As grocery prices continue to rise, stretching your budget likely matters more to you than ever. Discover five easy ways to make beef go further without sacrificing flavour or nutrition. 

It’s probably not surprising to learn that grocery prices are up almost 20 percent from November 2021—you likely feel that every week when you’re standing at the grocery store checkout. And there’s no end in sight, either, according to the fifteenth annual Food Price Report released in December. The report, a joint venture between a number of Canadian universities, predicts that the average grocery bill for a family of four will go up by three to five percent in 2025. 

This isn’t a new problem. We’ve been dealing with the adverse effects of post-pandemic inflation for years now. And you’re likely already using strategies to save money on your weekly shopping — things like flyer surfing, couponing and meal planning are all reliable ways to make your dollar go farther. But you should also think about specific ingredients and how to make them go the distance, too. Beef is a great example of this.  

Read on for five smart and easy ways to make your beef budget go further. 

The Secret of Low and Slow 

Okay, it’s not really a secret. The best chefs know that the way to get the most tender results from less expensive cuts of beef is to cook it low and slow. Cuts like blade roast, brisket or stewing cubes or shank are more affordable, and when they’re seared off and cooked at a low temperature for 2 hours or so (usually in things like soups, stews and braises), you can still get the most amazing meal beyond what you experience with premium priced steaks or roasts. These types of recipes often have a higher serving yield, too, which means you’ll be stretching your dollar even further. 

Buy Ground Beef in Bulk 

You might worry about buying that two-kilogram package of ground beef, but don’t be. Get the volume discount! Ground beef freezes beautifully, and you’ll have three or four months to use it up. To store, break it up into half pound or one-pound portions, place in heavy duty zip-top bags and flatten to about half an inch thick. Then, press out all the air and seal. Ground beef is incredibly versatile and goes a long way: It can be used in pasta sauces, stir fries, as a pizza topping, for tacos, for burgers…the list is basically endless. 

Make Recipes That Require Less Meat Per Serving 

Instead of making a cut of meat the star of every show, try recipes that use less beef per serving. Sandwiches made with thinly sliced roast beef, smaller cuts of beef pounded out to fast-fry steaks, and soups or stews where chunks of beef are paired with lentils, quinoa or other foods will allow you to stretch a cut of meat much further. 

Develop your crafty knife skills 

We’re not suggesting you break down a whole cow, don’t worry. But just as buying pre-shredded cheese is more expensive than buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself, the same rule applies to beef. A little research can go a long way in terms of teaching you how to stretch a larger cut of meat further. For example, a centre portion top sirloin can broken down into two oven roasts, an oven roast and two grilling steaks, or four grilling steaks. Any pieces trimmed off during butchering can be used for stir-fries or satays, too! 

Invest in a Vacuum Sealer and freezer 

This might shock you, but vacuum-sealed products can last up to three to five times longer than products stored via traditional methods. A vacuum sealer can help you to take advantage of sale prices, allowing you to purchase large cuts of beef, break them down into different cuts or smaller portions and stock your freezer for, well, years. Vacuum sealing is airtight, so it helps to retain the colour, flavour and texture of food longer. It also helps to prevent freezer burn! 

By using these strategies, you’ll not only save money but also reduce food waste and maximize the value of every cut of beef you purchase. The key is to be proactive and mindful about how you shop, store and prepare beef so you can feed your family delicious, healthy meals while also maximizing your budget. Whether it’s cooking low and slow, buying in bulk or getting creative with smaller portions, these simple tips can make a significant difference in how far you can make your money go. 

For more practical tips and facts about beef when it comes to buying and cooking know-how, visit our digital hub: EAT WELL. LIVE WELL.