This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.
I’m sure I’m not telling you anything you didn’t already know when I point out that food costs are rising. We have especially felt the pinch when buying meat. We don’t mind eating less meat, but we don’t want to give it up altogether!
It’s time to go back to the most frugal way of cooking meat, which is to choose the cheapest cuts possible. Don’t worry, we’re not going to be making anything weird! But by cooking larger cuts of meat and bone-in options, you’ll get more bang for your buck. And you don’t have to sacrifice on taste.
10 Cheapest Cuts of Meat (and how to cook them!)
Whole Chicken
Cooking a whole thicken is often more cost effective and also gives you the bones you need to make chicken broth. You can do a classic roast chicken, or you can make it a little more exciting by trying a garlic herb version or a BBQ version.
Chicken Leg Quarters
Chicken leg quarters are extremely cheap and are just a thigh and a drumstick on the same piece of meat. You could make basic baked chicken leg quarters or try balsamic soy roasted chicken or Italian roasted.
Chicken Drumsticks
Drumsticks are great for a crowd and can even be grilled! One of our favorite ways to eat drumsticks is to add a sticky honey sauce. Another favorite is a honey sriracha version or just plain baked drumsticks.
Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs
These are a staple in our house and something I buy any time they’re on sale. While I also love the boneless skinless variety, cooking them with bones and skin adds so much flavor and moisture. The skin is amazing with my crispy roasted chicken thighs, but you can also bake them or use them to make chicken cacciatore.
Pork Butt/Shoulder
A large piece of pork is often very cost effective and can be used to make other recipes. We love making Instant Pot pulled pork, but you can also have roasted pork shoulder or cook a pork butt with vegetables.
Ham
Ham isn’t just for holidays! You can freeze them when they’re on sale and eat them later in the year when you need something different for dinner. You can try glazed ham or a small baked ham, or you can use leftover ham for a yummy casserole.
Ground Beef
Ground beef is a staple and while the price has gone up, it is still probably the cheapest way to eat beef. Adding mushrooms will stretch your beef in beef stroganoff, and serving meatloaf with filling sides will make a complete meal. You can also just saute it with some taco seasoning for tacos!
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings aren’t just for tailgating! You can make simple baked chicken wings, buffalo wings, or delicious honey mustard wings.
Whole Turkey
Turkeys aren’t just for Thanksgiving! You can do a basic Thanksgiving turkey any time of year. You can also try a garlic herb butter turkey or recreate your mom’s roast turkey.
Bone-In Pork Chops
Pork chops are so versatile and cheaper if you go the bone-in route. You can make basic pork chops in the oven, honey garlic pork chops, or pork chops on the stove.
