Each family makes its own decision on this topic. Here are helpful guides: 

Nutrition: To stay healthy, each member should have a minimum of 4 to 6 ounces of meat or meat alternate daily, which may be served at any meal. However, most people want more.

Individual Appetite: Active men and teen-agers usually desire more meat than children under ten.

Accompaniments: If the meal includes soup and several vegetables, less meat is necessary. Gravy of sauce extends meat flavor, too.

Meatiness of Cut: As a general guide:
Boneless meat: 1/4lb. per serving
Bone-in steaks, chops, roasts: 1/3 to 1/2 lb. per serving
Meat with large amount of bone: 3/4lb to 1 lb per serving
A 6-lb bone-in roast will provide 2 1/2 to 3lbs. of cooked boneless meat, enough fo 5 to 8 servings.

Time Available: Larger cuts take more cooking time, but leftovers may be used another day with little further cooking.

Storage Facilities: If you have a freezer, stock up. Have meat cut in meal-size portions before freezing to hasten thawing time.

Recipe & Photograph courtesy of Curtin Publications, Inc., New York, NY ©1973