If you’ve spent time at the butcher counter or scrolling through meal box options, you’ve probably noticed that certain beef cuts always steal the spotlight — often at inflated prices. Meanwhile, some of the most flavorful, versatile cuts sit quietly in the background, waiting to be discovered. At Wholesome Farms, we carry them all — more variety than any other meal or meat subscription box — so you can cook smart, adventurous, and delicious meals at home.
Here’s our countdown of the 7 most overrated and 7 most underrated beef cuts of 2025.
The 7 Most Overrated Beef Cuts
7. Porterhouse Steak
Big, bold, and Instagram-worthy — but often unevenly cooked since it combines tenderloin and strip in one cut. Great for sharing, but not always worth the premium price tag.
6. Filet Mignon
Yes, it’s tender. But filet is also mild and often needs heavy sauces or sides to shine. At over $40/lb, your dollar may be better spent elsewhere.
5. Ribeye Steak
A classic, sure — but ribeye’s fame inflates demand. While juicy, it’s not always the most balanced in flavor versus fattiness. Sometimes you’re paying for hype.
4. New York Strip Steak
Solid, reliable, and popular. But “popular” doesn’t always mean “special.” There are more exciting cuts at half the price.
3. Coulotte Steak
A trendy butcher’s cut gaining buzz — but often chewy unless cooked just right. Not bad, just not worthy of the cult status it’s building.
2. Bavette Steak
Another rising star hyped by chefs and TikTok alike. Flavorful, but often overpriced compared to similar options like skirt steak.
1. Hanger Steak
Once the butcher’s secret, hanger has gone mainstream and its price has skyrocketed. Delicious, yes — but at today’s premium, you can find better value elsewhere.
The 7 Most Underrated Beef Cuts
7. Flat Iron Steak
Affordable, versatile, and packed with flavor. Grill, sear, or slice thin for tacos — this cut punches far above its price point.
6. Chuck Tender Steak
Often overlooked, but when cooked low and slow it delivers deep beefy flavor. A perfect stew or braising cut that costs a fraction of ribeye.
5. Sirloin Tip Filet
Tender and lean, this cut is often mistaken for pricier medallions. A budget-friendly way to enjoy steak night.
4. Outside Skirt Steak
Sure, skirt is known in some circles, but the outside skirt is where the magic is: intense flavor, ideal for marinades, and fantastic for fajitas.
3. Top Round Steak
One of the best value steaks for quick marinades and weeknight meals. Slice it thin across the grain and you’ve got affordable, tasty stir-fry beef.
2. Eye of Round Roast
Lean and wallet-friendly. With a bit of care (think roasting or slow-cooking), this cut becomes a meal-prep powerhouse.
1. First Cut Brisket
The king of underrated. Perfect for smoking, braising, or slow-roasting. Few cuts deliver this much flavor per dollar — and it feeds a crowd.
Why Wholesome Farms?
At Wholesome Farms, we make sure you don’t miss out on either side of the spectrum. Want a celebratory ribeye? We’ve got it. Curious to explore underrated gems like flat iron or brisket? We’ve got those, too — plus more cuts than any other subscription service. And the best part? Every month’s box comes with a fresh meal plan to help you discover new ways to cook your beef.So, whether you’re after the crowd-pleasers or ready to discover your new favorite underrated cut, Wholesome Farms delivers — literally.
