What are the cheapest cuts of beef?

Ground beef, chuck roast, round steak, stew meat and flank steak usually cost the least, and they are delicious braised, ground or sliced thin.

Are chicken thighs cheaper than breasts?

Usually, and they stay juicier too. Whole chickens are often the best value of all.

How can I save on meat?

Buy family packs and freeze portions, choose a whole chicken or a roast and cook for leftovers, and stretch ground beef with beans or vegetables.

Budget-Friendly Recipes

These dinners are built around the less expensive cuts: ground beef, chicken thighs, wings and whole chickens, pork shoulder and loin, chuck roast, corned beef, flank steak and cod. None uses lobster, crab, scallops, shrimp or premium steaks.

Buying in bulk and freezing helps too; see how long meat keeps in the freezer on our where to buy meat page.

88 recipes

Steak and beef

Barbecue Meat Loaf1 hr 10 min total
A simple meat loaf of ground beef, onion, bread crumbs and egg, topped and basted with Open Pit barbecue sauce and baked at 350°F for 1 hour.
Barbecued Beefies (Baked Barbecue Beef Patties)1 hr 25 min total | 16 patties, about 8 servings
Ground beef and oat patties baked in a homemade barbecue sauce of onion, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, chili powder and paprika. Makes 16 patties.
Beef Enchiladas with Chili Gravy1 hr 10 min total | 6 servings (12 enchiladas)
Classic Tex-Mex enchiladas: corn tortillas rolled around seasoned ground beef and Cheddar, smothered in a cumin-spiced chili gravy and baked until bubbling. Serves 6.
Beef Negimaki1 hr 5 min total | 4 servings
Thin slices of beef rolled around tender scallions, seared and glazed in a sweet soy teriyaki sauce, then sliced into bite-size rounds. Serves 4.
Beef Steak and Potato Scallop2 hr total | 4 to 6 servings
Cubes of round steak browned with onion and baked in a seasoned gravy, then topped with thin-sliced potatoes and baked until tender and golden. Serves 4 to 6.
Beef Stew with Onion Soup and Ketchup3 hr 25 min total
Seasoned, floured beef cubes seared and simmered 3 hours with onions, ketchup and Lipton onion soup mix, with potatoes added for the last hour and Kitchen Bouquet for color.
Beef Stroganoff40 min total
Classic beef stroganoff: thin strips of round steak browned in butter, with mushrooms and onion in a beef broth and sour cream sauce, served over buttered noodles.
Beef and Broccoli30 min total | 4 servings
Tender sliced flank steak and crisp broccoli stir-fried in a glossy garlic, ginger and oyster sauce. Better than takeout in 30 minutes; serves 4.
Biff à la Lindström (Beef Patties with Beets and Capers)35 min total | 4 servings (8 patties)
Juicy Swedish beef patties mixed with chopped pickled beets, capers and onion, fried in butter and served with a quick cream pan sauce and potatoes. Serves 4.
Brisket (Yummy and Easy)3 hr 50 min total
A tender holiday brisket browned in the oven, then braised under onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms and potatoes with brown sugar and sherry until fork-soft.
Carne Asada4 hr 35 min total | 6 servings
Flank or skirt steak marinated in orange and lime juice with garlic, jalapeño, cilantro and cumin, grilled over high heat and sliced for tacos or plates. Serves 6.
Classic Grilled Cheeseburger27 min total | 4 burgers
Thick, juicy grilled beef patties with melted American cheese on toasted sesame buns with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. Makes 4.
Glazed Corned Beef (Two Glazes)3 hr 30 min total | 8 to 12 servings (5 pounds first cut)
First-cut corned beef simmered with an onion until fork-tender, studded with cloves and glazed in a hot oven with apricot-honey-Sabra or brown sugar and Gulden's mustard. Serves 8 to 12.
