The first tip we have to enjoy beef on a budget is to get out of your cut rut! When it comes to shopping and preparing meals, let’s be honest, we all tend to have our go-to list of what to buy and what to fix. However, trying something new can also lead to savings. Look for beef cuts with Chuck or Round in their name. These cuts are typically priced lower than the others. 

Say Hi to Chuck 

If you love ribeye but not its price tag, let us introduce you to his little brother Chuck! Chuck Eye Steak is a cut from the rib end of the chuck and has the same classic rich, beefy flavor. Chuck Arm Roast or Blade Roast are other economical and flavorful options. This roast is best—moist and tender—when slow-cooked in the oven or Crock-Pot. You may also see these labeled as an Arm Pot Roast or Blade Chuck Pot Roast—a relatively inexpensive cut with loads of beef flavor. 

Get Down With Round 

Most cuts with the word Round in their name are economical beef cuts that can help you provide a healthy and balanced family meal without breaking the bank. Top Round Roast is a lean roast that should be slow-cooked to improve its tenderness, then sliced thinly across the grain. A tremendous value cut that is lean and boneless is the Eye of Round Steak. It’s ideal for marinating, then grilling or skillet cooking. The Bottom Round Steak is a good everyday cut that is boneless and lean. Marinate this steak, broil or grill, and then slice thin. Bottom Round Roast is another lean cut of beef which you can roast or braise. Try roasting it in a cast iron skillet smothered with garlic and herbs. Yummy! 

Plan Your Meals 

The second tip is meal planning, which is useful for saving money as well as making mealtimes less stressful. Meal planning means just as it states—plan your meals including a grocery list. The list helps prevent you from aimlessly shopping and grabbing whatever sounds good at the moment. Without a list, it’s easy to buy too much or miss key ingredients needed for a meal. When you make a list and are intentional about what you buy, you will likely buy less food and just what you need—that means less money spent. Other benefits are less food waste (which saves money) and less stress as every night, there’s no more wondering, “What’s for dinner?” as you already have your list of meals and the groceries needed. 

Be a Bargain Hunter 

Watching sales, buying in bulk and freezing beef are additional options for saving money. This recommendation is not “new” for most, but worth highlighting. Ground beef is still the best budget-friendly choice out there. When you see a sale, stock up as ground beef freezes extremely well. Repackage the ground beef in freezer bags in one-pound increments. Ground beef is extremely versatile and lends itself to several recipes and meal options. 

If you need more information on affordable cuts of beef, plus cooking suggestions and recipes, visit Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner online at beefitswhatsfordinner.com.