7 Inexpensive Beef Cuts and How to Use Them
Sticking to a budget is tough to do when it feels like prices are increasing everywhere you turn. And grocery budgets are often the first to get cut in times of inflation. But before you start mourning the loss of your favorite weekly meals, consider how you can stretch your budget – and your meal plan – with a few of these inexpensive beef cuts.
1. Brisket
When you think about brisket, barbecue probably comes to mind. And for good reason. A tougher cut of meat, brisket benefits from a slow and steady cooking process. But did you know it’s also used for corned beef and pastrami? No matter how you decide to enjoy this tasty cut, choose a route such as braising or smoking that will allow the meat to cook slowly until it’s tender and juicy.
See more: How to Choose the Best Beef and Pork Cuts
2. Chuck Eye Steak
Known as one of the most inexpensive beef cuts, chuck eye steak comes from the upper shoulder of the cow. Even though it has steak in the name, it is usually eaten as a roast. But since this cut also includes a few tender pieces of beef, you can enjoy it both in a fashion more akin to steak and as a slow-cooked beef roast. If you decide to use high heat, be mindful that you don’t overcook it. Otherwise, it may become tough and chewy.
3. Ground Beef
Ground beef is one of the most commonly purchased and easily prepared meats in the grocery today. But sometimes you find yourself running out of creative ways to use it that aren’t the same old spaghetti and meatballs. With a little resourcefulness and some help from online foodies, you can easily use this simple and affordable meat to make a delicious and inspired meal.
- Skillet Beef Nachos
- Baked Rigatoni Pasta
- Grilled Thai Beef Burgers
- Cheesy Tortellini Bake
- Beef Ramen Noodles
- Beef and Bean Stuffed Peppers with Cheese
4. Eye of Round
Have you ever ordered a roast beef sandwich from a local deli? Chances are your sandwich consisted of thinly sliced eye of round. But could you pick it out on its own at the meat counter? Economical and delicious, eye of round makes a great selection for anyone wanting to roast and slow-cook a large cut for days of tasty meals.
See more: 6 Cattle Breeds You May Not Be Familiar With
5. Stew Meat
Stew meat is often passed up at the grocery store despite being a deliciously affordable cut that can be used in several creative ways. This cut is primarily made up of tougher connective tissues, like chuck and round. But when simmered in liquid for a period of time, the tissues break down into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth meal.
6. Chuck Roast
Chuck roast is a classic choice around the holidays, but you don’t have to reserve this choice cut for Christmas dinner. Often weighing several pounds, chuck roasts come from the shoulder of the cow and have a very beef-forward flavor. Slow-cooking is the best option for tenderizing the meat and allowing its rich flavors to come through. But don’t feel stuck to roast and roast alone. The leftovers are wonderful in everything from tacos and salads to wraps and grilled cheese.
- Pot Roast with Brussels Sprouts and Baby Carrots
- Shredded Beef
- Chuck Roast with Balsamic and Dijon
- Pulled Beef Chuck Roast
- Barbacoa Beef Lettuce Wraps
See more: Guide to Common Cuts of Beef
7. Short Ribs
Short ribs come from a variety of sections on a cow, from the chuck or plate to brisket section. Their name, understandably, stems from the fact that they are short pieces of bone surrounded by tasty meat. They may not have quite as much meat in a meat-to-bone ratio, but the flavor is phenomenal – especially when braised.
- Oven Braised Short Ribs
- Cripsy Garlic Short Ribs
- Asian Braised Short Ribs with Chili Lime Potatoes
- Beef Short Rib Mac and Cheese
See more: Most Affordable Cuts of Chicken and How to Use Them