Italian Meat Balls1 hr 50 min total | About 18 meatballs
Tender Italian meatballs of ground beef with grated raw potato, egg, Parmesan and oregano, oven-baked on racks and then simmered in sauce for an hour.
Italian Meat Loaf1 hr 25 min total
An Italian-style meat loaf of ground beef with soaked bread, onion, parsley and Parmesan, baked, then finished with tomato sauce and oregano. Freezes well before the sauce goes on.
Kalops (Swedish Allspice Beef Stew)2 hr 35 min total | 6 servings
A comforting Swedish beef stew of chuck, onions and carrots slowly braised with whole allspice berries and bay leaves until fork-tender. Served with boiled potatoes and pickled beets. Serves 6.
Korean Ground Beef Bowls25 min total | 4 servings
Lean ground beef browned with garlic and green onion and simmered in a sweet soy, sesame and ginger sauce with a little heat, spooned over hot rice. Dinner in 25 minutes; serves 4.
Kåldolmar (Swedish Cabbage Rolls)1 hr 45 min total | 6 servings (about 14 rolls)
Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a beef, pork and rice filling, glazed with golden syrup and butter, baked until caramelized and served with cream sauce and lingonberries. Serves 6.
LA Galbi (Grilled Korean Short Ribs)4 hr 35 min total | 6 servings | 7 g net carbs per serving
Thin flanken-cut beef short ribs soaked in a soy, pear, garlic and sesame marinade for at least 4 hours, then grilled over high heat for just a few minutes per side. Serves 6.
Lipton Onion-Mushroom Meat Loaf55 min total | Serves 6
A juicy meat loaf of ground beef with Lipton onion-mushroom soup mix, soft bread crumbs, egg, catsup and water, baked at 350°F for 45 minutes. Serves 6.
Loaded Beef Nachos35 min total | 6 servings
Sheet-pan nachos layered with tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, black beans and two cheeses, baked bubbly and loaded with pico de gallo, jalapeños, guacamole and sour cream. Serves 6.
London Broil with Sauteed Onions35 min total | 6 to 8 servings
Scored flank steak brushed with a lemon and oil baste, broiled quickly, sliced thin across the grain and served with buttery sauteed onions. Serves 6 to 8.
Meat Loaf with Cheese1 hr 15 min total
A cheesy meat loaf of ground beef with cubes of cheese, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, tomato sauce and garlic, baked at 350°F for 1 hour.
Mongolian Beef30 min total | 4 servings
Crispy-edged slices of flank steak tossed in a sweet, savory soy, brown sugar, garlic and ginger glaze with green onions. Serves 4.
Paul Lynde's Beef Stew6 hr 45 min total
A hands-off oven stew of lean beef with canned carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peas and green beans, consomme, white wine and tapioca, baked covered at 250°F for 6 to 7 hours.
Pytt i Panna (Swedish Hash with Fried Eggs)50 min total | 4 servings
The Swedish skillet hash: diced potatoes, onion and leftover roast beef or ham fried crisp in butter and topped with fried eggs and pickled beets. Serves 4.
Shortcut Cubed Steak Stew1 hr 5 min total | 6 servings
A quick beef stew made with strips of cubed steak, potatoes, onion, garlic, tomatoes, peas and green pepper. Ready in about an hour and serves 6.
Sloppy Joes50 min total
Classic barbecued hamburger: browned ground beef simmered with sauteed onions, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, sugar and Worcestershire for half an hour. Serve on buns.
Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili6 hr 20 min total | 8 servings
