5 Cuts Of Beef To Buy At Aldi And 5 To Avoid

Buy: Grassfed ground beef

The incredible price of organic grass-fed ground beef at Aldi is almost unbelievable. You can find high-quality ground beef from cows that have grazed on natural grass for under $7 per pound. In comparison, similar ground beef at other grocery stores typically costs around $10 per pound.

Aldi's top grass-fed ground beef is a 93/7 lean blend, meaning it consists of 93% meat and 7% fat. It comes in a vacuum-sealed package that keeps well in the refrigerator. When you spot it on sale, don’t hesitate to buy in bulk and freeze some for later.

Additionally, Aldi offers an 85/15 blend of grass-fed ground beef at an even more attractive price. A pound is priced at about $5.50, making it comparable to conventional ground beef at other retailers. Both blends are organic and sourced from cows that are not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. Many consumers are choosing grass-fed options not only for health reasons but also for their ethical implications, opting to invest a little more in beef from cows that have a more natural diet throughout their lives.

Avoid: 73/27 ground beef

If you're not specifically looking for a very fatty beef option, it's best to avoid the 73/27 tube of ground beef from Aldi's freezer section. This meat contains 27% fat, which is significantly higher than most other ground beef selections at Aldi. While the increased fat content can enhance the savory, meaty flavor, it also tends to be quite greasy. For most cooking needs, an 85/15 blend offers a better balance of lean meat and flavorful fat, so it's advisable to choose that instead.

This ground beef is also available in a larger 5-pound package, which is convenient for preparing large meals or feeding a group. However, many households may end up with leftover beef that needs to be stored. Since this option is not vacuum sealed, it's best to use it immediately rather than store it long-term. Aldi suggests wrapping the package in aluminum foil for freezer storage, but be aware that it may be a bit unwieldy and could leak as it thaws. Additionally, the packaging isn't resealable, so you'll likely need a separate storage container, which could increase your costs if you don't have one readily available.

Buy: Organic uncured beef hot dogs

Another must-try grass-fed beef option at Aldi is the organic uncured beef hot dogs. These hot dogs are crafted without nitrites or nitrates and feature beef that is free from antibiotics and added growth hormones. They not only taste fantastic but also have a satisfying crisp casing and flavorful beef. They pair perfectly with Aldi's brioche buns or traditional hot dog buns, along with your favorite condiments and toppings. For a classic New York hot dog, try a grass-fed dog topped with onion relish and mustard, or go for a Chicago-style hot dog with neon green relish, onions, mustard, and sport peppers on a poppyseed bun. Regardless of your toppings, starting with these grass-fed all-beef hot dogs is a guaranteed win.

Aldi offers a variety of hot dogs at different price points, but these stand out for their exceptional value. While there are cheaper options available, the quality of these hot dogs makes the $5 price tag quite reasonable. Grass-fed hot dogs can be difficult to find, and similar products at other stores may cost twice as much as the Aldi package. Each package contains eight hot dogs, and you can locate them in the refrigerated section near the dairy and eggs, rather than in the deli or meat department.

Avoid: Bacon wrapped beef filet

Aldi's Cattleman's Ranch offers bacon-wrapped filets, available in the meat section of the store. While the combination of bacon and a tender filet is appealing, packaging them together may make it challenging to maintain the quality of both the filet and the bacon. You'll likely need to make some adjustments after removing this cut from the package before grilling or roasting. Typically, the bacon quality may not match what you could find if purchased separately. Luckily, Aldi provides excellent bacon and other ingredients, allowing you to create your own version of these wrapped filets.

For a truly impressive filet, you'll achieve a more visually appealing and flavorful steak by selecting your beef and bacon individually. Aldi's boasts a fantastic range of beef filets and steaks, including USDA Choice options at competitive prices. You can also choose the cut that best fits your meal. The Cattleman's Ranch version comes prepackaged, making it difficult to assess the quality of the meat. Don't hesitate to experiment with your own spices and seasonings as well!

Buy: USDA Choice ribeyes

Although Aldi is known for its low prices, the chain does not compromise on quality, offering many top-notch beef options, including USDA Choice cuts. The USDA grades meat based on factors such as tenderness, juiciness, and flavor, which is often indicated by the marbling—the fat interspersed within the meat. More marbling typically translates to enhanced flavor and tenderness when cooked. USDA Choice cuts are of higher quality than USDA Select but fall just short of USDA Prime, which is the highest grade. This makes them a great balance of value and quality.

The marbling on this particular cut is exceptional, and at $13 per pound, it certainly reflects Aldi's commitment to value. It has also received a fan-favorite designation from the store. Aldi suggests marinating it for preparation, but it can also be enjoyed with a simple seasoning blend and seared over high heat. If you have the opportunity to buy in bulk during a sale, you'll appreciate that these ribeyes come in vacuum-sealed packages, making them easy to store in the fridge or freezer.

Avoid: Roast beef kit

While the idea is appealing, packaging beef with vegetables together doesn't benefit the freshness of any of the ingredients. It's best to steer clear of the roast beef kit, even if you're planning to make a pot roast for dinner tonight. Although it’s priced attractively, if you find yourself needing to replace the vegetables with fresher options, any savings could quickly disappear. Instead, consider selecting the roast you prefer and then visiting the produce section to choose the freshest vegetables available.

The kit includes a USDA Choice beef chuck roast, but it’s difficult to determine how much of the total 2.75-pound weight is meat versus vegetables. It comes with potatoes, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, along with a spice packet, all for about $12. However, you can purchase a 2-pound USDA Choice chuck roast for a similar price and have greater control over selecting the best cut. Since Aldi typically offers excellent prices on produce, we suggest buying a larger bag of carrots and potatoes. The roast beef kit only provides a small quantity of each, intended to enhance flavor rather than serve as a substantial side dish for a family.

