In the present study, the capability of Vis-NIR and NIT spectroscopy to predict physical quality traits of beef meat was assessed. Sample preparation (intact vs. ground), and spectral range (Vis-NIR vs. NIT) influenced the prediction performances of meat characteristics. In particular, physical quality attributes were better predicted when intact samples and Vis-NIR spectra were used; predictions were quite good for pH, L*, and a*, and unsatisfactory for b*, ageing and cooking losses, and WBSF. Overall, performances of the calibration equations have never been so high to justify the substitution of the reference methods with infrared spectroscopy, particularly if high precision is required. However, the present findings suggest that Vis-NIR might be used for monitoring or screening purposes to predict some quality traits on large numbers of intact beef samples.