Is it healthy to eat beef heart? A nutritional deep dive into organ meat

December 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to data from Nutrivore, beef heart boasts a Nutrivore Score of 888, marking it as a highly nutrient-dense food. But is it healthy to eat beef heart? This article examines the facts, benefits, and preparation methods for this surprisingly mild organ meat.

Quick Summary

Beef heart is a lean, nutrient-dense organ meat packed with CoQ10, B vitamins, and heme iron, offering significant health benefits when cooked properly. It is a flavorful and affordable alternative to conventional cuts of meat.

Key Points

Nutrient-Dense Superfood: Beef heart is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including a huge amount of Vitamin B12, riboflavin, and heme iron.
Rich in CoQ10: A leading natural food source of Coenzyme Q10, beef heart is vital for cellular energy production and supporting cardiovascular health.
Excellent Source of Protein: With a high-quality, complete protein profile, it supports muscle growth and repair, making it beneficial for athletes and active individuals.
Lean and Affordable: Unlike many fattier cuts of beef, the heart is surprisingly low in fat and costs significantly less than premium steaks.
Mild, Steak-like Flavor: The taste is closer to a lean steak than other organ meats, making it an excellent starting point for those new to offal.
Versatile in the Kitchen: It can be prepared in various ways, from quick searing to slow-cooking, and is receptive to different marinades and seasonings.

What Is Beef Heart?

Beef heart is an organ meat, or offal, with a texture and flavor similar to a lean steak due to its muscular composition. It's a key part of the "nose-to-tail" eating philosophy and offers a substantial amount of meat at a low cost.

The Nutritional Profile: A Look Inside

Beef heart is a nutrient-dense food providing essential vitamins and minerals. A 3.5-ounce serving is rich in bioavailable nutrients.

Vitamins and Minerals

Key nutrients in beef heart include:

Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function and red blood cell production.
Riboflavin (B2): Supports energy metabolism.
Niacin (B3): Important for energy and skin health.
Heme Iron: A highly absorbable form of iron.
Selenium: An antioxidant supporting thyroid function.
Zinc: Crucial for immune function and cell growth.

Coenzyme Q10 and Other Compounds

Beef heart is an excellent source of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), vital for cellular energy and antioxidant protection, and contains collagen and elastin for connective tissue health.

Health Benefits of Adding Beef Heart to Your Diet

Eating beef heart can offer several health advantages:

Supports Heart Health: High CoQ10 content benefits heart function.
Boosts Energy Levels: B vitamins aid in energy metabolism.
Enhances Muscle Function: Provides high-quality protein for muscle support.
Improves Brain Health: B vitamins are important for cognitive function.
Strengthens Immune System: Nutrients like zinc and selenium support immunity.

Beef Heart vs. Conventional Muscle Meat

Compare beef heart and steak based on key features:


Feature	Beef Heart	Beef Steak (e.g., Sirloin)
Taste Profile	Rich, beefy, slightly gamey.	Varies, typically not gamey.
Texture	Firm, muscular, tender when slow-cooked.	Varies significantly by cut.
Fat Content	Very lean.	Can be much higher depending on cut.
Key Nutrients	High in CoQ10, B vitamins (B12, B2), iron, selenium.	High in protein, iron, zinc, less dense in CoQ10/some B vitamins.
Price	Generally more affordable.	Can be significantly more expensive.

Preparing and Cooking Beef Heart

Preparing beef heart involves trimming excess tissue and can be cooked quickly or slowly.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Rinse and Trim: Clean and remove fat/arteries.
Slice or Cube: Prepare based on cooking method.
Marinate (Optional): Helps tenderize and flavor the meat. Soaking in salted water or milk is also an option.
Cook: Options include quick searing thin slices, slow braising chunks, or grilling marinated cubes.

Potential Risks and Considerations

Keep these points in mind when eating beef heart:

Sourcing: Choose reputable suppliers for grass-fed options.
High in Purines: Those with gout or kidney issues should consult a doctor.
Cholesterol: Dietary cholesterol's impact is less than previously thought, but individuals with specific conditions should be mindful.
Start Slowly: Introduce in small portions if new to organ meats.

Conclusion

Eating beef heart is generally healthy for most people. It's a nutritious and affordable organ meat rich in B vitamins, heme iron, and CoQ10. Its lean profile and steak-like flavor make it an accessible way to enjoy organ meats. It offers various benefits, but responsible sourcing and mindful consumption are important. Beef heart can be a delicious and beneficial addition to your diet and supports a nose-to-tail approach to reduce food waste. For more health information on organ meats, consult authoritative health resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beef heart has a rich, robust, and beefy flavor profile that is surprisingly mild compared to other organ meats like liver. It has a slightly gamey note, comparable to venison, and lacks the strong 'organ' taste many people expect.

Yes, beef heart is a very lean meat. As a hardworking muscle, it has a low-fat content, making it a healthier alternative to many fattier cuts of beef.

Beef heart can be cooked in various ways. Quick-cooking methods like searing or grilling thin slices work well, as does long, slow-cooking through braising or stewing, which breaks down its muscular fibers to achieve tenderness.

When cooked correctly, beef heart does not have a tough texture. Slow-cooking methods make it incredibly tender, while quick-searing yields a texture similar to a lean sirloin steak.

The exterior fat and connective tissue should be trimmed away before cooking, especially for searing or grilling, as it is tough. However, the outer membrane is edible and can get crispy when rendered down, but it is commonly removed for better texture.

Individuals with gout or kidney problems should be cautious about eating beef heart, as it is high in purines. Those with conditions affecting cholesterol should also monitor their intake and consult a healthcare professional.

You can find beef heart at local butcher shops, specialty grocery stores, or from online vendors specializing in pasture-raised meats. Choosing grass-fed options often provides a better nutrient profile.