Looking to stretch your food budget while still enjoying delicious meat-based meals? Look no further than your local butcher shop! With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can make your meat purchases go a long way. Here are 12 ways to stretch your food budget at the butcher shop:
Check for sales and plan your meals
Before you step foot in the butcher shop, take a look at their social media or website to see what's on special. Make note of those items and plan your meals around the discounted items to save money. Use Google to look up those meat items to find delicious recipes to make!
We’ve included some here that you can check out…
Easy Jamaican Jerk Spiced Chicken
Weeknight Korean and Broccoli Bowl
Portion control meat cuts
Instead of buying individual chicken cuts, opt for a whole chicken that can be used in several meals.
Here, pro butcher Jesse Griffths, shows you how to break down a whole chicken into pieces that you can use for a couple meals.
Similarly, consider purchasing larger cuts of beef like a roast and portioning it out for multiple meals. For example you can cut a chuck roast into stew beef to save yourself some money.
Try inexpensive steaks
Less expensive cuts of steak like flank or skirt steak can be just as delicious as pricier options like ribeye or filet mignon when cooked properly. These cuts naturally have more flavour and they might turn out to be your new favourite steaks!
- Marinate the flank or skirt steak for at least 2 hours, or overnight, in an acidic marinade that contains ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or yogurt. This will help break down the fibers in the meat.
- Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Heat up your grill or pan until it's hot before cooking the steak. This will help sear the steak and keep the juices inside.
- Cook the steak quickly over high heat, either on a grill or in a pan, for just a few minutes on each side. Flank and skirt steak are best cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness to avoid it becoming tough and chewy.
- Allow the flank or skirt steak to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing so that the juices can redistribute throughout the meat.
- Cut the steak against the grain into thin slices. This is important to ensure a tender steak!
Learn to braise, roast and smoke
Braising Meats
Braising, roasting, and smoking are a few cooking methods that are great for tougher cuts of meat like chuck roast or pork shoulder. These cuts are typically less expensive than premium cuts, but with the right cooking technique, they can become one the best meals you’ve had!
Braising involves searing the meat in a pan first, then slow-cooking it in a covered pot with liquid like beef broth, red wine, or tomato sauce. This low-and-slow cooking method helps to break down the fibers in the meat and infuse it with flavor from the liquid. The end result is a fork-tender, flavorful piece of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes like stews, pot roasts, and ragus. Here's a delicious recipe for Beef Pot Roast to try!
Roasting Meats
Roasting involves cooking the meat in the oven at a low temperature for a long period of time. This method is particularly well-suited to cuts like pork shoulder or beef brisket, which have a lot of connective tissue and fat. The slow-roasting process helps to melt the fat and connective tissue, which results in a tender, succulent piece of meat with a crispy exterior. Roasting is also great for creating leftovers that can be used in sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
Smoking Meats
Another great way to make chewier cuts of meat tender and delicious is by smoking them. Smoking involves cooking meat at a low temperature over a fire or in a smoker, with the smoke from the wood imparting a delicious flavor to the meat. Smoking is particularly well-suited to cuts like brisket and pork shoulder, which can take several hours to cook.
Braising, roasting and smoking all require a bit of planning and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. These cooking methods are also great for batch cooking and meal prep, as they can be used in a variety of dishes throughout the week. So next time you're at the butcher shop, consider picking up a braising cut and trying your hand at braising, roasting, or smoking – you won't be disappointed!
Incorporating Meats into One Pot/Pan Meals
Incorporating meat into one-pot or one-pan meals is a great way to stretch your food budget while still enjoying delicious, hearty meals.
Use affordable cuts of meat like ground beef, chicken thighs, or sausage, and combine them with vegetables, grains, and flavorful spices. One-pot meals are both filling and satisfying.
Some examples of one-pot meals include chili, stew, jambalaya, pasta dishes and stuffed peppers, which are perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week ahead.
The best part of one-pot meals? Minimal cleanup!
This makes them a super convenient option for busy weeknights. Try a one-pot/pan meal tonight and save money on groceries without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Pack a lunch
Leftovers from a hearty meat-based dinner can make a great lunch the next day – it’s smart and budget friendly!
Instead of letting leftover meats and vegetables go to waste, you can repurpose them into delicious lunches for the week. For example, you can use leftover grilled chicken to make a chicken salad, or use leftover steak to make a hearty beef sandwich or wrap.
By using leftovers in creative ways, you can save money on groceries and reduce food waste, while still enjoying delicious and satisfying meals throughout the week.
Plus, packing your own lunch is much more affordable than buying lunch out every day, which can add up over time.
Make soup
Keep those chicken and beef bones! Don't throw them away after cooking your meals.
These bones can be used to create a delicious and flavorful broth, which is an excellent way to stretch your food budget. Rather than buying pre-made stock or broth, you can easily make your own at home by simmering bones with water and a few basic ingredients like carrots, onions, celery, bay leaves, and seasonings.
Homemade broth can then be used as a base for soups, stews, and gravies. To make a filling and nutritious soup, simply add in some veggies, grains, and beans of your choice.
Bonus is you reduce food waste by extracting all the flavours from bones for other meals!
Buy in bulk
Buying meat in bulk can be an excellent way to stretch your food budget. You can check your local beef farmer if they provide sides and quarters of beef. While you will need some storage space, it can result in significant savings over time.
Plus, buying in bulk often means you can get higher quality cuts of meat for a lower price, which is a win-win situation. So, if you're looking to stretch your food budget, consider buying meat in bulk and enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Ask the butcher for recommendations
A little secret – some of the most flavourful cuts get overlooked at the butcher counter. Yet, these cuts are favourites with your butcher!
Butchers are experts in their field and can offer great recommendations for less expensive cuts of meat or cooking methods. So don’t be afraid to ask for assistance!
Experiment with ground meat
Ground beef, turkey, and chicken can be used in a variety of meals like burgers, tacos, and meatloaf. Look for deals on larger packages and freeze what you don't use.
Ground meat including ground beef is an incredibly versatile ingredient, making it an excellent option for stretching your food budget. From classic meatloaf and spaghetti bolognese to tacos and chili, ground beef can be used to create a wide range of delicious meals. It’s perfect for creating filling and satisfying dishes that are both delicious and cost-effective.
Not only is ground beef affordable, but it's also easy to cook, making it a popular choice for busy weeknights. You really can’t mess up ground beef…just make sure to brown it properly to get the best flavour!
Make your own marinades and rubs
Instead of purchasing pre-made marinades or rubs, make your own with spices and pantry staples. Not only will it save you money, but you can customize the flavors to your liking.
Final Thoughts
By following these 11 tips, you can stretch your food budget and still enjoy delicious and satisfying meat-based meals from your local butcher shop. Happy cooking!
