We've Been Doing Summer All Wrong.

I've been spending way too much time in the kitchen lately (occupational hazard when your family raises beef), and I had a revelation that I just have to share with you.

You know how we always think of our chuck roasts, arm roasts, and stew meat as "winter cuts"? I've been experimenting with some recipes that are completely changing my mind about summer cooking. And honestly? These cuts might just be the secret to staying cool while still eating incredibly well.

Four Recipes That Blew My Mind

Chuck Roast: Slow Cooker Roast Beef Debris Po'' Boys

I found this incredible Po'' Boy recipe and thought, "Dang, now that’s a good use of chuck roast in June!" Boy, was I right!

Our chuck roasts have this gorgeous fat distribution that breaks down into pure flavor during the slow-cooking process. I tossed one in the crockpot early morning, and by dinner time, the whole house smelled like New Orleans. The meat falls apart into silky, succulent strands that absorb every drop of that savory gravy.

The genius part? Your slow cooker does all the work while you're out enjoying the day. No hot oven, no standing over a stove. Just pile that incredible beef on crusty bread with some coleslaw and pickles, and you've got something that rivals any restaurant po' boy. My brother (the rancher responsible for our amazing beef) said it was the best thing I'd made all summer.

Arm Roast: Runza-Style Perfection

This recipe from Jill the Range Rider caught my eye because it pairs our lean, tender arm roast with sauerkraut. I know, I know – sauerkraut and beef sounds crazy.

But here's the thing: that tangy, acidic bite cuts through the richness of the beef in the most refreshing way. Our arm roasts are beautifully lean yet incredibly moist, remaining fork-tender even with longer cooking times. The result is this amazing sweet-and-sour combination that's lighter than you'd expect.

We served it on soft buns with melted cheese, and it was gone in minutes. It's comfort food that doesn't weigh you down when it's hot outside, a new farm favorite. 

Fajita Meat: The Best Carne Asada

Okay, this one is a bit obvious: but they don't call them “classics” for nothin’! 

This recipe from Dinner Ideas for All is a yummy rendition of everybody's favorite, fajitas! 

Our fajita meat is carefully picked for its consistent texture and natural grain, which means it soaks up marinades like a sponge and delivers juicy, charred perfection every time it hits the grill. The lime-cilantro-cumin marinade is perfect – bright, zesty, and it makes the meat taste like it came from the best taqueria.

The smell when it hits the hot grill... honestly, I wish I could bottle it up!

Stew Meat: Slow-Cooked Summer Beef Casserole

This Summer beef casserole completely changed how I think about stew meat. Instead of heavy, winter-style stews, this keeps the vegetables crisp and bright.

Our stew meat comes from cuts of our amazing chuck roast. This allows the beef to stay soft as butter as the exterior caramelizes, leaving the peppers and zucchini fresh and crunchy. Tossed with sharp parmesan and served over couscous, it feels like a completely different category of food.

It's Mediterranean-inspired, light, and fresh – everything you could hope for in a summer meal! 

I'm So Excited About This

Look, I'll be honest – I love sharing these recipes to highlight our Cold Weather Cuts sale right now. But more than that, I genuinely believe these recipes are a great addition to our traditional summer fare. They're unique, flavorful, and most of all, they keep you and your kitchen cool as a summer breeze!

The Family Perspective

Growing up on the farm, I learned that exceptional beef is exceptional beef, regardless of the season. These cuts have distinctive characteristics, robust flavor profiles, and satisfying textures that work year-round – we just needed the right recipes to prove it.

If you're curious to try any of these, our Cold Weather Cuts Sale is running right now. I've been stocking up myself because I have a feeling these are going to become regular summer staples in our house.

Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you stop following the rules and start following your taste buds. This summer, maybe it's time to give winter cuts a chance.

Check out our full winter clearance selection at parsonscreeksteak.com and let me know if you try any of these recipes – I'd love to hear how they turn out for you!