Lake Days. Fireworks. Beef. That's a Missouri Fourth of July.

Around here, the Fourth of July isn't just a holiday, it's weekends at the lake, small-town parades, backyard barbecues, fireworks lighting up the night sky and the unmistakable sound of beef sizzling on the grill.

As families gather across the Show-Me State to celebrate Independence Day, the Missouri Beef Industry Council is encouraging Missourians to make beef the centerpiece of their holiday menu with fresh, flavorful recipes from Beef. It's What's For Dinner.

Whether you're hosting the neighborhood cookout, packing up for a weekend at the lake or firing up the grill before the fireworks, these beef recipes are made for celebrating summer, Missouri style.

The Lake House Favorite

Flat Iron Steaks with Grilled Corn & Cumin-Lime Butter

Nothing says summertime like sweet corn and steak fresh off the grill. Smoky Flat Iron Steaks paired with grilled corn slathered in zesty cumin-lime butter make this meal worthy of every lake weekend, family reunion and Fourth of July feast. Bonus: Make extra for delicious leftovers the next day.

The Cowboy Cookout

Grilled Cowboy Steaks

Big steaks. Bold seasoning. Classic Americana. These juicy Ribeye Steaks are rubbed with a blend of paprika, garlic and herbs for a simple recipe that delivers big flavor. It's the kind of meal made for country roads, backyard grills and fireworks under the stars.

The Backyard Block Party MVP

Cheesy Double Smashburgers

The internet's favorite burger trend meets Fourth of July weekend. Crispy-edged double beef patties, melty American cheese, buttery shallots and garlic aioli come together for the ultimate smashburger that's guaranteed to disappear fast. Fire up the griddle, everyone will want seconds.

The Fireworks Snack

Mini Beef Tacos with Citrus Salsa

Perfect for feeding a crowd before the fireworks begin, these handheld tacos are packed with flavorful beef and topped with bright, fresh citrus salsa. Easy to serve, easy to eat and guaranteed to be the first platter emptied at the party.

No matter how you're celebrating, make beef the centerpiece of your holiday weekend. Gather your family, fire up the grill and enjoy the flavors of summer, Missouri style. For more beefy recipes and grilling inspiration and tips, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

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About the Beef Checkoff

The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.