Food
Fact Checked

What Is No-Roll Beef?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

In the United States, all beef that is sold must pass a safety inspection by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). You may have noticed that many types of beef are sold by grade: select, choice or prime. Of these, select is considered of the least quality with less fat marbling. It may generally be tougher and is best suited to barbecuing, thin slicing, and usually best served after marinating. Prime is the highest quality of beef, exhibiting the most fat and promising the greatest flavor and tenderness.

Having meat graded is optional and costs extra money. Graded meat is stamped on the outside “fat” of the cut with a rolled stamp. Obviously you won’t see this stamp when you purchase hamburger, but you might notice it when you purchase a roast. When beef is not of a superior grade, at least USDA choice, butchers or beef growers may choose not to have it stamped. This is called no-roll beef.

All beef in the United States is inspected by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
All beef in the United States is inspected by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Most no-roll beef would probably be graded select and it’s therefore often the cheapest you can find. Occasionally you’ll find a no-roll beef selection that is a little darker in color and has more marbling. It’s possible this no-roll beef would actually have been graded as choice. You will virtually never find beef without a stamp that would have been graded as prime, because prime beef fetches such high prices. It’s an advantage to beef growers to pay the extra money for the stamp because they can then charge more for their meat.

No-roll beef can come in the form of roasts.
No-roll beef can come in the form of roasts.

It should be noted that no-roll beef, which can come in the form of ribs, steaks, roasts, and hamburgers, has been inspected for safety. It just hasn’t undergone grading. As a cook, if you want to save money, you can be safely assured that barring unforeseen problems, the meat is safe to use. Every now and again, even graded meat is later found to have been produced in a contaminated environment. Keep an eye on your local paper for any food recalls that may affect any of the foods you buy.

No-roll hamburger should always be fully cooked, regardless of cooking method.
No-roll hamburger should always be fully cooked, regardless of cooking method.

This may be particularly important with no-roll beef because typically you’ll want to prepare select grades more rare. If you like your beef well done, no-roll selections may not be a good choice, since cooking the beef longer translates to much tougher beef. Alternately, marinating the meat for at least 12 hours before cooking, especially with an acidic marinade, can help break down some of the toughness and produce a tenderer end product.

Raw ground beef can contaminate other foods with E. coli if proper precautions are not taken in food preparation.
Raw ground beef can contaminate other foods with E. coli if proper precautions are not taken in food preparation.

If you do buy no-roll hamburger, or hamburger of any grade, you do want to prepare this beef fully cooked. You can serve any unground beef rare, but hamburger or ground beef means greater chance of contamination with E. coli. It should always be cooked until no pink color remains and the juices run clear. Making thin hamburger patties with no-roll beef will help cut down on any toughness. Moreover, the grinding process tends to act as a natural tenderizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes No-Roll Beef from traditional beef?

No-roll beef is usually the least expensive option of beef selections.
No-roll beef is usually the least expensive option of beef selections.

No-Roll Beef is beef that is produced without the use of antibiotics, hormones, or other growth-promoting agents. Although it is produced in the same way as traditional beef, the lack of potentially harmful additives makes it a healthier option for consumers. No-Roll Beef is also known for having a more natural flavor and texture, and a higher content of Omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients.

What are the benefits of choosing No-Roll Beef?

No-Roll Beef offers several advantages over traditional beef. Firstly, it is free from hormones, antibiotics, and other growth-promoting agents, making it a safer choice for consumers. Secondly, it contains higher amounts of beneficial nutrients, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce the risk of certain diseases. Thirdly, No-Roll Beef has a more natural flavor and texture, making it a popular choice for those looking for a healthier and more natural product. Finally, No-Roll Beef is often produced using more humane methods than traditional beef, making it a more ethical choice for those concerned about animal welfare.

How is No-Roll Beef produced?

No-Roll Beef is produced using the same methods as traditional beef, but without the use of antibiotics, hormones, or other growth-promoting agents. Cattle are fed a diet of natural feed sources like grass and hay, and are often given access to the outdoors or pasture to ensure they are raised humanely. The beef is then processed, inspected, and packaged to ensure the highest quality product.

What kinds of meals can be made with No-Roll Beef?

No-Roll Beef can be used in a variety of dishes, including roasts, steaks, burgers, stews, casseroles, and stir-fries. It is also great for salads, tacos, and wraps due to its higher content of beneficial nutrients.

Where can I buy No-Roll Beef?

No-Roll Beef is available at many supermarkets, health food stores, and online retailers. Some local butchers and farmers may also offer No-Roll Beef, so it's worth checking with them to see if it's available in your area. Additionally, you can purchase No-Roll Beef directly from the producer to ensure the highest quality product.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent DelightedCooking contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent DelightedCooking contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments

anon321655

It is a common belief that marinating adds to tenderness, but not so! It affects the outer few millimeters only and often leaves the surface mushy. It can add a flavor enhancement, but it is limited to the edges. Either buy a better grade or use a tenderizing method, like a pin rotator to, in effect, break down the collagen some. It's best to use a cooking method that is low and slow. Barding and larding are often used here, or braising or slow roasting. Season and sear first.

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    • All beef in the United States is inspected by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
      By: margo555
      All beef in the United States is inspected by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
    • No-roll beef can come in the form of roasts.
      By: JJAVA
      No-roll beef can come in the form of roasts.
    • No-roll hamburger should always be fully cooked, regardless of cooking method.
      By: GraphicCompressor
      No-roll hamburger should always be fully cooked, regardless of cooking method.
    • Raw ground beef can contaminate other foods with E. coli if proper precautions are not taken in food preparation.
      By: malexeum
      Raw ground beef can contaminate other foods with E. coli if proper precautions are not taken in food preparation.
    • No-roll beef is usually the least expensive option of beef selections.
      By: Jag_cz
      No-roll beef is usually the least expensive option of beef selections.