How to Save Money on Meat Purchases and Meals

There are simple ways to save money when purchasing meat for family meals. It is cheaper to purchase meat in family meat packages. Purchase a package large enough for at least 3 meals. Chain grocery stores cycle specific meats on sale every seven weeks, so frozen pieces will never become old or "freezer burn". Here are some meat savings tips:

Beef roast purchases that save money:

It is possible to have up to five family meals from a family package of beef roast, satisfying everyone in the family.

Stew: (2 Meals)

One roast always has one end that is fatty with some gristle. Cut this portion into small chunks for stew meat and two meals can easily be obtained from a hearty pot of stew.

Drip beef: (1 Meal)

The balance of the roast can be cooked in a crock to make drip beef sandwiches. Although beef portions are smaller in sandwiches, this roast will probably be consumed in one meal. (Excellent when cooked overnight in a crock!) Check the Crockpot recipe book for directions and ideas.

Pot roast: (2 Meals)

(Meal number 1) Cook one roast as a pot roast with potatoes, carrots and onions. Cook extra vegetables and gravy to set aside for meal number 2. Once cooked and before serving to the family, cut away a small portion of the roast and save with the extra vegetables and gravy.

Pot roast skillet hash: (Meal number 2)

Chip the cooked roast into small pieces in a heavy skillet with the reserved gravy. Cut remaining potatoes, carrots and onions in small pieces and add to skillet. Simmer until hot and serve over sliced bread. (S.O.S. style) Men and boys especially love this on weekends with a football game on the television. Roast is always better the second time around!

Ground beef purchases that save money:

There are different levels of lean in ground beef family packages. Choose the less expensive ground beef and after cooking, drain all the cooked "fat" from the meat. Some recipes even recommend rinsing the meat in hot water to remove extra fat before returning to the pan. Several meals can be obtained from a larger family pack of ground beef. Excellent beef and pasta recipes can be found at www.skinnerpasta.com and any pasta recipe will serve a large number of people at a small cost.

Pork serving suggestion to save money:

For serving many people at a minimum of cost and effort, choose to serve barbecue pork sandwiches. Purchase a large pork shoulder butt and cook covered in water, seasoned with salt and pepper, until well done. With a meat cleaver, chop pork and serve hot on toasted buns with barbecue sauce. Serve the sandwiches with potato salad or baked beans, onions and chips. A six to seven pound roast will serve eight to ten adults. The best part is the entire meal can be served "buffet style" with less effort on the cook!

Conclusion:

A very good "meat extender" is an onion. Add a large onion when sauteing meats (especially ground beef) and less meat can be used without anyone noticing.

Always use extra precautions when handling and storing meats. The best solution to freezing meats is to divide the service portions the day of purchase and freeze immediately. Use paper or bags made for freezing for less waste from "freezer burn". Write the name and date on the package to follow the rule of "first in, first out".