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Saving Money on Food Series: How to Save on Meat

February 19, 2013 by Lisa Park + Leave a Comment

It’s important to provide healthy meals for our families, yet the grocery bill each month can really add up. Besides the mortgage bill, groceries are one of the highest expenses in a household. If you watch, you can find good sales, as well as coupons, on produce, dairy, grains, and meat–items used to make healthy meals for your family. Over the next month, I’ll be outlining specific ways to save money on meat, dairy, produce, and grains.

Ways to Save Money on Meat

Meat is usually the most expensive part of any meal, and it really can add up on your grocery budget. Here are some tips to save money on meat without having to go completely meatless.

1. Plan Your Meals Based on Meat Sales
Look through your grocery store circulars before you plan your meals. If chicken is on sale, then plan a few chicken dishes. It’s not the week to make a pot roast unless you already have one in the freezer.

And most grocery stores mark down meat that is coming close to its “sell by” date. Check with the meat department to see if there is a specific day or time of day that the meat is marked down. You can purchase and freeze the meat or use it before it goes bad.

2. Buy in Bulk
Family-sized packages of meat usually cost less per pound than smaller packages, so buy one big package and divide it into the portions that you need and freeze it.

3. Use Less Meat
Many times you can cut the amount of meat used in a recipe. For instance, if the recipe calls for 1 lb. of meat, just cut it in down and use 3/4 lb. meat. You probably won’t even notice it’s missing. Now this obviously won’t work for recipes like meat loaf and sloppy joes, but you can cut down the meat for soups and casseroles.

4. View Meat as a Side Dish
Instead of serving meat as your main dish, try making a meal where a salad, cooked vegetables, or a potato are the main dish. You’ll be able to feed your family on less meat and save money.

5. Have Meatless Nights
You don’t need to completely go meatless, but take one or two nights a week and make it a meatless night.

6. Buy Less Expensive Cuts of Meat
Choose more affordably priced choice cuts of meat, then marinade, tenderize, or slow cook them. You’ll often get the same great flavor as a more expensive cut of meat at a fraction of the cost.

7. Separate the Tenderloin
Boneless pork chops, pork loin, and chicken breasts come with a small piece of meat hanging off the side. Cut off the tenderloin, trim off all the visible fat, put it in a freezer bag, and place it in the freezer. Add to the bag each time you prepare your meat. Eventually, you’ll collect enough to create a dish that calls for small pieces of chicken breast or pork.

8. Replace Meat with Beans
This won’t work for everything, but you can replace meat by adding extra beans in your meals, such as mashing black beans in burgers, adding extra beans to chili, or mixing refried beans into taco meat.

9. Use Leftovers in a Different Way
If you have roast beef left over after dinner, don’t eat it for lunch the next day. Instead, use it to make a vegetable beef soup, which will serve the entire family for dinner, plus it will create more leftovers.

10. Check Butcher Shops or Farms
Check out local butcher shops or farms for great deals on fresh meat. Sometimes their prices can be lower than bargain grocery stores.

What are other ways you save money on meat?

Here are more ways to save money on food:
Saving Money on Food Series: How to Save on Meat
Saving Money on Food Series: How to Save on Dairy
Saving Money on Food Series: How to Save on Produce
Saving Money on Food Series: How to Save on Grains

Filed Under: Couponing & Grocery Tips, Food, Grocery, Money-Saving Tips, Saving Money

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Hello, I'm Lisa

I enjoy teaching people how to live frugally so they can live within their means while still enjoying and doing the things in life that matter most to them. I'm here sharing tips about budgeting, saving money, meal planning, simple recipes, and more.

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Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinne Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinner. It took me less than 10 minutes to put it in the crock pot. It will cook for 8-9 hours, and then I'll shred it and serve it with tortillas, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, fresh onions, sour cream, and limes.

Message me or use the link below to get the recipe.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/09/26/the-best-crock-pot-shredded-beef-tacos/

#shreddedbeef #beeftacos #shreddedbeeftacos #tacos #tacotuesday #easydinner #easy Dinners #simpledinner #simpledinners #crockpot #crockpotmeals #crockpotbeef
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The link to the recipe is below or you can message me. Do you have a Valentine's Day treat you make every year?

https://savingcentbycent.com/2022/01/31/easy-valentines-bark-recipe/

#valentines #valentinesdessert #valentinesbark #valentinesday #valentinesdaybark #valentinesdaydessert #valentinesdesserts #valentinestreat #valentinesdaytreats 
#valentinesdaydessert #bhgfood #valentinesrecipes
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This week I tackled our clothes closet. (Swipe left to see how unorganized it was. 😳) The top shelf was really messy. I ordered some clothes containers online that weren't too expensive.  I then sorted through all the clothes, packed away clothes and bags that were not being used and taking up space, and refolded the clothes that were still being used.

