How Much Does Roast Beef Cost?
Roast beef is the cut of meat that is taken from either the shoulder or the butt of a cow, depending on how it’s defined. If it comes from the upper rib area, then it will be defined as “prime rib,” but if it’s defined as a round roast, this will be the butt end product.
Roast beef is usually slow roasted in the oven or in a crockpot and is either on its own or used to create a sandwich.
How much does roast beef cost?
On average, plan on spending anywhere from $4 to as much as $7 per pound. This will greatly depend on the quality of the meat and where you purchase it.
Prescottenews.com created a list of the prices of roast beef from three different stores in the Prescott, Arizona, area. The whole standing rib roast from Albertson’s, for example, sold for $4.77 per pound, while the New York roast sold for $4.47 per pound. On the other hand, Fry’s sells its whole standing roast rib at $4.97 per pound, and the New York strip roast sells for $3.77 per pound. Safeway sold its boneless New York roast for $4.99 per pound.
Arbys.com, the large fast-food chain specializing in roast beef sandwiches, offers catering and charges $6.99 per pound of roast beef. This price includes prepping and cooking the meat.
Roast beef that is sliced thin for lunch meat from the deli counter at your local grocery store can cost about $4 to $7 per pound as well. Prepackaged roast beef can cost as little as $2 to $4 per seven-ounce container.
Tips to know:
Choose beef that is packed in a cold and tight container. It should be free from punctures and excess liquid.
The best joints for roast beef will be either the sirloin, fillet or rib of beef.
Buy the meat last when you are grocery shopping so that it stays as cold as possible.
Fresh roast beef will have a bright cherry-red color. Your beef should not have any grayish or brownish marks; this implies that it is close to expiring.
Three pounds of cold roast beef should feed about six adults.
Roast beef nutritional facts
How can I save money?
Cheaper options for roast will include round tip, top sirloin and eye round.
Grocery store meats always go on sale. Check the weekly circulars to see which grocery stores are offering the best deals for the week. Even if you don’t plan on using it right away, roast beef can freeze rather well for up to a year.
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