I really like meat but it is getting more expensive. I am wondering what ways people have cut back in meals without noticing a big difference. I can cut back meat in soups by adding more beans or extra vegetables. Meat seems to be more filling and healthier than adding more starches. I am trying to find a happy medium but still have a filling meals and great taste. I love mushrooms, green beans, zucchini and spinach.
What are your best tips for saving on groceries by cutting back on ingredients like meat?
byu/melissaw328 inFrugal
Posted by melissaw328
5 Comments
More lentils or beans, as you mentioned. Meat has a supporting role instead of a main feature. I made a roast yesterday and aim to do 75% vegetables on the plate to 25% meat. I’m going to test out black beans in ground beef to stretch it for recipes but mostly I don’t add meat.
I use those dehydrated potatoes as thickener in recipes for everything from brownies to chile relleno, and I’m using eggplant in recipes as a meat substitute. It tastes richer if you add a little anchovy paste and Parmesan.
I’m a vegetarian and cook most of my meals. Here are some of my favourite ways to get in balanced, nutritious meals for cheap.
* Frozen vegetables are the ultimate cheap hack! Especially peas/carrots/corn.
* Cabbage is the cheapest vegetable and last for a long time. It can replace lettuce in salads, can be sauteed, used for cabbage rolls.
* Dried lentils and beans are cheaper than canned. They do require soaking but I found a hack – soak them in advance and store soaked beans in the freezer.
* Tofu is a great replacement for meat in stews. Scrambled tofu works well as a replacement for minced meat.
Brown and green lentils as well as oats work well for stretching ground meat. I usually toss in som onion celery and carrots to stretch it further.
Eliminate all animal products and processes foods. Cook almost every meal.