11 Low Cost Beef Cuts for Cheap Meals

Eating high-quality beef doesn’t have to stretch your budget. With the right cuts and a little know-how, you can enjoy rich flavour, excellent nutrition, and satisfying meals without the premium price tag. 

At Carnivore Society, we pride ourselves on providing clean, hormone-free, grass-fed beef that remains accessible to everyday Aussies. 

Whether you are slow cooking for the week, firing up the grill, or prepping protein-packed lunches, this list features underrated cuts that deliver outstanding value without compromise.

Why Cheap Doesn’t Mean Low Quality

Low-cost beef cuts aren’t lower in quality; they’re simply less in demand or need a little extra prep. Many come from hardworking muscles like the shoulder or flank, which are naturally tougher but packed with rich, beefy flavour. These areas develop connective tissue, making them ideal for slow cooking, marinating, or braising.

Expensive cuts like ribeye are prized for being tender straight off the grill, but that convenience comes at a cost. Budget-friendly options like chuck, brisket, and skirt may take longer to cook, but they often deliver deeper flavour and juicier results.

So, if you're willing to work with the cut, you’ll be rewarded with meals that taste premium without the price tag.

With the right cooking method, these cuts rival premium steaks in flavour. Try Carnivore Society’s affordable, grass-fed beef and taste the difference.

11 Low-Cost Beef Cuts You Should Be Cooking

Think cheap beef means bland or tough? Think again. These underrated cuts are hiding in plain sight, bursting with flavour, perfect for slow cooks, grills, and midweek meals that feel gourmet without the guilt.

Some deliver buttery marbling. Others bring melt-in-your-mouth tenderness when treated right.

Ready to meet the cuts that’ll change how you shop for beef forever? Let’s dig in...

1. Scotch Fillet (Rib Fillet)

Scotch Fillet delivers exceptional flavour thanks to its generous marbling, making it one of the juiciest and most tender cuts available. Ideal for high-heat methods like pan-searing or grilling, it develops a beautiful crust while staying succulent inside. 

While it's a premium steakhouse favourite, Carnivore Society offers it at a price that brings luxury to your weeknight meals. Sourced from grass-fed cattle, this cut ensures natural flavour without the additives. 

Whether you serve it simply with sea salt or alongside roasted veggies, it never fails to impress. For those who want restaurant-quality results at home without breaking the bank, Scotch Fillet is your go-to. It's rich, satisfying, and well worth every bite.

2. Porterhouse (Striploin)

Porterhouse offers the best of both worlds: a fine balance between flavour and tenderness. With its satisfying chew and well-defined grain, it’s a steak that feels substantial without being tough. 

The Carnivore Society version is 100% grass-fed, clean, and hormone-free, ideal for anyone prioritising both quality and value. Grill it, pan-fry it, or oven-finish it; no matter the method, you’ll get a bold beefy punch. 

This cut pairs beautifully with buttery sauces or herb infusions and delivers a classic steak experience without premium pricing. For home cooks who appreciate a versatile, reliable cut that doesn’t compromise on taste, Porterhouse is a smart pick. It’s affordable indulgence done right.

3. Eye Fillet (Tenderloin)

Eye Fillet, also known as Tenderloin, is revered for being the softest, most delicate cut on the steer. Despite its lean profile, it offers a melt-in-the-mouth tenderness that elevates any dinner. Carnivore Society brings this luxurious cut to your table without the high-end markup. 

Perfect for date nights, celebrations, or just spoiling yourself midweek, the Eye Fillet responds best to quick searing or sous vide for exact control. Its subtle beef flavour makes it a blank canvas for sauces, herbs, and compound butters. 

For those who want clean, protein-rich beef with minimal fat and maximum tenderness, this is the star. It’s refined, elegant, and a surprisingly affordable indulgence.

4. Rib Eye

Rib Eye is a celebration of bold flavour and buttery texture. Its signature marbling ensures every bite is juicy, tender, and rich in umami. Whether seared on a cast iron pan or grilled over flame, this cut responds beautifully to heat, creating a crispy crust that locks in its moisture. 

Carnivore Society’s hormone-free, grass-fed Rib Eye makes this indulgent experience accessible to everyday cooks. It's ideal for those who love steakhouse results at home. 

The Rib Eye’s fat content also makes it forgiving for new cooks, it’s hard to mess up. For a cut that satisfies the senses and delivers value for money, this one's hard to beat.

5. Brisket

Brisket is the cut for slow food lovers. Taken from the lower chest, it’s naturally tougher, but becomes gloriously tender when smoked or slow-roasted. Carnivore Society’s brisket is grass-fed and unprocessed, just pure beef with flavour that deepens over hours of cooking.

It’s perfect for pulled beef sandwiches, hearty roasts, or weekend BBQs. While not a quick fix, brisket rewards patience with melt-in-the-mouth texture and deep, beefy satisfaction. And unlike many “fancy” cuts, brisket offers great value per kilo. 

For budget-conscious foodies who enjoy batch cooking or feeding a crowd, this is a standout choice. Economical, rich, and full of character, brisket proves that low cost doesn’t mean low quality.

6. Short Ribs

Short Ribs are rich, meaty, and fall-off-the-bone delicious when braised. Known for their deep beef flavour, they shine in slow-cooked recipes, from red wine stews to Korean-style BBQ. Carnivore Society’s version comes from premium grass-fed cattle, ensuring the fat is clean-burning and flavour-enhancing. 

They're ideal for cooler months or special weekend meals where you want comfort without compromise. While short ribs look luxurious on the plate, they’re surprisingly affordable compared to more popular cuts. 