A thick, hearty chili of browned ground beef, kidney and pinto beans, tomatoes, onion and peppers, slow-cooked with chili powder and cumin. Serves 8.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast8 hr 25 min total | 6 servings
A browned chuck roast slow-cooked with carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic and herbs in beef broth until fork-tender, with the juices made into gravy. Serves 6.
Smash Burgers25 min total | 4 double burgers
Double smash burgers with thin, crispy-edged patties pressed onto a hot griddle, melted American cheese, pickles and a tangy burger sauce on soft buns. Makes 4.
Sofia's Korean Beef Ramen40 min total | 4 servings
Seared strips of flank steak and ramen noodles tossed in a sweet soy, garlic and sesame sauce with sweet red pepper, each bowl topped with a jammy egg and garden onions. Serves 4.
Steak Fajitas2 hr 40 min total | 4 to 6 servings | 37 g protein per serving
Skirt steak marinated in lime, garlic, cumin and chili powder, seared hot, sliced thin and served sizzling with charred peppers and onions and warm flour tortillas. Serves 4 to 6.
Steakhouse Burger with Bacon and Mushrooms55 min total | 4 burgers
A thick burger seared in cast iron and topped with aged Cheddar, crisp bacon, caramelized onions and sauteed mushrooms on a toasted brioche bun. Makes 4.
Steamed Mandu (Korean Pork and Beef Dumplings)1 hr 25 min total | About 30 dumplings, 6 servings
Homemade Korean dumplings filled with ground pork and beef, tofu, napa cabbage, green onion, garlic and ginger, folded into rounds and steamed until tender. Makes about 30.
Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar) with Cream Gravy55 min total | 4 servings (about 30 meatballs)
Small, tender beef and pork meatballs seasoned with allspice and white pepper, browned in butter and simmered in a silky cream gravy. Served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries. Serves 4.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs2 hr 25 min total
Beef meatballs simmered in a sweet and sour sauce of onions, ketchup and brown sugar. Make them cocktail size or dinner size; they are even better the second day.
Teriyaki Meatballs1 hr 20 min total | 10 servings
A big batch of ground beef meatballs with water chestnuts and ginger, simmered in white wine and broth and finished in a sweet teriyaki-style sauce. Serves 10.
Texas Chili (Chili con Carne)3 hr 30 min total | 8 servings
True Texas red: cubes of beef chuck simmered for hours in a sauce of toasted dried chiles, garlic, cumin and oregano, thickened with masa. No beans. Serves 8.
Texas Hash1 hr 30 min total | 4 to 6 servings
Ground beef, onions, green pepper, tomatoes, rice and chili powder baked together in one casserole dish. A hearty one-dish dinner that serves 4 to 6.
Texas Smoked Brisket13 hr 30 min total | 12 to 16 servings
A whole packer brisket rubbed with coarse salt and pepper, smoked low and slow over oak or hickory, wrapped in butcher paper and rested until tender. Serves 12 to 16.
Thai Beef Salad (Yum Nua)40 min total | 4 servings
Grilled steak sliced thin and tossed with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, mint and cilantro in a hot, sour and salty lime and fish sauce dressing. Serves 4.
Waikiki Meatballs (Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs)45 min total | 6 servings
Ground beef meatballs browned in a skillet and simmered in a sweet and sour pineapple sauce with soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar and green pepper. Serves 6.
Zippy Beef and Macaroni Casserole1 hr 5 min total | 4 to 6 servings
A family-style casserole of ground beef, elbow macaroni, cream of mushroom soup, ketchup, cheddar and green pepper, topped with crushed potato chips. Serves 4 to 6.

