Chuck steak: the unsung hero of slow cooked meals

When it comes to slow-cooked comfort food, New Zealand chuck steak is a true champion. This cut is packed with rich, beefy flavour and marbled with just the right amount of fat, making it ideal for long, gentle cooking. As it simmers away, chuck steak transforms from a humble, affordable cut into deeply savoury morsels that soak up every drop of sauce. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on taste, making it a favourite for family meals and big gatherings alike. If you’re looking to get the most out of your slow cooker or want to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavour, chuck steak is your go-to choice.

a bowl of curry with rice and vegetables on a wooden table with a fork .

Slow cooker beef satay

Chuck steak is the perfect match for this slow cooker beef satay. The marbling breaks down beautifully over hours of gentle heat, soaking up the rich, nutty satay sauce and resulting in beef that’s unbelievably tender and packed with flavour.

a bowl of beef with tortilla chips and sour cream on a wooden table

Pulled beef nachos

For nachos that steal the show, chuck steak is your secret weapon. Slow-cooked until it’s easy to shred, this cut delivers juicy, flavourful beef that pairs perfectly with crunchy corn chips and all your favourite toppings for the best Friday night dinner.

a red casserole pot filled with beef and cilantro on a table

Beef barbacoa

Chuck steak shines in beef barbacoa, where hours of slow cooking with spices and aromatics turn it into fork-tender, pull-apart perfection. The cut’s natural richness soaks up the smoky, spicy flavours, making it ideal for stuffing into tacos, burritos, or serving over rice.

a bowl of beef soup with cheese and bread on a table

Beef and lentil taco soup

In a hearty soup like beef and lentil taco soup, chuck steak adds depth and substance. As it simmers, the beef becomes fall-apart tender, infusing the broth with savoury goodness. Its affordability means you can make a big batch for meal prep or family dinners, all while keeping things nutritious and satisfying.

a bowl of food with beef, rice and vegetables on a plate with a fork .

Slow cooker beef rendang

Chuck steak is made for dishes like beef rendang. The long, slow cook allows the beef to absorb layers of aromatic spices and coconut, resulting in a deeply flavourful, melt-in-your-mouth curry. Using chuck steak keeps this classic dish accessible and budget-friendly, without compromising on authenticity or taste.

a pie with a slice taken out of it is sitting on a cooling rack.

Beef and mushroom pie

For a classic beef and mushroom pie, chuck steak is unbeatable. Its robust flavour stands up to earthy mushrooms and rich gravy, and the slow cooking ensures the beef is tender enough to cut with a fork. This cut makes for a pie that’s comforting, hearty, and packed with Kiwi flavour.

a plate of pasta with meat and sauce and a fork on a wooden table

Ragout on pappardelle

Chuck steak turns a simple ragout into something special. As it slowly braises, the beef becomes silky and rich, melding perfectly with tomatoes, herbs, and red wine. Served over wide pappardelle noodles, it’s the ultimate comfort food—affordable, impressive, and utterly delicious.

a bowl of stew with meat and potatoes on a table next to a bowl of chili

Thai-style beef massaman curry

In Thai-style beef massaman curry, chuck steak is the star. Its marbling and texture hold up to the bold, aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, becoming irresistibly tender after hours of simmering. Chuck steak ensures every bite is infused with the complex, warming flavours that make massaman curry a favourite.

With its unbeatable flavour and value, New Zealand chuck steak is the ultimate choice for slow-cooked meals that bring people together. Whether you’re making curries, pies, or crowd-pleasing nachos, this humble cut delivers big on taste and satisfaction every time.

Find slow cooker tips here.