Quarter Beef Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Tired of paying premium prices for individual steaks while wondering if there's a smarter way to stock your freezer? You're not alone. Many savvy shoppers are discovering the value of buying beef in bulk, and quarter beef is leading the charge.

A quarter beef purchase could be your answer—offering bulk savings, premium cuts, and months of meal planning solved in one order. Whether you're feeding a growing family, love hosting dinner parties, or simply want restaurant-quality beef at home, buying a quarter cow delivers exceptional value and convenience.

Let’s explore what you actually get, how much it costs, and why our Snake River Farms Quarter Beef Box might be the smartest investment for your kitchen.

What Is a Quarter Beef?

Traditionally, buying a quarter beef meant purchasing one-fourth of an entire cow, usually from a local ranch or butcher. It involved custom butchering, freezer paper, and a lot of decision-making about how you'd like your cuts prepared.

We’ve modernized the experience. Our Quarter Beef Box includes premium American Wagyu beef, carefully curated and pre-portioned into ready-to-cook cuts. There’s no guesswork, no hanging weight to calculate, and no butcher jargon to decipher.

We use the term "quarter beef" instead of "quarter cow" because it's the industry-standard language for retail and direct-to-consumer sales. It’s not about getting one physical quarter of a single animal—it’s about getting the equivalent mix of cuts in a balanced, usable box.

Curious about what makes our beef special? Learn more about American Wagyu beef.

Is Buying a Quarter Cow Worth It? 

If you’re curious whether a quarter cow is truly a good value, you’re not alone. It’s a smart question—and one we hear often. Spoiler: the savings are substantial, and the convenience pays off over time.

Cost Breakdown: Quarter Beef vs. Individual Purchases

Significant savings by buying beef in bulk. 

Our Quarter Beef Box includes approximately 65 pounds of premium American Wagyu beef for one price. If you put the same items in your shopping cart, the total cost would be almost 27% more.
 
The current price is $1,393 compared to an individual price of $1,893. The Quarter Beef is a tremendous value so you can stock the freezer with filet mignon, ribeye, and ground beef—less sticker shock.

When Quarter Beef Makes Financial Sense

Our Quarter Beef Box makes the most sense when:

• You're feeding 3 to 4+ people regularly
• You cook with beef 2 to 4 times a week
• You have 4+ cubic feet of freezer space
• You're planning meals a few weeks or months ahead

Over a 3 to 6 month span, you're locking in today's premium quality at a better price, avoiding inflation and weekly trips to the butcher counter.

How Much Meat Do You Get in a Quarter Cow from SRF?

Wondering what you actually get when you order a quarter cow? We’ve done all the work for you—no guesswork, no butchering, no mystery boxes. Our Quarter Beef Box is fully curated and ready to stock your freezer with a well-balanced mix of steaks, roasts, and ground beef. 

Our Quarter Beef Box Contents 

Here’s exactly what we include:

36x Ground Beef Bricks (1 lb each) = 36 lbs
6x Filet Mignon (6 oz each) = 2.25 lbs
4x NY Strip Steaks = ~3 lbs
4x Ribeye Steaks = ~3 lbs
6x Top Sirloin Steaks = ~4 lbs
2x Chuck Roasts = ~6 lbs
1x Flat Iron Steak = ~1.5 lbs
1x Flank Steak = ~2 lbs
1x Skirt Steak = ~2 lbs
1x Tri-Tip = ~2.5 lbs
2x Fajita Slices = ~2 lbs
2x NY Strip Slices = ~1.5 lbs

Total: ~65 pounds of American Wagyu beef

How Long Will a Quarter Cow Last a Family of 4?

Let’s say your household eats beef 3 to 4 times per week. That’s 12 to 16 meals a month. With ~65 pounds of beef and average portion sizes (6-8 oz per adult), the box will comfortably last 2 to 4 months, depending on how often you cook.

You can expect variety, too:

• Weeknight dinners: Ground beef, top sirloin, chuck roast
• Weekend grilling: Ribeye, NY strip, tri-tip
• Entertaining: Filet mignon, skirt steak, flank

Understanding Beef Cuts: What's Included in Your Quarter Cow

Premium Steaks (Ready for Grilling)

• Filet Mignon: Our most tender cut. Great for special occasions. Explore our filet mignon recipes.
• Ribeye & NY Strip: Richly marbled, ideal for steakhouse-style searing. Discover the difference between the New York Strip and Ribeye.
• Top Sirloin: Leaner, versatile, perfect for weekday grilling or slicing over salads. Learn five foolproof methods to master the perfect sirloin.

Everyday Cooking Cuts

• Ground Beef: Burger nights, meatballs, taco Tuesday, you name it.
• Chuck Roasts: Comfort food classics like pot roast, stew, or shredded beef.
• Specialty Cuts: Tri-tip, flank, and skirt are perfect for quick sears, fajitas, or slicing for salads and bowls.

