Beef vs. Mutton — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 19, 2023
Beef is the meat of a cow, often consumed as steaks, roasts, and ground meat. Mutton is the meat of a fully grown sheep, known for its strong flavor and less tender texture.
Difference Between Beef and Mutton
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Beef is a popular meat choice in many Western countries, often featured in dishes like steaks and burgers. Mutton, on the other hand, is more common in Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian cuisines, often used in stews and curries.
Beef is generally more tender and has a milder flavor compared to mutton. Mutton has a stronger, more distinct flavor, which can be overpowering if not cooked properly.
In terms of nutrition, beef is high in protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. Mutton is also rich in nutrients but contains higher levels of fat, making it a richer but less lean option compared to beef.
Beef is usually more expensive and considered a luxury in many parts of the world. Mutton is often cheaper and more readily available in countries where sheep farming is prevalent.
Comparison Chart
Source Animal
Cow
Fully grown sheep
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Flavor
Milder
Stronger
Tenderness
More tender
Less tender
Common Dishes
Steak, burger
Curry, stew
Nutritional Value
High protein, low fat
High protein, higher fat
Compare with Definitions
Beef
Beef is the meat derived from cows.
The beef steak was cooked to perfection.
Mutton
Mutton is the meat obtained from adult sheep.
The mutton curry was flavorful and spicy.
Beef
Beef is a source of essential nutrients like protein, iron, and B vitamins.
Beef is recommended for its high iron content.
Mutton
Mutton is commonly used in stews, curries, and grilled dishes.
The mutton stew was simmering on the stove.
Beef
In colloquial language, "beef" refers to a grudge or feud.
They had beef with each other for years.
Mutton
Mutton has a stronger, more distinct flavor compared to other meats.
Some people find the taste of mutton too strong.
Beef
Beef is often used in various culinary dishes like roasts, stews, and grills.
The beef roast was the star of the dinner.
Mutton
Mutton is a common meat in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines.
Mutton biryani is a popular dish in India.
Beef
"Beef" can also mean to strengthen or reinforce something.
He wants to beef up his resume.
Mutton
Mutton is higher in fat compared to other meats like beef or chicken.
Mutton is a richer meat, making the dish more decadent.
Beef
Beef is the culinary name for meat from cattle, particularly skeletal muscle. Humans have been eating beef since prehistoric times.
Mutton
The flesh of fully grown sheep.
Beef
The flesh of a cow, bull, or ox, used as food
Beef cattle
There was the smell of roast beef
Mutton
The flesh of sheep used as food.
Beef
Flesh with well-developed muscle
He needs a little more beef on his bones
Mutton
The flesh of goat used as food.
Beef
A complaint or grievance
He has a beef with education: it doesn't teach the basics of investing
Mutton
(archaic) A sheep.
Beef
A criminal charge
Getting caught with pot in the sixties was a narco beef
Mutton
Em, a unit of measurement equal to the height of the type in use.
Beef
Complain
He was beefing about how the recession was killing the business
Mutton
A prostitute.
Laced mutton
Beef
A full-grown steer, bull, ox, or cow, especially one intended for use as meat.
Mutton
(historical) An old Anglo-French gold coin impressed with the image of a lamb.
Beef
The flesh of a slaughtered full-grown steer, bull, ox, or cow.
Mutton
(Cockney rhyming slang) deaf.
Beef
(Informal) Human muscle; brawn.
Mutton
A sheep.
Not so much ground as will feed a mutton.
Muttons, beeves, and porkers are good old words for the living quadrupeds.
Beef
Pl. beefs Slang A complaint.
Mutton
The flesh of a sheep.
The fat of roasted mutton or beef.
Beef
To complain.
Mutton
A loose woman; a prostitute.
I willingly return to my muttons.
Beef
(uncountable) The meat from a cow, bull, or other bovine.
I love eating beef.
Mutton
Meat from a mature domestic sheep
Beef
The edible portions of a cow (including those which are not meat).
