9 Best Meats for Building Lean Muscle Fast

Building lean muscle isn't just about lifting weights or ticking off reps. It all begins with the right kind of fuel. Your body needs protein it can absorb easily, along with full amino acids and natural nutrients to help it recover, grow, and stay strong.

Supplements might seem like a shortcut, but real results come from real food. Quality meat offers the kind of clean nutrition powders can’t match. At Carnivore Society, you get 100% grass-fed, hormone-free cuts made for lifters, athletes, and anyone eating clean.

In this guide, you'll find nine of the best meats for building muscle. Each one is ready for quick delivery and long-term results

Meats to Fuel Lean Muscle Growth Naturally

Forget powders and processed shakes, these nine powerful meats deliver real protein, real nutrients, and real results for lean muscle gains:

1. Eye Fillet Steak

If you’re chasing muscle with minimal fat, eye fillet is your cut. It’s lean, tender, and loaded with bioavailable protein that your body can absorb quickly after a tough training session. With around 23g of protein per 100g and almost no connective tissue, this cut helps with rapid muscle recovery and is easy on digestion. 

Carnivore Society’s eye fillet is pasture-raised and clean, offering a pure source of muscle fuel with every bite. Grill it, sear it, or slice it into stir-fries for the ultimate anabolic boost.

2. Rump Steak

Rump steak is the underdog of lean bulking. It's cost-effective, flavourful, and still packs a serious protein punch at roughly 22g per 100g. Slightly firmer than fillet, it offers more chew and satisfaction while still being easy to cook in bulk. 

Ideal for meal prep, post-workout dinners, or protein-heavy lunch boxes, Carnivore Society’s grass-fed rump steak delivers quality without compromise. It’s the go-to for lifters who train hard and eat smart, without breaking the bank.

3. Scotch Fillet

When your training routine pushes your body to the limit, scotch fillet helps you recover stronger. It’s rich in healthy fats that support hormone health and help you feel full, ideal for anyone in a bulking phase. Naturally packed with creatine, iron and zinc, it helps boost strength and supports recovery after tough sessions.

Each 100g serving gives you about 21g of quality protein. Carnivore Society’s grass-fed scotch fillet is free from added hormones and antibiotics. It gives your body what it needs to grow, with nothing extra or artificial.

4. Lamb Backstrap

Want to build lean muscle and keep your red blood cell levels up? Lamb backstrap delivers on both fronts. It’s one of the leanest lamb cuts, offering over 22g of protein per 100g along with plenty of iron and vitamin B12.

These nutrients help move oxygen around your body, repair muscle tissue and keep your immune system in shape. Carnivore Society’s grass-fed lamb backstrap is clean, tender and full of bold flavour without the extra fat. It’s great on the grill, sliced into a salad or served with seasonal veg.

5. Lamb Mince

If you’re aiming to add size during a calorie surplus, lamb mince is a smart pick. It’s rich in both protein and fat, offering over 20g of protein per 100g plus helpful nutrients like zinc, selenium and CLA to support muscle growth and recovery.

Carnivore Society keeps it clean with 100 percent grass-fed, hormone-free lamb mince. It works brilliantly in koftas, homemade patties or a grain-free shepherd’s pie for a hearty meal.

6. Beef Mince

Not all beef mince is greasy and heavy. Carnivore Society’s 85 percent lean beef mince gives you a solid protein hit without the extra fat. Each 100g serving packs over 20g of protein and works perfectly in everything from burgers to stir-fries and meatballs.

This cut also delivers essential B vitamins, iron and zinc, which support energy levels, muscle repair and healthy hormones. It’s an easy go-to for lifters who want flexible meals that still hit their targets.

7. Grass-Fed Porterhouse

Porterhouse offers the best of both worlds, a lean sirloin on one side and a tender fillet on the other. It delivers about 23g of protein per 100g and is rich in creatine, B12, and phosphorus, which aid muscle contraction and cellular repair. 

Carnivore Society’s porterhouse steaks are thick-cut, grass-fed, and always hormone-free. This steak is ideal for serious lifters who want restaurant-quality gains at home.

8. Beef Brisket

Beef brisket may be fattier, but it’s loaded with collagen, gelatin, and connective tissue nutrients that support joint health, recovery, and muscle repair. Perfect for slow-cooking during bulk phases, brisket keeps you full while delivering a solid 20g+ protein per 100g. 

Carnivore Society’s brisket is grass-fed and vacuum-sealed for freshness. Add it to your winter gains stack for powerful, slow-cooked recovery meals.

9. Lamb Shoulder (Boneless)

Boneless lamb shoulder is a calorie-dense powerhouse, making it excellent for lifters looking to increase size and strength. With marbled fat and high-quality protein, it supports both muscle growth and energy levels. 

Cook it low and slow for shreddable meat that’s rich in zinc, iron, and healthy fats. Carnivore Society’s boneless shoulder is butcher-grade and always grass-fed, perfect for meal preppers with a big appetite and even bigger training goals.

Tips for Choosing the Best Muscle-Building Meats

Picking the right meat can be the difference between average gains and real progress. Here's how to get the most out of every bite, both for recovery and performance.