Cuts You Won't Find in Most Grocery Stores

• Flat Iron Steak: One of the most tender cuts after filet—a true hidden gem.
• Fajita & NY Strip Slices: Pre-sliced for quick cooking, stir-fries, or wraps.

Want to discover more hidden gems? Check out our most underrated cuts.

Practical Considerations: Storage & Meal Planning

Buying beef in bulk is smart, but it also takes a little planning. From freezer space to weekly meal prep, we’re here to help you make the most of your Quarter Beef Box. It starts with proper storage and a few simple strategies to keep things easy, organized, and delicious.

Freezer Space Requirements

To store a full Quarter Beef Box, you’ll need at least 4 cubic feet of freezer space. We recommend organizing by cut type and using bins or freezer bags for easy access.

All our beef is vacuum-sealed for maximum freshness and efficiency, reducing the risk of freezer burn and allowing for longer storage.

From Freezer to Table: Meal Planning Strategy

• Plan weekly meals based on what you thaw.
• Use FIFO (first in, first out) method for rotation.
• Thawing tip: Transfer from freezer on to a plate and in to fridge 24 hours before cooking.
• Avoid beef fatigue with recipes for stir-fries, roasts, tacos, bowls, and more.

Need inspiration? Browse our recipe collection for fast, flavorful ideas.

Why Choose Our Quarter Cow?

There’s more to our Quarter Cow than just quantity—it’s about quality, integrity, and ease. From the exceptional caliber of our American Wagyu to the way we raise, portion, and deliver every cut, we’ve built this box to exceed expectations at every level. Here’s what sets it apart:

American Wagyu vs. Commodity Beef

Our American Wagyu beef stands apart in:

• Marbling: Rich, buttery texture
• Flavor: Bold and complex
• Tenderness: Next-level eating experience

All our cattle are pasture-raised and grain-finished for ideal taste and texture. Learn more: What is American Wagyu Beef?

Sustainability & Ethical Practices

We take our responsibility seriously:

• Raised with respect and care
• Sustainable ranching methods
• Transparent supply chain and processing
  
  

We believe doing things the right way isn't optional—it's foundational to every product we offer. Learn more: Future Forward and A Matter of Respect.

Convenience & Quality Assurance

• No custom orders or cutting required
• Professionally portioned and packed
• Shipped frozen, delivered fresh
  
  

Have questions or need prep tips? Our in-house expert is here to help—Chat with Dave for personalized guidance or contact our Customer Care team for anything else you need.

Making the Decision: Is Quarter Beef Right for You?

Not sure if a Quarter Beef Box fits your lifestyle? We’ve outlined a few common scenarios to help you decide. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just cooking for two, here's how to know if buying in bulk makes sense or if individual cuts might be a better fit.

Ideal Candidates for Quarter Beef Purchase

• Families of 4 or more
• Frequent entertainers
• Passionate home cooks
• Meal preppers
• Quality-conscious buyers

When to Consider Individual Purchases Instead

• Single or two-person households
• Limited freezer space
• Rare beef eaters
• Those who prefer rotating protein options more frequently

Quarter Beef FAQs: Shipping, Thawing & Storage

Q: How long will my beef last in the freezer?

All products are packed to deliver frozen or partially frozen and can be stored safely in your freezer for up to 6 months. We recommend organizing by cut type and using the FIFO (first in, first out) method to rotate your inventory and preserve peak quality.

Q: What if my beef arrives thawed or cool to the touch?

Our products are designed to stay cold in transit. If your order arrives partially thawed, check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. According to USDA guidelines, beef that’s been kept at 40°F or cooler is safe to store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Fully cooked hams can be refrigerated for up to 90 days.

If you have any concerns about the condition of your delivery, reach out—we’re here to help.

Q: What’s the SRF Guarantee?

We guarantee your order will arrive frozen or partially frozen with all items included and shipped to the correct address. If something doesn’t meet expectations, our customer care team is ready to make it right.

Q: How long does it take to thaw a steak or roast?

 Allow approximately 6 hours per pound for safe refrigerator thawing.

• • Most steaks will be ready in 12 – 24 hours
  • Larger roasts may take 24 – 48 hours

After thawing, we recommend using beef within 7 days 

Note: Items removed from their original vacuum-sealed packaging during freezing or thawing are excluded from our quality guarantee.

Q: How should I dispose of the dry ice?

Leave the dry ice in the shipping box and place it in a well-ventilated area (like outside or in the garage) until it evaporates.

Note: Do not place dry ice in a sink, trash can, or enclosed space—it can cause damage due to its extreme temperature.

Ready to Stock Your Freezer? Your Next Steps

Here’s what you get with our Quarter Beef Box:

• 65 lbs of premium American Wagyu beef
• Over 25% savings compared to individual cuts
• Ready-to-cook variety for weeknight meals and special occasions
• Convenient delivery to your door

Order your Quarter Beef Box today and bring the ranch-to-table experience home.