5 Healthy Grains to Pair with Beef

02.22.2022

Let’s be real. We believe that beef is the perfect ingredient. It’s delicious, filling, and easy to cook, especially when you master a few simple techniques. It also goes with almost any other ingredient you can think of. But beef has one standout, perfect match: healthy grains.

While “healthy grains” might cause stress and cold sweats in the most hardcore carnivores, there are tons of tasty, and yes—nutritious—grains that will make your beef-eating experience that much better. Read on to learn more about nourishing grains to add to your next meal.

1. Farro (Pair with Black Angus Chuck Roast, Stew Meat, or Ground Beef)

Farro has been well-loved (particularly in Italy) for thousands of years. The ancient grain, originating from Mesopotamia, is making it into mainstream eats across the globe for its nutritional qualities and unique flavor. Farro offers a low-gluten, high-fiber alternative to traditional grains and rice, adding a nutty flavor and chewy texture to dishes like soups, salads, or even risotto. In meals like beef stew, farro enhances the hearty texture and adds nutrients such as vitamin B3, magnesium, and zinc.

Farro pairs particularly well with Black Angus chuck roast or stew meat in soups, or you could try it with Black Angus ground beef in a risotto with red wine and mushrooms. Either way, you’re in for a protein-packed, flavorful meal that also boasts plenty of vitamin B and minerals.

2. Quinoa (Pair with Black Angus Steak or Ground Beef)

While quinoa has become less of a trend and more of a staple in recent years, we couldn’t make this list without including this fiber-rich, protein-heavy, ancient superfood. Quinoa can be enjoyed on its own, as a side, or as an ingredient in your main dish. Quinoa is the seed of a plant, meaning it technically isn’t a grain, but health experts still consider it a whole-grain food for its nutrients and other properties. Quinoa can add extra protein, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals to new or traditional beef dishes alike.

If you’re looking to up your protein game with a gluten-free, versatile ingredient, try quinoa with Black Angus beef cuts such as ribeye, flank steak, top sirloin, or ground beef. Ribeye with a side of garlic mushroom quinoa creates a balanced flavor and offers the juicy, buttery flavors that come with a good steak. Sirloin steak and quinoa make for an excellent burrito bowl—cook to your liking and pair with your favorite southwest toppings, such as black beans, corn, and pico de gallo. You can also swap out the rice for quinoa in our favorite recipe for Braised Sirloin Tips.

Quinoa always works well in Mediterranean-style dishes, so creating a Greek-inspired bowl is a delicious way to mix up your meal. Top quinoa with flank steak, tzatziki sauce, cucumbers, and tomato.

3. Barley (Pair with Black Angus Stew Meat, Tenderloin, or Sirloin)

Barley is another classic powerhouse grain that frequently makes an appearance in soups (hello, beef and barley!) and stews. Barley is hearty, chewy, and subtle, yet offers numerous health benefits. According to Harvard Health, barley is rich in fiber, with about three times the amount per serving as oats, particularly in a type of fiber called beta-glucan, which can help lower cholesterol. Barley also has several vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and folate.

Combine Black Angus stew meat with celery, mushrooms, diced carrots, your favorite seasonings, and some dry red or white wine for a delectable beef and barley stew.

Looking for a non-soup option? Barley also pairs well with steak. Try Black Angus beef tenderloin in this recipe for Three-Pepper Tenderloin with Mushroom & Leek Barley. You can also create a beef barley skillet dinner with Black Angus sirloin, barley, and diced vegetables.

4. Bulgur (Pair with Black Angus Ground Beef, Ribeye, or Hanger Steak)

Deemed “the whole grain for busy people” by Bon Appetít, bulgur (also spelled “bulgar”) is a tasty, versatile whole grain that only takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Coming from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean roots, bulgur is light and nutty in flavor, and like other grains, provides a chewy texture when cooked.

Like quinoa, bulgur is rich in fiber and vitamins. It is particularly high in manganese, magnesium, and iron. Bulgur goes well with a wide variety of dishes, from burgers to stew, and even tabbouleh salad. Mix bulgur into Black Angus ground beef patties for added texture and nutrients. Try bulgur as a side with a mouthwatering ribeye and mushrooms, or try hanger steak with a warm bulgur salad made with turnips and mint.

5. Brown Rice (Pair with Black Angus Strip Steak, Sirloin, or Flank Steak)

Last, but not least on our list, is brown rice. Another trending favorite, brown rice provides B vitamins, dietary fiber, magnesium, manganese, and other nutrients. According to Cleveland Clinic, brown rice can also help you manage cholesterol and feel fuller longer.

Like many of our trending grains, brown rice has a subtle, earthy flavor, making it a versatile ingredient for many recipes. An easy substitute for white rice, brown rice is a favorite in Asian-inspired beef recipes like Mongolian beef (featuring New York Strip steak), steak fried rice (made with sirloin), and beef and broccoli (with flank steak or top sirloin).

Brown rice is also appetizing in rice pilaf paired with flank steak or in a southwest steak bowl (use skirt steak or sirloin with your favorite burrito bowl ingredients).

Elevate Your Next Meal with Premium Black Angus Beef

Hey, that wasn’t so bad, right? Healthy grains aren’t scary or a drag—they’re actually a way to supplement and complement the most glorious of ingredients: 1855 Black Angus Beef. Find our USDA Prime and Upper 2/3 Choice in a store near you.