The closet looks so much better! And my husband likes it too. 😀  You can see more of what I did in my Instagram stories or by going to the "Closet Organize" highlight bubble.

#organize #closetorganization #closet #closetideas #closetorganizer #closetorganizers #closetorganize #closetorganized #organization #closetbins #closetorganizing #closetorganizationideas #closetorganizationtips
This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorit This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorite family smoothies. I'll admit that I don't love too many green smoothies, but this one tastes delicious. The banana, pineapple and almond milk give it a good flavor. 

If you are trying to eat a little better, this is a recipe you'll want to add to your book of recipes. The link to the recipe is in my profile.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/01/15/tropical-green-smoothie/

#greensmoothie #greensmoothies #smoothie #smoothierecipes #smoothies #healthysmoothies #healthysmoothie #healthysmoothierecipe #healthysmoothierecipes #smoothierecipe
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- Popcorn Neighbor Gift Idea
- Peppermint Vanilla Sugar Scrub
- Dishwashing Liquid Gift Idea
- Dish Towel and Wash Cloth Gift Idea

Message me for the links to the posts. Are you ready for Christmas or do you have more things to prepare?

#lastminutegift #lastminutegifts #lastminutegiftideas #lastminutegiftidea #friendgift #friendgifts #neighborgifts #neighborgift
So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe left to check out all the recipes.

- Peppermint Oreo Truffles
- Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmalllows
- Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Christmas Cookie Bars
- Glazed Cinnamon Bundt Cake
- Gingerbread House Frosting

Message me for any of these recipes.

#christmascookies #christmasdesserts #christmastreat #cookies #cookiesforsanta #cookie #cookierecipe #cookierecipes #holidaycookies #holidaycookie #holidaydessert #holidaydessert
Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinne Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinner. It took me less than 10 minutes to put it in the crock pot. It will cook for 8-9 hours, and then I'll shred it and serve it with tortillas, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, fresh onions, sour cream, and limes.

Message me or use the link below to get the recipe.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/09/26/the-best-crock-pot-shredded-beef-tacos/

#shreddedbeef #beeftacos #shreddedbeeftacos #tacos #tacotuesday #easydinner #easy Dinners #simpledinner #simpledinners #crockpot #crockpotmeals #crockpotbeef
If you are looking for a Valentine's Day treat to If you are looking for a Valentine's  Day treat to make for the kids or other loved ones, this Valentine's bark is an easy no-bake recipe.

The link to the recipe is below or you can message me. Do you have a Valentine's Day treat you make every year?

https://savingcentbycent.com/2022/01/31/easy-valentines-bark-recipe/

#valentines #valentinesdessert #valentinesbark #valentinesday #valentinesdaybark #valentinesdaydessert #valentinesdesserts #valentinestreat #valentinesdaytreats 
#valentinesdaydessert #bhgfood #valentinesrecipes
Every January I choose a few places in my home tha Every January I choose a few places in my home that are unorganized and are "problem areas" that are messy. I then figure out how I can organize the area and make it more functional. 

This week I tackled our clothes closet. (Swipe left to see how unorganized it was. 😳) The top shelf was really messy. I ordered some clothes containers online that weren't too expensive.  I then sorted through all the clothes, packed away clothes and bags that were not being used and taking up space, and refolded the clothes that were still being used.

The closet looks so much better! And my husband likes it too. 😀  You can see more of what I did in my Instagram stories or by going to the "Closet Organize" highlight bubble.

#organize #closetorganization #closet #closetideas #closetorganizer #closetorganizers #closetorganize #closetorganized #organization #closetbins #closetorganizing #closetorganizationideas #closetorganizationtips
This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorit This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorite family smoothies. I'll admit that I don't love too many green smoothies, but this one tastes delicious. The banana, pineapple and almond milk give it a good flavor. 

