Beef Cheeks

About Beef Cheeks

Beef Cheeks is offered by Laurel Highlands Farms as part of our Pennsylvania farm-direct beef program. BEEF · per lb

Beef cheeks come from the jaw muscle, one of the hardest-working muscles on the animal, which means it is dense with collagen straight off the animal. Given hours of slow, moist cooking — braised in stock or broth — that collagen breaks down into gelatin and the meat turns meltingly tender, which is why beef cheeks show up so often in barbacoa and long-braised Mexican and French dishes.

A pound of beef cheeks typically yields two generous servings once braised, since the meat shrinks and turns silky over a long cook. Serve them over polenta, mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the braising liquid.

Buying directly from a farm is easier when product identity, price and use are clear. Consider how many people you are feeding, the cooking methods you use most often and how the item will fit into your meal planning. Our shop also includes related cuts, primals and specialty boxes so you can compare options without losing the connection to the farm.

Availability follows the realities of a working livestock farm. Add currently available products to your cart and confirm pickup or other fulfillment details during checkout or by contacting the farm. For more help choosing and cooking cuts, visit our beef and lamb guides.

Good to know

Fresh beef keeps best refrigerated at 40°F or below and is at its peak within a few days of thawing; if you will not cook it right away, freeze it in its original vacuum packaging. Thaw frozen cuts slowly in the refrigerator on a tray — roughly a day for every few pounds — rather than on the counter, and pat the surface dry before searing so it browns instead of steaming.

Pasture-raised beef is leaner than grocery-store beef, so it cooks a little faster than you may expect. Pull steaks and roasts a few degrees below your target temperature and let them rest before slicing; tougher, well-worked cuts reward low heat, moisture and time.

Browse more: Beef Cuts · the full farm shop · beef and lamb guides · beef near Pittsburgh · Pennsylvania beef delivery. Questions about Beef Cheeks? Call the farm at (412) 559-2320.