Lean finely textured beef
Boneless lean beef trimmings
Mutton
The square of a body of any size of type
Beef
Muscle or musculature; size, strength or potency.
Put some beef into it! We've got to get the car over the bump.
We've got to get some beef into the enforcement provisions of that law.
Beef
Essence, content; the important part of a document or project.
The beef of his paper was a long rant about government.
Beef
(uncountable) Bovine animals.
Beef
A bovine (cow or bull) being raised for its meat.
Do you want to raise beeves?
Beef
A grudge; dislike (of something or someone); lack of faith or trust (in something or someone); a reason for a dislike or grudge. (often + with)
He's got beef over what you said.
He's got a beef with everyone in the room.
Remember what happened last fall? That's his beef with me.
Beef
(Dorset) Fibrous calcite or limestone, especially when occurring in a jagged layer between shales in Dorset.
Beef
To complain.
Beef
To add weight or strength to.
Beef
To fart; break wind.
Ugh, who just beefed in here?
Beef
To feud or hold a grudge against.
Those two are beefing right now
– best you stay out of it for now.
Beef
To cry.
David was beefing last night after Ruth told him off.
Beef
To fail or mess up.
I beefed my presentation hard yesterday.
Beef
Being a bovine animal that is being raised for its meat.
We bought three beef calves this morning.
Beef
Producing or known for raising lots of beef.
Beef farms
Beef country
Beef
Consisting of or containing beef as an ingredient.
Beef stew
Beef
(slang) beefy; powerful; robust.
Wow, your audio setup is beef!
Beef
An animal of the genus Bos, especially the common species, Bos taurus, including the bull, cow, and ox, in their full grown state; esp., an ox or cow fattened for food.
A herd of beeves, fair oxen and fair kine.
Beef
The flesh of an ox, or cow, or of any adult bovine animal, when slaughtered for food.
Beef
Applied colloquially to human flesh.
Beef
Of, pertaining to, or resembling, beef.
Beef
Cattle that are reared for their meat
Beef
Meat from an adult domestic bovine
Beef
Informal terms for objecting;
I have a gripe about the service here
Beef
Complain;
What was he hollering about?
Common Curiosities
Are Beef and Mutton nutritious?
Both are rich in protein, but Beef is lower in fat compared to Mutton.
What is the source animal for Beef and Mutton?
Beef comes from cows, while Mutton comes from fully grown sheep.
Which has a stronger flavor, Beef or Mutton?
Mutton has a stronger flavor compared to Beef.
What spices go well with Beef and Mutton?
Beef pairs well with milder spices, while Mutton can handle stronger spices.
Which is more tender, Beef or Mutton?
Beef is generally more tender than Mutton.
What dishes are Beef and Mutton commonly used in?
Beef is often used in steaks and burgers, while Mutton is commonly used in stews and curries.
Which is more popular globally, Beef or Mutton?
Beef is more popular in Western countries, while Mutton is prevalent in the Middle East and Asia.
Are there religious restrictions on eating Beef and Mutton?
Beef is restricted in Hinduism, while Mutton is generally acceptable in most religions.
Can you interchange Beef and Mutton in recipes?
They can be interchanged, but expect a change in flavor and texture.
How are Beef and Mutton cooked?
Beef is often grilled or roasted; Mutton is usually slow-cooked or curried.
What is the shelf life of Beef and Mutton?
Both should be consumed or frozen within a few days of purchase.
Which is more expensive, Beef or Mutton?
Beef is generally more expensive than Mutton.
What are the cuts of Beef and Mutton?
Beef has various cuts like sirloin and ribeye; Mutton is usually sold in leg, shoulder, and chop cuts.
How do you tenderize Beef and Mutton?
Beef can be tenderized with marinades, while Mutton often requires slow cooking.
Can you make broth with Beef and Mutton?
Yes, both Beef and Mutton can be used to make rich broths.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
