If you're used to cooking conventional beef, grass-fed beef can take a little getting used to. The good news? Once you learn a few simple techniques, you'll be rewarded with incredibly flavorful, tender meat that's well worth the extra care.

Here are my favorite tips for cooking grass-fed beef successfully every time.

Don't Overcook It

Grass-fed beef is naturally leaner than conventional beef, so it cooks more quickly. For steaks, roasts, and other whole cuts, aim for medium-rare to medium whenever possible. An instant-read thermometer is one of the best tools you can own.

Use Lower Heat

High heat for too long can dry out lean cuts. Whether you're grilling, smoking, roasting, or cooking on the stovetop, moderate heat usually produces the best results.

Let It Rest

After cooking, allow beef to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat instead of running onto the cutting board.

Match the Cooking Method to the Cut

Not every cut should be cooked the same way.

• Tender cuts like ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, filet, and tri-tip are delicious grilled, smoked, or pan-seared.
• Hard-working cuts like roasts, brisket, short ribs, and shanks become incredibly tender when cooked low and slow in the slow cooker, oven, or smoker.
• Ground beef is one of the most versatile options and works well in everything from burgers and tacos to soups, casseroles, and skillet meals.

Season Simply

High-quality grass-fed beef doesn't need much. A generous sprinkle of unrefined sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper is often all it takes to let the natural flavor shine. You can always add your favorite seasoning blends, marinades, or sauces if you want to change things up.

Cook with Confidence

The best way to become comfortable cooking grass-fed beef is to cook it often. Before long, you'll learn how each cut behaves and discover your family's favorite recipes.

Browse our beef recipes for plenty of inspiration, from quick weeknight dinners to slow-cooked comfort food and special occasion meals.