• Go for grass-fed whenever possible. Grass-fed beef contains more omega-3s, CLA and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and support muscle repair.
• Stick with hormone-free meat. Additives and hormones can upset your body’s balance. Natural, clean meat supports steady testosterone and proper recovery.
• Choose lean to moderate-fat cuts. Lean options like eye fillet are great when cutting, while moderate-fat choices like scotch or brisket suit a bulking phase.
• Look for cuts with at least 20g of protein per 100g. This ensures you’re meeting daily needs for muscle repair and growth.
• Mix it up with both beef and lamb. Beef offers creatine and iron, while lamb brings in CLA and selenium. Together, they boost your nutrient intake and support long-term muscle health.
• Pay attention to colour and marbling. Deep red meat with slight marbling often means better flavour and a richer nutrient profile.
• Avoid processed or pre-marinated meats. These usually contain sugar, seed oils and additives that take away from the clean fuel your body needs.
• Buy vacuum-sealed or flash-frozen packs. These methods help lock in freshness, making them ideal for meal prep and long-term storage.
• Always read the label. Choose locally processed, pasture-raised meat to avoid fillers and poor handling practices.
• Match your meat to your goals. If you’re bulking, go for lamb shoulder or brisket. If you're cutting, choose eye fillet, rump or porterhouse for lean gains.

How to Cook Meat for Lean Muscle Growth

Building muscle isn't just about eating more meat, it's about how you cook it. The right method keeps nutrients intact and supports your training goals.

Use high-heat cooking for lean cuts. Grilling, air frying or pan-searing in beef tallow works well with eye fillet, rump or porterhouse. These methods keep flavour high without adding unwanted oils or sauces.

For tougher cuts like brisket or lamb shoulder, try slow or pressure cooking. These methods soften the meat and release amino acids like glycine and proline, which are great for joint and tissue recovery.

Skip the deep fryer and store-bought marinades. Many contain sugar, seed oils and preservatives that can take away from the quality of your protein.

If you're training regularly, meal prep is your best friend. Cook your mince or steaks in bulk, store them properly and you’ll always have clean, high-protein meals ready to go. Whether cutting or bulking, mastering your cooking method makes a big difference.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Meat-Based Muscle Diet

To get the best results, your diet should match your goals. That means thinking beyond just what meat you eat and looking at how and when you eat it.

• Eat protein at the right time. Aim for a meat-based meal within 60 to 90 minutes after training to fuel muscle repair and growth.
• Don’t avoid fat completely. Cuts like scotch fillet or brisket have moderate fat that helps your body make hormones like testosterone, which supports muscle building.
• Stay hydrated. A diet rich in meat increases your need for water and minerals. Add electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium each day.
• Use off-cuts for extra collagen. Cuts with connective tissue like brisket or lamb shank provide collagen and gelatin for joint and soft tissue health.
• Adjust your portions based on training. Eat more on heavy lifting days and cut back a little on rest days to avoid eating too much.
• Change your meat choices with the seasons. Lean meats like eye fillet are great for summer, while fattier cuts work well in colder months for energy.
• Focus on quality over quantity. A smaller portion of porterhouse gives more value than a large plate of grain-fed or processed meat.
• Add carbs if needed. If you’re not fully carnivore, things like white rice or sweet potatoes can help refuel muscles after training.
• Eat organ meats in moderation. A little liver or heart once a week provides valuable nutrients like iron and B12 without affecting your diet balance.
• Salt your meals properly. A well-seasoned steak tastes better and supports water balance and muscle function during tough training weeks.

Why Carnivore Society is Perfect for Muscle-Focused Eaters

If you’re serious about performance, you need serious fuel. Carnivore Society delivers clean, powerful meats designed to help you grow strong and stay healthy.

• Everything is 100 percent grass-fed and finished. Their beef and lamb come straight from pasture, full of natural omega-3s, CLA and antioxidants.
• There are no hormones or additives. You won’t find any growth promotants, antibiotics or preservatives. Just clean, honest meat.
• Cuts are chosen for performance. Whether you're cutting or bulking, you’ll find lean eye fillet, rich brisket and everything in between.
• Every piece is vacuum-sealed. This keeps the meat fresh, flavourful and rich in nutrients, perfect for freezing or meal prepping.
• Delivery is fast and chilled. You’ll get your order cold and fresh, no matter if you're in Brisbane or Melbourne.
• Athletes trust them. Carnivore Society is built for people on carnivore, keto or paleo diets. It's approved by lifters and strength coaches alike.
• All meat is sourced ethically. You’ll be supporting Aussie farms that care about quality and sustainability.
• They offer flexible subscriptions. Never run out of steak. Choose a plan that fits your goals and keeps your fridge stocked.
• Perfect for tracking macros. With no added ingredients, it’s easy to stay on top of your protein, fat and calories.
• Packed with recovery-friendly nutrients. From iron and B vitamins to zinc and creatine, every cut supports long-term performance and well-being.

Conclusion

Clean, high-protein meat should be the heart of any serious muscle-building plan. With Carnivore Society, you get top-quality cuts rich in protein, iron, creatine and flavour. Forget the fillers. Choose clean fuel and power your gains with Australia's best grass-fed meat.