The Ultimate Grassfed Steak Buying Guide
posted on
May 14, 2026
There’s nothing quite like a great steak cooked over a hot grill or cast-iron skillet. But with so many cuts to choose from, it can be hard to know which steak is right for your family, cooking style, or budget.
Here at Prairie Creek Pastures, our cattle are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished and raised on diverse pastures without hormones or antibiotics. That means every cut delivers clean flavor, nutrient-dense nutrition, and the kind of quality you can feel good about feeding your family.
This guide walks through the steaks we offer and helps you understand what makes each one unique — from rich, buttery ribeyes to lean and flavorful sirloins.
Choosing the Right Steak
When picking a steak, most people care about four things:
- Flavor
- Tenderness
- Marbling
- Value
Some cuts excel in one area, while others strike a balance across all four.
Here’s a breakdown of the steaks available from Prairie Creek Pastures.
Filet Mignon

The Most Tender Cut
Filet mignon is known for one thing above all else: tenderness.
Cut from the tenderloin, this steak has very little connective tissue, giving it an exceptionally soft texture.
What to Expect
- Extremely tender
- Lean and delicate
- Mild beef flavor
- Smaller portion size
Best Cooking Method
Cook carefully over high heat and avoid overcooking. Because filet is lean, medium-rare is ideal.
Great For
- Date nights
- Elegant dinners
- Anyone prioritizing tenderness
Ribeye Steak

The Classic Steakhouse Favorite
The ribeye is prized for its rich marbling and bold flavor. Cut from the rib section, this steak delivers the most traditional steakhouse experience and is often the first choice for serious steak lovers.
What to Expect
- Rich, juicy flavor
- Excellent marbling
- Tender texture
- Best for grilling or cast iron searing
Best Cooking Method
Cook hot and fast over high heat. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is often all you need.
Great For
- Special occasions
- Reverse searing
- Grill enthusiasts
NY Strip Steak

The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Tenderness
The New York Strip is a favorite for people who want a steak that balances tenderness with a firmer, beefier bite.
Compared to a ribeye, the strip steak is slightly leaner but still offers excellent flavor and a satisfying texture.
What to Expect
- Bold beef flavor
- Moderate marbling
- Tender with a slight chew
- Consistent cooking results
Best Cooking Method
Excellent on the grill or pan-seared with butter and herbs.
Great For
- Weeknight steaks
- Steak sandwiches
- Anyone who prefers a leaner steak than ribeye
Top Sirloin Steak
Lean, Affordable, and Versatile
Top sirloin is one of the best everyday steaks because it delivers great flavor at a more affordable price point.
It’s leaner than ribeye or strip steak but still tender when cooked correctly.
What to Expect
- Lean and hearty
- Great beef flavor
- Excellent value
- Easy to cook
Best Cooking Method
Grill or pan-sear to medium-rare and slice against the grain.
Great For
- Family dinners
- Meal prep
- Steak salads and bowls
Hanger Steak

The Butcher’s Favorite
Hanger steak is one of the most flavorful cuts on the animal and remains a hidden gem for many home cooks.
It has deep beef flavor and a loose grain that absorbs marinades beautifully.
What to Expect
- Intense beef flavor
- Tender when sliced correctly
- Loose texture
- Excellent for marinades
Best Cooking Method
Cook quickly over high heat and always slice against the grain.
Great For
- Steak tacos
- Fajitas
- Chimichurri-style preparations
Flank Steak

Lean and Full of Flavor
Flank steak is a long, lean cut with incredible flavor. While it’s not as naturally tender as ribeye or filet, proper slicing makes all the difference.
What to Expect
- Lean texture
- Strong beef flavor
- Best when marinated
- Great for slicing thin
Best Cooking Method
Marinate first, grill hot and fast, then slice thinly against the grain.
Great For
- Fajitas
- Stir fry
- Steak salads
Skirt Steak

Big Flavor for High-Heat Cooking
Skirt steak is famous for its rich flavor and fast cooking time. It’s thin, intensely beefy, and one of the best cuts for quick meals.
What to Expect
- Deep beef flavor
- Thin texture
- Quick cooking
- Excellent marinade absorption
Best Cooking Method
Cook very hot and very fast. Overcooking can make skirt steak tough.
Great For
- Tacos
- Fajitas
- Quick grilling
Flat Iron Steak

One of the Best Values in Beef
Flat iron steak combines tenderness, marbling, and affordability in one underrated cut.
It’s cut from the shoulder and offers excellent flavor without the premium price tag of ribeye or filet.
What to Expect
- Tender texture
- Great marbling
- Rich flavor
- Excellent value
Best Cooking Method
Perfect for cast iron or grilling.
Great For
- Budget-friendly steak nights
- Sandwiches
- Slicing over salads
A Few Tips for Cooking Grassfed Steak
1. Use High Heat
Most steaks benefit from a hot grill or cast-iron skillet to create a quick sear and then move to a slightly
2. Don’t Overcook It
Use a meat thermometer to gauge the exactly when it's done. Rare 120°| medium 135°| medium-well 145°. Don't "ruin" your steaks by overcooking! Well-done tends to give you a dry texture and reduce the flavor.
3. Let It Rest
Rest steaks for 5–10 minutes before slicing to give the fibers time to cool a bit and reabsorb the juices.
4. Slice Against the Grain
Especially important for flank, skirt, and hanger steaks.
Final Thoughts
The “best” steak ultimately depends on what you enjoy most.
- Love rich marbling? Go with the ribeye.
- Classic steakhouse texture? New york strip.
- Want the most tender experience? Choose filet mignon.
- Looking for everyday value? Top sirloin and flat iron are hard to beat.
- Prefer bold beef flavor? Try hanger, flank, or skirt steak.
No matter which cut you choose, you can trust that every steak from Prairie Creek Pastures comes from cattle raised the way nature intended — on pasture, with clean nutrition and careful stewardship from start to finish.