Buy: USDA Choice stew meat

Another essential purchase is the USDA Choice stew meat available at Aldi. This meat boasts a higher grade due to its excellent marbling, which will enhance the flavor of your stew. It's a fantastic find because of its versatility; while it's perfect for stew, it also works wonderfully in kabobs, chili, and casseroles. Priced at approximately $6.20 per pound, it is nearly a dollar less per pound than similar cuts at other retailers.

Like pot roast, beef stew meat pairs beautifully with tender vegetables and a rich broth. You can source the rest of your stew ingredients at Aldi, or get inventive and use the stew meat for kabobs instead. The only drawback is that the packaging does not specify the exact cut of meat, which could influence how you choose to use it. While the meat is generally tender, it may not all come from the same section of the cow. Unfortunately, since Aldi does not cut meat in-store, there’s no one available to provide that information. Nevertheless, it remains an excellent choice for its value, flavor, and versatility.

Avoid: USDA seasoned chuck roast

Generally, we prefer to steer clear of pre-seasoned meats unless we have a solid understanding of the spice blend or can consult an expert, such as a butcher at the meat counter. Unfortunately, Aldi's USDA seasoned chuck roast lacks a clearly defined spice blend, and since the store processes and packages its meat off-site, there’s no one available to inquire about the specifics. This cut comes pre-seasoned, limiting our ability to control the amount of each spice used. It tends to be quite salty, which can be difficult to balance and may affect both tenderness and flavor. Priced at approximately $5.75 per pound, it offers decent value, but the excessive saltiness makes it less appealing.

Instead of choosing the pre-seasoned option, consider selecting a USDA Choice chuck roast and applying your own spice rub, marinade, or other flavorings. This way, you’ll have greater control over the ingredients and flavors, and you can also choose the best-looking cut available. USDA Choice steaks feature superior marbling, resulting in enhanced flavor and tenderness. If we’re in the mood for a pot roast, we typically prefer to create our own dish with carefully selected ingredients for optimal results rather than settling for a pre-seasoned cut.

Buy: Grassfed steaks

You won't find a better price for grass-fed beef at Aldi. Their New York strip steaks are priced at just $11.50 per pound and are individually sealed, allowing you to grill one now and save the rest for later. In comparison, similar strip steaks at other retailers can reach up to $22 per pound. If New York strip isn't your preference, consider the grass-fed ribeyes, which are similarly priced. Ribeyes are widely acclaimed for their tenderness and rich flavor. Discovering a delicious, grass-fed ribeye at such a great value is truly a win-win-win situation.

Grass-fed steaks are generally leaner than their grain-fed counterparts, but they often boast a more robust flavor due to the diverse diet of grass-fed cattle. Packaged in clear vacuum-sealed bags, you can easily browse the selection and choose steaks with the best marbling. Like other vacuum-sealed meats at Aldi, they store well in both the fridge and freezer.

Avoid: 85/15 Beef burgers

The frozen 85/15 ground beef patties offer convenience, but achieving consistent cooking results can be challenging, and they tend to lack flavor. Each patty begins as a quarter pound, but they shrink significantly due to the 15% fat content. One advantage of these patties is that they maintain their shape well, whether you're grilling, frying, or using another cooking method. However, since you can't adjust their size, seasoning, or any other characteristics, they are quite basic. If you're preparing food for a large crowd, they will satisfy most people and are easy to cook. Nevertheless, these pre-formed frozen patties are fairly standard.

If you're in the market for frozen beef, we suggest opting for the USDA choice variety. Although it may be slightly more expensive, it is made from higher quality beef. These patties come unseasoned, so be sure to add your own spices before cooking. This allows you to create a personalized seasoning blend or experiment with a new store-bought option.

Buy: USDA Choice country style ribs

If you're looking for a fantastic cut to serve a crowd, consider the rib options available at Aldi, which often feature sizable portions. However, it's worth noting that the country-style ribs are actually boneless and sourced from the shoulder, rather than the rib section. They offer the same rich flavor and tender texture without the higher price typically associated with traditional ribs.

These ribs are ideal for grilling and sharing, but for an even more delectable experience, try smoking your country-style ribs for a melt-in-your-mouth texture packed with flavor. With a USDA Choice grade, they are both flavorful and tender. They pair beautifully with any barbecue sauce, allowing you to create your favorite rib style. These large cuts become incredibly tender when cooked slowly over low heat. If smoking isn't your preference but you still crave something bursting with flavor, simply use your slow cooker and let them simmer in sauce all day. You'll end up with incredibly tender meat that requires much less effort than traditional ribs.

Methodology

When choosing the finest beef at Aldi that we recommend, as well as the cuts and styles we prefer to avoid, cost and versatility were significant considerations. We appreciate shopping at Aldi because it aligns well with our budget, so all the top cuts on our list met the store's reputation for offering high-quality food at affordable prices. We also tend to select beef that can be used in a variety of dishes or stored for later use. Our favorite options provided practical applications for immediate cooking, were well-packaged for freezer storage, or both. USDA Choice and grass-fed beef received high praise, as these cuts are typically pricier, yet Aldi offers them at budget-friendly prices.

Many of the beef options we steer clear of at Aldi come with extras that either don't suit our needs or aren't worth the additional cost. Pre-seasoned beef or cuts with spice blends frequently appeared on our avoid list due to the lack of control that comes with pre-seasoned meat. Fat content was another important factor, as fat contributes to flavor in beef. The best cuts achieve a perfect balance of enough fat for delicious flavor without being greasy or heavy.