This makes them a savvy pick for hosts or home cooks aiming to impress without overspending. Once you taste their silky texture and robust taste, you’ll see why they deserve a spot on your regular menu.

7. Chuck Roll

Chuck Roll is a practical, budget-friendly cut that doesn't skimp on flavour. Cut from the shoulder area, it’s naturally well-exercised, making it ideal for slow-cooking methods like braising or stewing. 

Carnivore Society’s grass-fed chuck roll is free from hormones and additives, offering a clean, unprocessed beef taste. This cut breaks down beautifully over time, resulting in juicy, shreddable meat perfect for tacos, curries, or hearty stews. 

It's one of the most versatile and economical choices in any butcher's range, delivering rich results with minimal effort. For value-driven cooks who enjoy batch cooking or freezer-friendly meals, chuck roll is a quiet hero, humble, hearty, and full of old-school charm.

8. Rump

Rump steak is a no-nonsense cut that delivers big on flavour and value. Slightly firmer than prime steaks, it rewards proper cooking techniques with a satisfying, beefy chew. Carnivore Society’s grass-fed rump is lean, natural, and perfectly suited for grilling, roasting, or slicing thin for stir-fries. 

This cut is popular among meal preppers thanks to its versatility and budget appeal. Whether you’re slicing it for sandwiches, serving it with roast potatoes, or pairing it with chimichurri, rump gets the job done deliciously. 

For those seeking dependable, affordable beef with depth of flavour, this is a cut worth keeping in your fridge rotation. It’s hard-working, honest, and always satisfying.

9. Rump Cap (Picanha)

Picanha, or Rump Cap, is a prized Brazilian-style cut that’s gaining serious popularity among Aussie home cooks. Recognised by its fat cap, which bastes the meat as it cooks, this cut is perfect for skewering and grilling. 

Carnivore Society offers a premium, grass-fed version that elevates this already celebrated cut. It’s packed with flavour and becomes incredibly juicy when sliced against the grain after resting. 

Ideal for sharing or impressing guests, Picanha is a smart alternative to more expensive cuts like Sirloin or Rib Eye. For those who crave bold taste without the big price tag, this is a top pick, robust, exciting, and delightfully tender.

10. Tomahawk Steak

The Tomahawk Steak is a visual and culinary showpiece. With its long rib bone and impressive size, it commands attention at any gathering. Carnivore Society’s Tomahawk is grass-fed, thick-cut, and perfect for reverse searing or grilling over charcoal. 

Despite its gourmet appearance, this cut is often better value per kilo than smaller steaks due to its size. It’s ideal for sharing and turns any cookout into an event. You don’t need a steakhouse to enjoy this indulgent cut, just a hot grill and a little patience. 

For special occasions on a budget, the Tomahawk delivers drama, flavour, and a memorable eating experience in one mighty package.

11. Wagyu (Grain-Fed, Hormone-Free)

Wagyu is often seen as the pinnacle of beef indulgence, but Carnivore Society brings it within reach. Their grain-fed, hormone-free Wagyu offers luxurious marbling that creates a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth experience. 

Whether pan-seared or grilled, it needs little more than salt and rest. This Wagyu is ideal for special dinners or indulgent moments without restaurant-level prices. Even a small portion delivers satisfaction, making it perfect for mindful meat eaters who want quality over quantity. 

If you’re looking for a premium experience without the markup, this Wagyu offers serious flavour credentials and texture that’ll leave you speechless.

Tips for Cooking Cheap Cuts to Maximise Flavour

Low-cost beef cuts can become your favourites, if you know how to cook them right. Here’s how to turn budget-friendly meat into flavour-packed, tender meals:

• Slice against the grain: This breaks up muscle fibres, making each bite more tender. It's a small trick with a big impact.
• Use wet cooking methods: Braising, stewing, or pressure cooking helps break down connective tissue, turning tough cuts into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
• Let it rest: After cooking, give your meat time to rest. This locks in the juices and prevents dryness.
• Marinate generously: Marinades not only boost flavour but also help tenderise cuts like skirt or flank steak by breaking down tough fibres.
• Opt for low and slow: Slow cookers and sous vide machines are perfect tools for transforming hard-working cuts into soft, juicy perfection.
• With these tips, your next chuck, brisket, or blade steak might just outshine the fanciest filet.

Where to Buy These Cuts Without Paying a Premium

Finding high-quality beef at a fair price isn’t always easy, especially when you're trying to avoid the supermarket trap of bland, factory-farmed meat. That’s where Carnivore Society makes a real difference.

We source only grass-fed, hormone-free beef, raised on Australian pastures without antibiotics, GMOs, or shortcuts. Every cut, whether it’s a marbled chuck steak or a slow-cooked-ready brisket, is hand-selected for flavour, integrity, and value.

Looking to stock up? Our affordable meat boxes and marbled value ranges are designed to give you more meat for your money without compromising quality. Perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or fuelling your week with clean, protein-rich beef.

And the best part? We deliver straight to your door, Victoria-wide. No middlemen. No surprises. Just premium beef at budget-friendly prices.

Start building your box now with our budget meat bundles and marbled favourites.

Affordable Beef Without Compromise

Great beef does not have to come with a premium price tag. With Carnivore Society, you get clean, grass-fed cuts that deliver bold flavour, reliable tenderness, and real value. These low-cost options, from weeknight dinners to weekend feasts, prove you can eat well without cutting corners. Premium quality is no longer out of reach, it is right at your doorstep.