Seafood

Baccala Salad (Salt Cod Salad)2 days 35 min total | 8 servings
Soaked and gently poached salt cod flaked and tossed with celery, black olives, roasted red peppers, parsley, garlic, lemon and olive oil. A Christmas Eve classic. Serves 8.
Cod with Coconut-Lime Curry Sauce55 min total | 4 servings
Thick cod fillets seared until golden, finished in the oven and served in a fragrant coconut, lemongrass, ginger and lime curry sauce. Serves 4.
Fish Tacos with Lime Cabbage Slaw30 min total | 8 tacos, 4 servings
Chili-and-cumin seasoned cod seared in a hot skillet, flaked into warm corn tortillas and topped with a crunchy lime cabbage slaw and creamy chipotle sauce. Serves 4.
New England Clam Chowder1 hr total | 6 servings
Creamy New England clam chowder with tender clams, potatoes, onion, celery and smoky bacon, lightly thickened and finished with milk and cream. Serves 6.
New England Fish Chowder50 min total
A simple New England fish chowder of haddock and potatoes simmered until the fish flakes, with sauteed onion and evaporated milk stirred in at the end.

Chicken and poultry

Air Fryer Chicken Wings30 min total | 4 servings
Extra-crispy chicken wings with a simple garlic, paprika and pepper rub, air-fried in about 25 minutes with no oil. Serve plain or tossed in any sauce. Serves 4.
Broiled Chicken with Orange Sauce50 min total
Split broilers sprinkled with ginger and salt, broiled golden, then basted with orange juice concentrate and water or orange liqueur until tender, about 30 minutes.
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)2 hr total | 4 to 6 servings
Spiced yogurt-marinated chicken simmered in a velvety tomato, butter and cream sauce with garam masala and fenugreek. Serve with rice and naan. Serves 4 to 6.
Chicken Cooked with Stuff1 hr 45 min total
A whole cut-up chicken dredged in seasoned flour, browned, then baked at 425°F in a sweet and tangy sauce of ketchup, sherry, honey, Worcestershire and sauteed onion rings.
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cream Sauce1 hr 5 min total | 6 servings
Boneless chicken breasts rolled around Swiss cheese and ham, browned in butter, simmered in white wine and finished with a silky cream sauce. Serves 6.
Chicken Marsala35 min total | 4 servings | 43 g protein per serving
Golden sautéed chicken cutlets in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce finished with a touch of cream. An Italian-American restaurant favorite at home in 35 minutes; serves 4.
Chicken Parisienne1 hr 20 min total
Chicken browned in olive oil, finished in a sauterne wine and chicken stock sauce with button mushrooms, baked at 375°F and garnished with green grapes.
Chicken Parmesan50 min total | 4 servings | 63 g protein per serving
Crisp breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara and melted mozzarella and Parmesan, baked until bubbly. The Italian-American classic. Serves 4.
Chicken Piccata30 min total | 4 servings | 41 g protein per serving
Thin chicken cutlets dredged in flour and sautéed golden, then finished in a bright pan sauce of lemon, capers, white wine and butter. Ready in 30 minutes; serves 4.
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo2 hr 25 min total | 8 servings
A deep, dark-roux Cajun gumbo of chicken thighs, smoked andouille and the holy trinity, simmered with thyme and cayenne and served over rice. Serves 8.
Classic Buffalo Wings2 hr total | 4 to 6 servings
Extra-crispy baked chicken wings tossed in a classic hot sauce and butter Buffalo sauce, served with blue cheese dressing, celery and carrots. Serves 4 to 6.
Coq au Vin2 hr total | 6 servings
Chicken thighs and drumsticks braised in red wine with bacon, mushrooms and pearl onions until tender, in a rich, glossy sauce. A Burgundy classic. Serves 6.
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup45 min total | 6 servings
A thick, creamy chicken and wild rice soup made with shredded chicken breast, a quick-cooking wild rice blend and a buttery roux. About 45 minutes start to finish.
Dakgangjeong (Sweet and Spicy Crispy Chicken)50 min total | 4 servings
Bite-size pieces of chicken thigh fried twice until shatteringly crisp, then tossed in a sticky gochujang, honey and garlic glaze and topped with chopped peanuts. Serves 4.
Dijon Chicken with Pineapple1 hr 5 min total
Split chicken breasts browned under the broiler, then baked at 400°F in a pineapple juice, Dijon, garlic, rosemary and Worcestershire sauce and topped with pineapple and lemon slices.
Garlic Parmesan Wings2 hr total | 4 to 6 servings
Extra-crispy baked chicken wings tossed in garlic butter with grated Parmesan, parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Serves 4 to 6.
Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salad with Candied Pecans31 min total | 4 servings
Grilled chicken breast over crisp lettuce with fresh strawberries, candied pecans and a sweet homemade red wine vinaigrette. Serves 4.
Lemon Chicken35 min total
Boneless chicken breasts simmered gently in butter with fresh lemon juice, garlic, salt and paprika until tender. Simple, quick and bright.
Lemon Herb Roast Chicken1 hr 55 min total | 4 to 6 servings
A whole chicken rubbed with garlic herb butter under the skin, filled with lemon and onion and roasted at 425°F until the skin is crisp and golden. Serves 4 to 6.
Norwegian Paprika Chicken1 hr 50 min total
Chicken browned in butter, then simmered over onions with paprika, mushrooms, raisins and heavy cream for about an hour. Serve over rice.
Oven Fried Hawaiian Chicken1 hr 25 min total | Serves 4
Chicken marinated in soy sauce, onion and ginger, coated in cornstarch and oven-fried in margarine at 425°F, then baked in pineapple, mandarin orange and lemon juice. Serves 4.
Sesame Chicken with Apricot Sauce1 hr 5 min total
Chicken breasts breaded in sesame seeds and bread crumbs, fried until golden, then baked at 350°F under a sweet apricot, soy and garlic sauce.
Sticky Orange Chicken1 hr 10 min total
A cut-up chicken spread with orange marmalade, soy sauce, garlic and ginger and baked at 350°F for an hour until sticky and glazed.
Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs1 hr 32 min total | 6 servings
Chicken breast cubes marinated in Greek yogurt with tomato paste, garlic, lemon, red pepper and sweet paprika, then grilled on skewers. Serves 6.

