How do you save money when you buy meat? Here are the top money-saving tips for enjoying meat in the cheapest way!
Buying meat at the grocery store has become a bit of a ritual for me. I head over to the meat section, scan for what I need, eye the price tags, check the expiration dates, and then pause—because, let’s be honest, the final decision usually comes down to one thing: the price. And more often than not, meat isn’t exactly budget-friendly.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to give up meat to save money. Over the years, I’ve picked up quite a few tricks to stretch our meat budget without feeling deprived. Below, I’m sharing some of my favorite tips that help me save money on meat while still keeping it a regular guest on our dinner table. Trust me, these hacks make enjoying meat a lot less guilt-inducing!
15 Ways To Save Money On Meat
Table of Contents
1. Meal Planning: Your First Step to Saving on Meat
If there’s one tip I swear by to save money on food, it’s meal planning. Seriously—planning your meals in advance is a total game changer. It’s about being intentional with what you serve your family, helping you save both time and money.
With a solid meal plan, you know exactly what you’re cooking for the week, which means you’re more likely to use up the ingredients you already have, avoid waste, and only buy what you actually need at the store. Bonus? Fewer impulse buys!
Take ground meat, for instance. Ground turkey is usually more affordable than other meats, and it’s super versatile. You can turn it into burgers, meatballs, tacos, stuffed peppers—you name it. When you buy meat in bulk with a plan in place, you’ll get the most bang for your buck. And don’t forget to plan for leftovers! A little creativity can go a long way in stretching those meals.
2. Grow Your Own Meat (Yep, It’s a Thing!)
We talk a lot about growing our own veggies, but what about meat? If you’ve got the space, resources, and energy, raising animals like chickens, pigs, or even cows can be a practical way to put food on your table—and save in the long run. Chickens give you both meat and eggs, pigs can supply you with sausage, pork chops, and roasts, and cows? Milk and beef galore.
Of course, this option isn’t for everyone, but for homesteaders or anyone dreaming of self-sufficiency, growing your own meat is worth considering.
3. Buy Meat from a Local Farm
Skip the supermarket and buy from a local farmer. You might be able to buy a whole cow (or half or quarter) for way less per pound than you’d pay at the store. If that sounds like too much meat, go in on it with family or friends and split both the cost and the meat. Most farms even let you choose how it’s butchered and packaged—talk about customization!
4. Watch Out for Meat Sales
Big box stores like Aldi, Walmart, and Costco often run amazing sales on meat. For example, Aldi marks down its meat every week—you just have to know when to look. Keep an eye out for those brightly colored stickers—they’re your best friend when it comes to scoring a deal. And hey, it never hurts to be friendly with the folks behind the meat counter. Ask them when markdowns usually happen so you can get there early and snag the best deals.
5. Choose Cheaper Cuts
Let’s face it—meat isn’t cheap. But that doesn’t mean you have to give it up. Instead, get to know the cheaper cuts. Ground beef, for example, is more affordable and can be used in dozens of dishes, from chili to tacos to pasta bakes.
When it comes to beef, look for cuts like chuck roast or shank instead of pricey ribeyes. For pork, pork shoulder is a great budget-friendly alternative to chops or tenderloin. And chicken? Whole birds, leg quarters, or drumsticks are usually cheaper than boneless skinless breasts—and they’re just as tasty when cooked right.
6. Buy Meat in Bulk
Shopping at superstores? Buying meat in bulk can save you a ton, especially if you time it with sales or use coupons. Having a freezer stocked with meat means fewer grocery runs (which also saves you gas and time). Just make sure you’re buying what you’ll actually use.
Tips for Buying and Storing Meat in Bulk
- Plan ahead. Know what meals you want to make and buy accordingly. Even if it’s on sale, don’t overbuy—meat can spoil if it sits too long, even in the freezer.
- Invest in a deep freezer. A deep freezer keeps meat frozen longer than a regular fridge freezer and is one of the best tools for bulk storage.
- Portion it out. Divide meat into meal-sized portions before freezing. That way, you only thaw what you need. A vacuum sealer helps keep it fresh and prevents freezer burn.
- Label everything. Mark each package with the type of meat and the date you froze it. Always use the oldest meat first.
7. Buy Whole Cuts Instead of Pre-Cut Portions
Pre-cut meats come with extra costs because you’re paying for convenience. Want to save more? Buy whole chickens or larger cuts like beef tenderloin and cut them up yourself. Not only do you save money, but you get more flexibility on how to use each part. For example, you can turn a whole chicken into multiple meals and use the bones for soup stock. It’s a win-win!
