It also depends on what the beef will be used for and which cooking process best enhances its flavor. Lean, marbled, tender or tough — each cut serves a particular purpose in beef recipes.

Ever wonder what's really in those pre-made packages of beef stew meat? These two tasty, reliable cuts are most likely to be found in such products.

Made from the breast or lower chest of the cow, brisket is a tough beef cut that is prepared by braising or slow smoking. It is also commonly cured and made into pastrami or corned beef.