Pork

Brown Sugar Glazed Holiday Ham2 hr 40 min total | 12 to 16 servings
A spiral-cut ham warmed slowly and brushed with a glossy brown sugar, Dijon, orange and clove glaze until caramelized. Serves 12 to 16.
Cajun Grilled Pork25 min total | 4 servings
Boneless pork chops or tenderloin coated in a quick homemade Cajun rub of paprika, cayenne, sage, black pepper and seasoned salt, then grilled. Serves 4.
Glazed Spareribs1 hr 45 min total | 4 servings | 45 g protein per serving
Pork spareribs oven-roasted and basted with a tangy glaze of tomato sauce, molasses, vinegar, dry mustard and onion dressing mix. Serves 4.
Pork Roast with Apple-Chili Glaze2 hr 10 min total | 8 to 10 servings
A boneless pork loin roast rubbed with chili powder and garlic, roasted and glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce of apple jelly, ketchup, vinegar and chili powder. Serves 8 to 10.
Pressure-Cooker Ribs and Sauerkraut1 hr total | 4 to 6 servings
Pork spareribs layered with sauerkraut, caraway, brown sugar, onion, potatoes and carrots and cooked in a pressure cooker for a complete one-pot dinner. Serves 4 to 6.
Spicy Asian Sweet and Sour Pork1 hr total | 4 to 6 servings | 12 g net carbs per serving
Oven-baked sweet and sour pork with onions and bell peppers in a blender sauce of pineapple, garlic, cayenne, soy sauce and cider vinegar. Serves 4 to 6.
Ärtsoppa (Swedish Yellow Pea Soup with Pork)14 hr 15 min total | 6 servings
Thick, hearty Swedish yellow pea soup simmered with pork and onion and seasoned with marjoram and thyme, served with mustard. The traditional Thursday supper. Serves 6.

Soups

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup4 hr 20 min total
A hearty vegetarian split pea soup simmered 3 to 4 hours with sauteed onion, garlic, celery, potato and carrots, finished with red wine, thyme, a touch of sesame oil and vinegar.

Vegetables, salads and meatless dishes

Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)10 hr 15 min total | 8 servings
Hearty Texas pinto beans simmered with bacon, onion, tomato, jalapeño and cilantro into a smoky, brothy side for fajitas and carne asada. Serves 8.
Dolmades with Egg and Lemon Sauce1 hr 35 min total | About 50 rolls
Grape leaves rolled around seasoned chopped meat, rice, parsley and onion, simmered 40 to 50 minutes, and served under a silky Greek egg and lemon sauce.
Kimchi Fried Rice25 min total | 2 to 3 servings
Day-old rice stir-fried with chopped ripe kimchi, bacon, onion and a spoonful of gochujang, finished with sesame oil and topped with a runny fried egg. Ready in 25 minutes; serves 2 to 3.
Matzah Brei (Matzah and Eggs)15 min total | 1 serving
Matzah brei, fried matzah: crumbled matzah or farfel soaked in beaten eggs and fried golden on both sides. Serve with maple syrup, jam or sugar.
Susan's Home-Made Manicotti1 hr 10 min total
Manicotti made with thin homemade crepes rolled around a ricotta, egg and Parmesan filling, topped with mozzarella and sauce and baked.
Texas Breakfast Tacos40 min total | 8 tacos
Warm flour tortillas filled with crispy diced potatoes, soft scrambled eggs, bacon or chorizo and melted cheese, topped with salsa. An Austin and San Antonio morning staple. Makes 8.

Desserts and baking

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie1 hr 20 min total | 1 (9-inch) pie, 6 servings
A classic double-crust chicken pot pie with tender chicken, carrots, peas and celery in a creamy homemade sauce. Serves 6.

More ways to browse

Common questions

What are the cheapest cuts of beef?: Ground beef, chuck roast, round steak, stew meat and flank steak usually cost the least, and they are delicious braised, ground or sliced thin.
Are chicken thighs cheaper than breasts?: Usually, and they stay juicier too. Whole chickens are often the best value of all.
How can I save on meat?: Buy family packs and freeze portions, choose a whole chicken or a roast and cook for leftovers, and stretch ground beef with beans or vegetables.