarter cow provides an excellent variety of versatile cuts. One of the standout portions is the ground beef, which typically makes up 30–40% of your total yield. You can expect about 40–60 lbs of ground beef, conveniently packaged in 1-lb vacuum-sealed portions. This makes it perfect for quick, go-to meals like tacos, burgers, casseroles, or spaghetti sauce.
Planning ahead is key: we recommend moving packages to the refrigerator at least 24 hours before you plan to cook. The exact amount of ground beef you receive depends on your cut preferences. Choosing more steaks will reduce your ground beef quantity slightly, while fewer steaks mean more ground beef. Either way, this ensures a balance of everyday cooking options alongside premium cuts like steaks and roasts.
Ground Beef
Our ground beef comes in easy-to-use 1-lb vacuum-sealed packages, making meal prep a breeze. Whether you’re whipping up burgers, tacos, chili, meatloaf, or a hearty spaghetti sauce, these portions allow you to defrost only what you need, reducing waste and saving time.
Stew Meat or Kabob Meat
In addition to ground beef, your quarter cow share includes two 1-lb packages of stew meat or kabob meat. These pre-cubed cuts are made from the trim of premium steaks and roasts, making them ideal for slow-cooked stews, hearty soups, or grilled kabobs. Just like the ground beef, we suggest transferring these to the refrigerator 24 hours before cooking for the best results.
Additional Cuts and Extras
When you order a quarter cow, you’re not just getting steaks, roasts, and ground beef. You’re also getting a variety of specialty cuts that bring extra versatility to your kitchen. These extras typically weigh in at around 5–10 lbs of the total package. They’re perfect for everything from hearty weekend meals to crafting nutrient-packed bone broth. Let’s break down these bonus cuts and how to make the most of them.
Short Ribs
With your quarter cow, you’ll receive two packages of short ribs. These cuts are packed with flavor and shine when cooked low and slow. They’re perfect for braising or slow-cooking, as the connective tissue breaks down into tender, juicy meat. Whether you’re making a savory stew, serving them as a standalone dish, or smoking them on the grill, short ribs are a real treat.
Brisket
Every quarter cow comes with one package of brisket, often a half brisket depending on the split. Known as a barbecue favorite, brisket is all about rich, deep flavors. Whether you’re smoking it for hours or slow-roasting it in the oven, this cut thrives with low-and-slow cooking methods. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves traditional barbecue.
Flank or Skirt Steak
You’ll find one package each of flank and skirt steak in your order. Both cuts are lean and full of robust flavor, making them ideal for quick, high-heat cooking. Flank steak works beautifully in fajitas, stir-fries, or thinly sliced over salads. Skirt steak, on the other hand, is a go-to for dishes like carne asada. For the best texture, always slice these cuts thinly against the grain after cooking.
Soup Bones
Soup bones are a staple in every quarter cow package. They’re the secret to creating a nutrient-rich bone broth or stock that adds depth to soups, stews, and sauces. If you want soup bones included, make sure to specify this when placing your order, as some processors only include them upon request.
Organ Meats
For those who enjoy organ meats, you can request cuts like liver, heart, or tongue at no extra charge. These nutrient-rich options can be used in a variety of specialty dishes. Just let us know your preferences when filling out your cut sheet, and we’ll make sure they’re included in your package.
Video and Pricing
Here’s everything you need to know about our Quarter Cow package, including a helpful video and pricing details.
Informational Video
Check out this video to learn about the different regions of a cow and where various beef cuts come from. Please note: this video is for general information and may not represent the exact cuts included in our Quarter Cow package.
Quarter Cow Pricing
Our Quarter Cow packages are priced at , calculated based on a hanging weight of 150–200 lbs. This typically yields about 100–130 lbs of finished beef, bringing the cost to approximately $7 to $12 per pound.
To secure your share, a deposit is required. Don’t worry – our team will assist you every step of the way, from placing your order to arranging delivery.
Why Choose Our Quarter Cow Package
Our Quarter Cow package is designed with three main priorities in mind: transparency, quality, and savings. When you choose Wild Country Meats, you’re getting expertly processed, high-grade beef with full traceability. Here’s why this package is a smart choice for your family.
Buying a quarter cow can save you 30%–50% compared to grocery store prices, thanks to our blended pricing model (). With flat-rate pricing, every cut costs the same – whether it’s a premium Filet Mignon or ground beef. Compare that to grocery store prices, where ribeye often exceeds $25 per pound and filet mignon can top $35 per pound. By locking in your price now, you not only save money but also shield yourself from rising costs.
"When you break down the price per pound, you’ll find that buying a 1/4 cow is often cheaper than buying individual cuts from the grocery store."
– Simpson’s Meats
Our vacuum-sealed packaging ensures your beef stays fresh for 12 to 18 months. With 100 to 130 lbs of finished beef per order, a family of four enjoying beef three times a week can rely on this supply for 5 to 6 months. This means fewer trips to the store, less food waste, and simpler meal planning.
Key Takeaways
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Custom Options: Choose your preferred steak thickness and packaging sizes.
- Expert Quality: Our family-owned facilities in Osage County bring years of experience to every cut.
- Transparent Process: We provide full visibility into how your beef is raised and processed.
- Trusted Heritage: As a third-generation butcher operation established in 1998, we proudly serve ranchers, homesteaders, and families across Oklahoma.
- Convenience and Value: Our Quarter Cow package offers variety, ease, and cost savings – all in one order.
With Wild Country Meats, you’re not just buying beef; you’re investing in quality, convenience, and peace of mind.
FAQs
Is a quarter cow a front, hind, or mixed quarter?
A quarter cow refers to a portion of the animal that is typically divided into either the front or hind section, depending on the butchering process. The exact cuts you receive will depend on which quarter you select and how the meat is processed.
Can I customize steak thickness and package sizes?
Yes, you can adjust both the thickness of your steak and the package sizes to fit your needs. Just leave a note with your preferences during checkout or reach out to the seller directly.
How much freezer space do I need for a quarter cow?
You’ll need around 3.5 to 4 cubic feet of freezer space to store a quarter cow. This amount of space can hold approximately 80–120 pounds of vacuum-sealed, frozen beef cuts. Be sure your freezer is set to the correct temperature for long-term storage to keep the meat fresh.