How Much Does Roast Beef Cost?

Last Updated on September 19, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

There are a lot of different cuts for beef, but if you want to know what the best one is, then we think you might enjoy the roast. Both shoulder and butt beef roasts can be bought at your local grocery store or restaurant.

The delicious and satisfying roast beef is a favorite among many. It can be slow-roasted in the oven or crockpot to give it that signature flavor.

How Much Does Roast Beef Cost?

You should expect to pay on average anywhere between $7 and $10 per pound. The cost of roast beef depends on some factors such as the place you purchase it from and the quality of the meat.

The cost of roast beef, as we already mentioned, can vary depending on where you buy it. Prescottenews.com looked at three different stores in the Prescott, Arizona area and found that they all had their price points for a pound, but some were much higher than others. For example, the Albertson store sells whole standing rib roast for almost $7.5 per pound and New York roast for around $7 per pound, while Fry’s store sells New York strip roast for $5 per lb. and whole standing rib for $7.25 per lb. Also, at Safeway, the cost per lb. of a boneless New York roast is around $7.75.

Arby is one of the largest fast-food chains specializing in roast beef sandwiches, offers catering, and charges around $10 per lb. for roast beef, which includes the preparation and cooking of the meat.

Also, you may pay anywhere between $7 and $10/lb. at the deli counter from your local grocery store, for the roast beef which is sliced for lunch meat.

Expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $7 for a seven-ounce container of prepacked roast beef.

Walmart.com offers a variety of roast beef products, including deli-sliced roast beef, pre-packaged roast beef, and roast beef meal kits. The cost of roast beef at this online shop ranges from $0.34 per ounce for Butterfield Farms Roast Beef in Beef Broth to $26.46 for a 3.25-4.25 lb tray of Beef Choice Angus Chuck Roast Family Pack.

Roast beef price items on different sites

Roast beef information

Find beef that is packed in a tight and cold container. Make sure it’s free of punctures, has no liquid at the bottom of its packaging, or other signs of damage like molding before purchase.

You might also like our articles about the cost of beef short ribs, flank steak, or prime ribs.

There are three different types of beef that you can use to make your roast. The fillet, rib, or sirloin of beef will all create tasty meals with a wonderful texture. The choice of cut can significantly impact the flavor, tenderness, and cooking method required.

The key to keeping beef fresh and tasty for a longer period of time is buying it last.

From three pounds of cold roast beef, you can feed up to six adults.

Roast beef is typically prepared using dry heat cooking methods, such as roasting, baking, or grilling. The choice of cooking method depends on the cut of beef and the desired outcome. Slow roasting at lower temperatures is often used for tougher cuts to achieve tenderness, while high-temperature roasting is used for more tender cuts like rib roast.

Quality beef is eaten a little raw, with the meat still pink inside and juicy, meaning “medium”. In the words of some chefs, a well-done beef is a waste of good meat. Roast beef is typically sliced thin against the grain to ensure tenderness. Slicing against the grain cuts through the muscle fibers, making each slice easier to chew.

In general, when cooking good quality pieces of beef, the absolutely necessary seasoning consists only of salt and pepper, for a natural and meaty flavor. The amount of salt and pepper added depends on your personal preferences, but a common mistake is to season the meat too “shyly.”

Expensive beef should not be frozen. By freezing, the blood in the meat freezes and turns into crystals, the meat undergoes certain transformations, and when thawed, part of the flavor you want is lost. You can keep the beef for several days (according to its label data expiration) in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, but not in the freezer. Leftover roast beef can be refrigerated for a few days and used in cheese sandwiches or reheated for other meals.

The meat should not be washed. Some studies have shown that washing the meat does not remove the bacteria from it, but instead does the opposite. In addition, and especially for beef, avoid “squeezing” the meat to get its inner juice and do not maneuver it too much, do not squeeze it too hard in your hand, and so on.

Do not prick the meat because the juices will drain and the meat will dry inside.

The color of a piece of high-quality beef should be dark red. A well-matured piece of meat can have an almost maroon color. The fat should be white, firm, and shiny. If the fat has a yellow-beige color, the meat is not so fresh and can even be spoiled.

Roast beef nutritional facts

Roast beef is a good source of protein and other nutrients. The nutritional content of roast beef can vary depending on the cut and preparation, but it is generally low in carbohydrates and high in protein.

Average cost of roast beef over the last 5 years

The general trend has been steadily rising roast beef prices over the last 5 years, with sharper increases in 2022 and 2023 due to high inflation.

How will inflation affect the cost of roast beef in 2023?

From 2018-2020, roast beef prices were relatively stable with modest inflation-driven increases in the 3-5% range.

In 2021, supply chain disruptions and higher input costs pushed retail roast beef prices up more significantly, likely in the 8-12% range.

In 2022, inflation soaring over 8% drove sharp roast beef retail and menu price spikes of 10-15% or more.

For 2023, the roast beef price increase moderated slightly compared to 2022, but is still elevated in the 6-10% range.

How can I save money?

The most affordable cuts of beef items are top round roast, eye of round roast, and sirloin top roast.

You can always find the best deals at your local grocery store. In fact, you may be able to save more by checking out what they have on sale than buying pre-packaged meats from a nearby steakhouse or restaurant.