Generally speaking, meat that contains about 15-20% fat will produce the most flavorful results for meat based sauces, stews, meat loaf and or meatballs. Some level of fat in meat is essential as it helps bind the meat together, keeps it from becoming too dry and imparts moisture and flavor. Here are some of the best cuts of meat to use when grinding your own meat with a home meat grinder.

Beef

-For hamburgers use beef sirloin, sirloin tip or top round for lean burgers with about 15% fat, or use boneless beef chuck steak or roast for burgers with about 20% fat.

-For meat based sauces, meat loaf or meatballs use boneless beef chuck steak, chuck roast or skirt steak.

Chicken

-For ground meat patties, meat based sauces, meat loaf or meatballs use boneless, skinless chicken breast.

Pork

-For pork based sauces, meat loaf or meatballs use pork butt or pork shoulder.

Turkey

-For ground meat patties, meat based sauces, meat loaf or meatballs use boneless, skinless turkey breast.

Veal

-For veal based sauces, meat loaf or meatballs use boneless veal shoulder.

Published 11/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Tags: Best Meat Cuts