If you are trying to eat a little better, this is a recipe you'll want to add to your book of recipes. The link to the recipe is in my profile.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/01/15/tropical-green-smoothie/

#greensmoothie #greensmoothies #smoothie #smoothierecipes #smoothies #healthysmoothies #healthysmoothie #healthysmoothierecipe #healthysmoothierecipes #smoothierecipe
For those of you needing last-minute friend and ne For those of you needing last-minute friend and neighbor gifts, here are a few ideas:

- Popcorn Neighbor Gift Idea
- Peppermint Vanilla Sugar Scrub
- Dishwashing Liquid Gift Idea
- Dish Towel and Wash Cloth Gift Idea

Message me for the links to the posts. Are you ready for Christmas or do you have more things to prepare?

#lastminutegift #lastminutegifts #lastminutegiftideas #lastminutegiftidea #friendgift #friendgifts #neighborgifts #neighborgift
So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe left to check out all the recipes.

- Peppermint Oreo Truffles
- Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmalllows
- Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Christmas Cookie Bars
- Glazed Cinnamon Bundt Cake
- Gingerbread House Frosting

Message me for any of these recipes.

#christmascookies #christmasdesserts #christmastreat #cookies #cookiesforsanta #cookie #cookierecipe #cookierecipes #holidaycookies #holidaycookie #holidaydessert #holidaydessert
Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinne Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinner. It took me less than 10 minutes to put it in the crock pot. It will cook for 8-9 hours, and then I'll shred it and serve it with tortillas, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, fresh onions, sour cream, and limes.

Message me or use the link below to get the recipe.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/09/26/the-best-crock-pot-shredded-beef-tacos/

#shreddedbeef #beeftacos #shreddedbeeftacos #tacos #tacotuesday #easydinner #easy Dinners #simpledinner #simpledinners #crockpot #crockpotmeals #crockpotbeef
If you are looking for a Valentine's Day treat to If you are looking for a Valentine's  Day treat to make for the kids or other loved ones, this Valentine's bark is an easy no-bake recipe.

The link to the recipe is below or you can message me. Do you have a Valentine's Day treat you make every year?

https://savingcentbycent.com/2022/01/31/easy-valentines-bark-recipe/

#valentines #valentinesdessert #valentinesbark #valentinesday #valentinesdaybark #valentinesdaydessert #valentinesdesserts #valentinestreat #valentinesdaytreats 
#valentinesdaydessert #bhgfood #valentinesrecipes
Every January I choose a few places in my home tha Every January I choose a few places in my home that are unorganized and are "problem areas" that are messy. I then figure out how I can organize the area and make it more functional. 

This week I tackled our clothes closet. (Swipe left to see how unorganized it was. 😳) The top shelf was really messy. I ordered some clothes containers online that weren't too expensive.  I then sorted through all the clothes, packed away clothes and bags that were not being used and taking up space, and refolded the clothes that were still being used.

The closet looks so much better! And my husband likes it too. 😀  You can see more of what I did in my Instagram stories or by going to the "Closet Organize" highlight bubble.

#organize #closetorganization #closet #closetideas #closetorganizer #closetorganizers #closetorganize #closetorganized #organization #closetbins #closetorganizing #closetorganizationideas #closetorganizationtips
This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorit This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorite family smoothies. I'll admit that I don't love too many green smoothies, but this one tastes delicious. The banana, pineapple and almond milk give it a good flavor. 

If you are trying to eat a little better, this is a recipe you'll want to add to your book of recipes. The link to the recipe is in my profile.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/01/15/tropical-green-smoothie/

#greensmoothie #greensmoothies #smoothie #smoothierecipes #smoothies #healthysmoothies #healthysmoothie #healthysmoothierecipe #healthysmoothierecipes #smoothierecipe
For those of you needing last-minute friend and ne For those of you needing last-minute friend and neighbor gifts, here are a few ideas:

- Popcorn Neighbor Gift Idea
- Peppermint Vanilla Sugar Scrub
- Dishwashing Liquid Gift Idea
- Dish Towel and Wash Cloth Gift Idea

Message me for the links to the posts. Are you ready for Christmas or do you have more things to prepare?

#lastminutegift #lastminutegifts #lastminutegiftideas #lastminutegiftidea #friendgift #friendgifts #neighborgifts #neighborgift
So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe left to check out all the recipes.

- Peppermint Oreo Truffles
- Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmalllows
- Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Christmas Cookie Bars
- Glazed Cinnamon Bundt Cake
- Gingerbread House Frosting

Message me for any of these recipes.

#christmascookies #christmasdesserts #christmastreat #cookies #cookiesforsanta #cookie #cookierecipe #cookierecipes #holidaycookies #holidaycookie #holidaydessert #holidaydessert

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