Simple Recipes for Grass-Fed Beef & Pasture-Raised Meats

First published: December 11, 2025 • Last reviewed and updated: July 19, 2026

For over two decades, we've been helping customers enjoy Nebraska's finest home-grown, grass-fed and pasture-raised meats. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect our latest recommendations.

New to cooking grass-fed or pasture-raised meats?
You’re in the right place.

If you’d like a quick overview first, take a look at our Grass-Fed Meat Cooking Tips. Otherwise, these simple recipes will help you get started with confidence.

Because our grass-fed, grass-finished beef and other pasture-raised meats are leaner than conventional cuts, they cook a bit differently -- but with the right approach, they deliver exceptional flavor and tenderness. The recipes below are straightforward, forgiving, and designed to help you get great results every time.

What you’ll need: a meat thermometer, tongs or spatula, and a reliable heat source (grill, oven, or stovetop).

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Ranch Recipes

cast iron skillet

-- Pawnee Pride Meats --

Grass-Fed Beef

Cast-Iron Beef Steak

Serves: 2
Prep: 10 min   •   Cook: 10 min   •   Total: ~25 min (includes resting)

A perfectly seared grass-fed steak is one of life's simplest pleasures. Cooked in a hot cast-iron skillet (or on the grill), it develops a flavorful crust while staying tender, juicy, and naturally beefy inside.

Best for: Ribeye, sirloin, or strip steaks

What you'll need:

  • Cast iron skillet or grill (propane or charcoal)
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Salt & pepper
  • Butter or high-heat oil (like avocado oil)

Directions:

  1. Let steak sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes
  2. Season generously with salt and pepper
  3. Heat skillet until very hot
  4. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side
  5. Pull at 125-130°F (medium rare)
  6. Rest 5-10 minutes before slicing

Tip: Grass-fed beef cooks faster -- pull it earlier than you think.

oven-roasting-pan

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Pasture-Raised Pork

Oven-Roasted Pork Chops

Serves: 2-4
Prep: 10 min   •   Cook: 15 min   •   Total: ~25 min

Pasture-raised pork chops reward gentle cooking with exceptional tenderness and rich, natural flavor. A quick sear followed by a short finish in the oven creates juicy chops with a beautifully browned exterior.

What you'll need:

  • Oven + stovetop
  • Oven-safe skillet or frying pan
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F
  2. Rub chops with oil and seasoning
  3. Sear in pan 2 minutes per side
  4. Finish in oven 8-12 minutes
  5. Pull at 140-145°F
  6. Rest before serving

Tip: Slightly pink pork is juicy and perfectly safe.

bbq grill

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Grass-Fed Lamb

Garlic Herb Lamb Chops

Serves: 2
Prep: 10 min*   •   Cook: 10 min   •   Total: ~20 min

Fresh rosemary, garlic, and a touch of olive oil bring out the naturally delicate flavor of grass-fed lamb. Whether grilled outdoors or cooked in a skillet, these chops are elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

What you'll need:

  • Grill or skillet
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic, rosemary (or mixed herbs)
  • Salt & pepper

Directions:

  1. Marinate 2-24 hours (optional)
  2. Heat skillet or grill to medium-high
  3. Cook 3-4 minutes per side
  4. Pull at ~130°F
  5. Rest before serving

Tip: Herbs like rosemary and garlic pair especially well with lamb.

*Marinating is optional and isn't included in the official prep time.

baking sheet pan

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Free-Range Chicken

Roasted Chicken Thighs

Serves: 4
Prep: 10 min   •   Cook: 40 min   •   Total: ~50 min

Free-range chicken thighs stay wonderfully moist while developing crisp, golden skin and deep, savory flavor. This forgiving recipe is perfect for busy evenings and pairs well with almost any side dish.

What you'll need:

  • Oven
  • Baking dish or sheet pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, paprika

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F
  2. Season chicken
  3. Place skin-side up in baking dish
  4. Roast 35-45 minutes
  5. Cook to 165°F

Tip: Dark meat is more forgiving and less likely to dry out.

baking sheet pan

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Heritage Turkey

Slow-Roasted Turkey Breast

Serves: 4-6
Prep: 15 min   •   Cook: 90 min   •   Total: ~1 hr 45 min

The slow roasting process keeps pasture-raised turkey breast tender, flavorful, and remarkably juicy. It's an easy recipe that's just as welcome for Sunday dinner as it is for holiday gatherings.

What you'll need:

  • Oven
  • Roasting pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • Meat thermometer
  • Butter or oil
  • Salt, pepper, herbs

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F
  2. Rub with butter and seasoning
  3. Cover loosely with foil
  4. Roast about 20 minutes per pound
  5. Remove foil for final 20-30 minutes
  6. Pull at 160-165°F

Tip: Lower temperatures help prevent dryness.

bbq gro;;

-- Pawnee Pride Meats --

Grass-Fed Bison

Simple Bison Burgers

Serves: 4
Prep: 10 min   •   Cook: 10 min   •   Total: ~20 min

Lean grass-fed bison delivers rich flavor with less fat than traditional burgers. Cooked gently to medium or medium-rare, these burgers stay juicy while showcasing the distinctive taste of this prairie favorite.

What you'll need:

  • Grill or skillet
  • Spatula
  • Meat thermometer
  • Salt & pepper
  • Optional: egg or breadcrumbs (for moisture)

Directions:

  1. Form patties gently (don’t overwork)
  2. Cook on medium heat
  3. 3-4 minutes per side
  4. Pull at 130-135°F
  5. Rest briefly before serving

Tip: Bison is very lean -- avoid cooking past medium.

Ready to Get Cooking?

Step 1: Select your desired Pawnee Pride pasture-raised meats.

Step 2: Email us your request.

Step 3: Watch your email for your confirmation. It should arrive within 24 hours and will contain the delivery pickup date and instructions for the Omaha/Lincoln area.

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