How Much Meat Per Person? The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Portions for Every Occasion
posted on
May 27, 2025
Planning a meal and wondering how much meat to order? Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, a holiday dinner, or just meal prepping for the week, getting the portion size right is key. At Fischer Farms, we want to help you serve just the right amount—no waste, no stress, just delicious, locally raised meat.
General Meat Portion Guidelines
Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
Type of Diner | Boneless Meat | Bone-In Meat |
---|---|---|
Adult | 1/2 lb (8 oz) | 1 lb (16 oz) |
Child | 1/4–1/3 lb | 1/2 lb |
✅ Pro Tip: Always round up if you're feeding big eaters or planning for leftovers!
Portion Sizes by Meat Type
Here’s a breakdown by cut to make your planning even easier:
- Steaks/Chops: 8–12 oz per adult
- Ground Meats (burgers, tacos): 6–8 oz per adult
- Roasts (beef, pork): 1/2 lb per person
- Ribs: 1 lb per person (bone-in)
- Chicken: 1/2 chicken or 1 large breast per person
Planning for Events & Holidays
When cooking for a crowd, consider:
- BBQs: People tend to eat more—plan for 3/4 lb per adult.
- Buffets: Offer variety, so you can reduce meat to 1/3–1/2 lb per person.
- Holiday Dinners: Add 25% more to account for seconds and leftovers.
Why Buy from Fischer Farms?
At Fischer Farms, we raise our animals with care and integrity. Our meats are:
- Raised on our farm in Southern Indiana
- Hormone- and antibiotic-free
- Cut fresh and shipped fresh
- Available in portion-perfect packs
💡 Bonus: Our curated bundles make it easy to order exactly what you need—no guesswork required when you buy our local meat online.
Ready to Order?
Browse our best-selling cuts and bundles, perfectly portioned for your next meal:

❓ FAQ: Meat Portion Planning
Q: How much meat do I need for 10 people?
A: For boneless meat, plan on 5 lbs total. For bone-in, about 7.5 lbs.
Q: What if I’m serving multiple meats?
A: Reduce each type by 25–30% to avoid over-ordering.
Q: Can I freeze cooked leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Be sure to follow USDA food safety guidelines here.