8. Grind Your Own Meat
Ground meat is already one of the more affordable meat options, but you can take your savings even further by grinding your own at home. One of the biggest perks? You control the quality and fat content. Want something leaner? Pick a cut with less fat. Plus, it’s super easy to do! Once you’ve got a grinder or a food processor, you can whip up your own supply for burgers, meatballs, tacos, pasta sauces—you name it.
9. Buy a Rotisserie Chicken from Costco
When it comes to rotisserie chicken, Costco takes the crown. Did you know their famous rotisserie chicken has been priced at just $4.99 since 2009? Even with inflation, Costco has kept the price the same—making it one of the best deals out there.
Busy night? Grab one of these chickens for a quick dinner. And don’t toss the leftovers! You can repurpose rotisserie chicken into so many delicious meals: think chicken salad, enchiladas, buffalo chicken wraps, soups, or a hearty rice bowl.
10. Stretch Meat with Budget-Friendly Add-ins
Ground meat is one of the most flexible ingredients in the kitchen. Whether it’s beef, turkey, or chicken, you can bulk it up with cheap pantry staples like breadcrumbs, eggs, rice, or oats—and throw in veggies like carrots, onions, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
A little creativity goes a long way here. You can make flavorful meatballs, patties, taco fillings, and pasta sauces that feel hearty and satisfying without using a ton of meat.
11. Embrace Meatless Meals
One of the best ways to cut your meat bill? Eat less of it! Try incorporating Meatless Mondays into your routine. Not only is it friendly to your wallet, but it can be a healthy habit too. Cutting back on meat once or twice a week may reduce the risk of health issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Need ideas for meat-free meals? Try veggie burgers, lentil soups, vegetarian pasta dishes, stir-fries, or even hearty salads with beans or eggs for protein. There’s a whole world of plant-based recipes out there!
12. Shop at Ethnic Grocery Stores
If you’re not finding great meat deals at your usual grocery store, check out ethnic or specialty markets in your area. These stores often source meat differently and pass savings on to you. Bonus: you may discover new cuts, spices, or ingredients you haven’t tried before!
Ethnic stores often offer better prices, fresher meat, and more variety, especially for cuts you might not find at major retailers.
13. Buy from Your Local Butcher
Your neighborhood butcher isn’t just for high-end meat cuts—shopping local can actually save you money! Butchers often have a better understanding of each cut and can help you pick the right one for your recipe. Plus, they usually offer fresher meat sourced from nearby farms.
Need a special cut? Want meat portioned a certain way? Just ask. Many butchers will gladly customize it for you—and you might even get better deals than at the supermarket.
14. Keep Canned Meat on Hand
Late-night pasta cravings and no ground meat in sight? That’s when canned meat becomes your hero. Stock up on budget-friendly canned options like tuna, salmon, or chicken breast for quick fixes and emergency meals.
They’re shelf-stable, last forever, and can be used in everything from pasta and salads to casseroles and wraps. It’s a frugal cook’s secret weapon!
15. Buy After the Season
Holiday meats like turkey and ham are notoriously pricey before big events—but the prices drop fast once the holidays are over. If you’ve got freezer space, this is a golden opportunity to stock up.
Snag that post-Thanksgiving turkey or post-Christmas ham on clearance, freeze it, and enjoy it weeks (or even months) later—without the holiday markup.
Saving Money On Meat:Frequently Asked Questions
What meat should you to buy to save money?
Go for the most affordable cuts and types of meat, such as ground meat, shanks, and chucks. Chicken leg quarters and drumsticks are also a lot cheaper than chicken breasts.
Can you save money by butchering your own meat?
Yes, buying whole chicken or large cuts of other meat (beef, pork, lamb) proves to be more economical than buying pre-cut meat. Pre-cut meat has used more resources and logistics, adding to their costs.
How can youmake meat affordable?
A meal plan is a great way to save money on meat and avoid food waste. It’s also good to buy meat in bulk when it goes on sale and then divide it into smaller portions when you get home. You can also “extend” your meat recipe by adding cheaper ingredients, such as in-season vegetables and essential pantry items. Finally, do meatless meals a few times weekly to save money on meat.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying it—meat is one of the priciest items on the grocery list. But that doesn’t mean your budget has to take a hit every time you crave some juicy barbecue, crispy fried chicken, or a perfectly cooked steak. The good news? There are plenty of smart, creative ways to save money on meat and still enjoy your favorite dishes. With a little planning, mindful shopping, and a few simple tweaks to how you cook or eat, you can cut down on your grocery bill—and even boost your health in the process!
