Ever stared blankly at a package of ground beef, wondering just how much to cook for dinner? You’re not alone. Figuring out how many pounds of meat per person is a common culinary head-scratcher, whether you’re planning a family meal, a backyard BBQ, or a full-blown catered event.
Getting the portions right is key to a successful gathering, keeping costs down, and minimizing food waste. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to calculate the right amount of meat for any occasion.
We’ll cover general guidelines, dive into specific types of meat, and explore all the factors that can influence portion sizes. By the end, you’ll be a meat-portioning pro, ready to host any event with confidence!
General Meat Portion Guidelines: A Starting Point
A good rule of thumb is to plan for about a half-pound (8 ounces) of cooked meat per adult. Keep in mind that this is a general guideline, and some people may eat more or less depending on their appetites.
For children, a quarter-pound of cooked meat is usually sufficient.
Also, consider whether you’re buying bone-in or boneless cuts. You’ll need more bone-in meat to get the same amount of edible meat after cooking. A general rule is to plan for 1 pound (16 oz) of bone-in meat per adult.
Finally, remember that meat shrinks when it cooks. You lose moisture, so the cooked weight will always be less than the raw weight.
Factors that influence meat portion sizes
The amount of meat you’ll need per person is going to depend on several factors, including the type of event, the side dishes you’ll be serving, and the appetites and preferences of your guests.
Type of event
For a buffet-style event, you can probably get away with planning for slightly smaller portions of meat per person than you would if you were planning a plated dinner. For a buffet, plan on 0.5 to 0.75 pounds of meat per person, whereas for a plated dinner, you may want to plan for 6 to 8 ounces per person.
Side dishes
If you’re serving abundant, heavy side dishes like potato salad or macaroni and cheese, you probably won’t need as much meat per person. However, if you’re serving lighter side dishes like salads or steamed vegetables, you may want to plan on a larger portion of meat.
Guest appetites and preferences
Think about who you’re serving. Will there be children? Are some of your guests known to have heartier appetites? Also, be sure to consider any dietary restrictions. Will there be vegetarians, vegans, or guests with specific dietary needs?
Portion Recommendations by Meat Type
How much meat you buy depends on the kind of meat you’re serving.
Beef: Steaks, Burgers, and Brisket
- Steaks and chops: 8 to 12 ounces per adult is generally considered a satisfying portion.
- Ground meats (for burgers, tacos, etc.): 6 to 8 ounces per adult.
- Beef brisket: Brisket shrinks a lot during cooking. A 10-pound raw brisket will give you only about 5 pounds of cooked meat.
Pork: Ribs and Pulled Pork
- Ribs: For bone-in ribs, you’ll want about a pound per person.
- Pulled pork: A pork butt or shoulder will yield about 50% cooked meat.
Chicken: Breasts and Whole Chicken
- Chicken: Plan on half a chicken or one large chicken breast per person.
- Adjust based on the size of the chicken and whether it’s bone-in or boneless.
Other Meats
For other types of meat, you can use these guidelines and adjust based on the specific meat and its expected yield after cooking.
How much meat should I buy for events and holidays?
Knowing how much meat to buy for a large group can be tricky. Here are some general guidelines:
- Barbecues: Aim for about three-quarters of a pound per adult.
- Buffets: Plan for a third to half a pound per person.
- Holiday Dinners: Increase your estimate by 25% if you want leftovers.
- Multiple Meats: Reduce the amount of each type of meat by 25–30% to prevent waste.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to ask your guests about their preferences and appetites, especially if you’re serving something they may not like or if you know they have a big appetite!
In Summary
Figuring out how much meat to serve per person means thinking about the kind of event you’re hosting, what side dishes you’re offering, and what your guests like to eat.
By using these suggestions as a starting point and tailoring them to your situation, you can confidently plan your next party and make sure everyone enjoys the meal. Careful portioning also means less waste and a reputation as a savvy host!