One of the easiest ways to save money on groceries is to stop thinking in single meals and start thinking in multiple servings. Buying one large cut of meat and turning it into many meals is a strategy we use year-round to stay within our grocery budget, without sacrificing flavor or flexibility.
Our grocery budget is $135/person per month. It has been the same for over 10 years even as our family sized being parents of older children as well as foster parents. We have also been able to stick to this budget with rising grocery prices and stretching our meat servings is one way to do that.
Every couple of months, I pick up a large pork loin (usually around $20) and turn it into weeksā worth of dinners. Whether it becomes pork chops, pulled pork, or freezer meals, this one purchase consistently stretches into 16ā18 servings. This approach helps us to keep our grocery budget at $135 per person per month while still eating real, satisfying meals.
Why Buying Large Cuts of Meat Saves Money
Large cuts of meat almost always cost less per pound than pre-cut portions. A single pork loin can be transformed into thick-cut pork chops as well as pulled pork for sandwiches or tacos.
I bought a pork loin in the fall and the $20 pork loin fed three adults for dinner and still produced seven additional meals, bringing the cost to about $1.30 per serving. That kind of savings adds up fast.
We also buy our beef in bulk from a butcher every two years. The money for this comes from the same grocery budget. I keep about $50/month from our budget to go towards the bulk meat purchase. You can learn more about that process in this YouTube Video. It makes the beef so much cheaper per pound than if we were buying it in small pieces at the grocery store.
How To Stretch Meat Into Multiple Meals
How you prep your meat determines how far it will go. When I bring home the pork loin I will start by cutting some pork chops. We prefer think cut chops so I cut them about two fingers (or 1.5 inches) wide. If you prefer thin cut pork chops, those should be about half an inch. I always cut raw meat on a glass cutting board. It is easier to clean and sanitize. I save my wooden cutting boards for fruits and vegetables.
Pork Chops and Apples
A new recipe that we have been really enjoying is Pork Chops and apples. It has the perfect mix of savory and sweet flavors that compliment each other well. You can find the full recipe in this blog post.
Turning Pork Loin Into Pulled Pork
In warmer months, pulled pork is our go-to. We like to use it for a variety of different meals. Sometimes we will use it for tacos and burrito bowls, other times a classic BBQ pulled pork sandwich. I like to cook my pork loin in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. I use my homemade stock for liquid while it is cooking and just minimal spices. Adding the sauce once it is already shredded and right before you eat it allows you to be more flexible with how you want to enjoy it. Having that variety also makes you less likely to get tired of it and not want to eat it.
I have a homemade cherry BBQ sauce recipe that is perfect for pulled pork. I like making my own condiments because I can control the amount of sugar and additives in them.
Storing Meat Properly to Reduce Waste
Smart storage is what makes bulk meat purchases actually work. If the meat is not stored properly and gets freezer burned or goes bad before you can use it, you are not actually saving any money. When it comes to freezing pork chops, layer pork chops with parchment paper between each piece. Place those into a freezer safe bag or glass container. This makes it easy to take out just how many you need for that dinner and they are not all stuck together.
Freezing Cooked Pulled Pork Leftovers
When it comes to freezing pulled pork, I recommend freezing it in meal sized portions. This allows you to thaw just what you need for a meal and keep the rest in the freeze for later. I recommend quart-size freezer bags or glass containers. As I mentioned previously, I add sauce after defrosting for better texture and flavor.
Having already cooked protein in the freezer makes meals so much easier. When itās a busy day and you donāt feel like cooking, the hardest part is already done. I also keep hamburger buns in the freezer so pulled pork sandwiches are always a meal option paired with some fresh produce. Having simple, easy to go meals makes it easier to stay on budget with groceries and avoid getting take out. Here is a blog with ideas for meals that can be made with frozen, leftover chicken.
If you want to see more inspiration on meals, I record video showing every meal that we eat in my Meals & Moments Series. You can see the first video in the series on my YouTube Channel here.
Grocery Budgeting Tip: Build Flexibility Into Your Freezer
Our grocery budget is based on just two people, but family dinners happen often. We also have friends who visit and are often here for meals. Having meat already prepped and frozen means we can easily scale meals up or down without extra grocery runs. Adding a little more protein and bulking meals up with extra veggies or grains makes it easy to stay on budget while still being a good host.
Stretching one cut of meat into many meals is one of the simplest ways to save money on groceries. Taking a little time to prep your groceries when you get home can pay off for months and youāll be thankful that you did.
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