Beef on a Budget: 5 Affordable Beef Cuts That Pack Flavour
As a food lover and a savvy shopper, I’ve learned to look for cheap ingredients that don’t sacrifice flavour and nutrition—beef cuts included. I remember when I was still a struggling university student, I used to shop in the discount aisle, always choosing near-expiry food or highly processed food like sugary cereals and sausages that barely had real meat in them! Sure, I was able to save money, but I can’t really say that they were delicious and high in nutrition. That was a phase in my life I’m not happy to return to! I’m proud to say I have long since graduated from piling my shopping carts with highly processed food and low nutrition. I know better now! Because I have kids, I have learned to scout the grocery and butcher shops for cheap beef cuts that satisfy hungry bellies and pack a nutritional punch, and I’m happy to share them with you in the blog.
Is beef good for you?
According to the Better Health Channel, beef provides several health benefits, including protein, when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are some of the top health benefits of beef that will convince you to include beef in your daily diet:
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Protein is amazing for muscle building: Nope, let’s not confuse ourselves by saying that consuming beef will magically transform you into a bodybuilder! I used to think like that as a kid because my parents always told me that eating beef would make me strong, like a superhero! Although beef is a very good source of protein, providing all nine essential amino acids needed to build and maintain muscle mass, consuming protein does not turn you into the Hulk. Muscles keep your body strong, keep body fat at bay, increase energy levels, and reduce stress. The protein in beef is highly bioavailable, meaning our bodies can easily absorb and utilise it.
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Iron for Healthy Blood: Beef provides heme iron, the most easily absorbed iron, which helps transport oxygen around the body and supports a healthy immune system. My family has a long history of being mildly anemic, and I’ve found that consuming the right amounts of beef has been helpful in keeping our hemoglobin count normal.
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Zinc and B Vitamins: Beef contains zinc, niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Zinc supports skin, hair, nails, fertility, and immune health. B vitamins help convert food into energy and support red blood cell production.
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Conjugated Linoleic Acid: Grass-fed beef contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy trans fat associated with reduced heart disease risk and improved blood sugar regulation and body composition. It’s time to throw away the wrong idea that eating beef leads to heart problems and cholesterol issues. Eating the right portions is the key to reaping the health benefits of beef!
Where can I find affordable beef cuts?
As someone who loves cooking and thrift-shopping food items, I’ve made some discoveries about buying cheaper beef-cut options that still have superior flavour. Based on my own experience shopping for bargains, here are my top three places to find affordable beef:
The first place I always check is my local grocery store’s weekly sales. Watch for manager’s specials or weekly deals on cheaper cuts like chuck roasts, brisket, and stew meat. I’ve found so many amazing deals this way. Just last week, I scored a huge 1.5 kg of chuck roast for only $16! What a steal! So, don’t throw those weekly flyers away; check them out to score great deals.
Another helpful tip is to take a trip to your local butcher, like The Meat Inn Place, and talk to the friendly butches on duty. Tell them your budget and ask what cuts they would recommend that week. I’ve had butchers guide me to marked-down cuts that weren’t even on their specials board because they were overstocked. Asking never hurts anyone, and the butchers know the best cuts to use for different recipes.
Finally, warehouse club stores like Costco often have bulk deals on family packs of stew meat, beef mince, and lesser-known cuts like tri-tip roasts. This trip to Costco to buy meat makes the yearly memberships worth spending. One time, I was able to purchase a few kilos of beef mince for only $10 per kg. We’re sure to never run out for months! I normally buy my meat in bulk, portion it out, and freeze the extra so I always have beef ready for my spaghetti bolognese, Guinness beer beef stew, and maybe something fancy like a Beef Bourginione.
I hope these real-world tips from an experienced and frugal shopper can help you keep great-tasting beef on the menu without breaking the bank!
5 Budget-friendly Beef Cuts To Make Delicious Meals
As a thrifty shopper and designated family home cook, I’ve always been drawn to the allure of budget-friendly beef cuts. While the pricier cuts undeniably deliver in terms of tenderness and flavour, I’ve discovered that with a bit of culinary creativity and knowledge, you can transform even the most humble cuts into culinary masterpieces. Here are five exceptional yet affordable beef cuts that will tantalise your taste buds and tickle your wallet:
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Chuck Eye Steak: Also known as the ‘poor man’s rib-eye’, this cut lives up to its reputation as having a robust beef flavour. Although it’s a little tougher than its more expensive counterpart, you can marinate your chuck eye steaks to help tenderise them. I totally recommend sous videing your chuck eye steaks to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tender level!
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Shoulder Steak: Also known as ranch steak, this versatile cut offers affordability and convenience. Shoulder steak is perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or braising, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. For date nights, it’s good to pair a grilled shoulder steak with a refreshing, tangy, and herby chimichurri sauce.
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Skirt Steak: Who doesn’t love good Mexican-inspired dishes? Often dubbed “fajita meat,” skirt steak is a boneless cut renowned for its intense flavour. Because it doesn’t have a lot of fat, slicing it against the grain, marinating it in a slightly acidic marinade, and cooking it at the right temperature will help you reach optimal tenderness.
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Flat Iron Steak: This incredibly tender and well-marbled cut comes at a price that fits most household budgets. Its unique name stems from the flat muscle it’s derived from, located in the top blade of the cow. Flat iron steak is perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or stir-frying, making it a versatile choice for any meal. One of the best things about the flat iron steak is that it takes only a few minutes to cook to its perfect doneness. From my experience, I found that giving it 4 minutes on each side is enough to get you a perfectly cooked steak!
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Beef Mince: A staple in many Australian households, beef mince or ground beef offers endless possibilities for sumptuous, delectable, and satisfying dishes from all over the world. Whether you’re crafting juicy American-style backyard burgers, hearty meatloaves that remind you of your Nana, or authentic Italian bolognese pasta sauces that are sure to keep your kids coming back for seconds because mine definitely do, beef mince is a versatile and affordable ingredient that never disappoints.
What can I do to make cheaper cuts of beef more flavourful?
As a passionate home cook and a keen advocate for budget-friendly meals, I’ve spent years exploring ways to transform affordable cuts of beef into flavourful and satisfying dishes. Over time, I’ve discovered that you can elevate even the most humble cuts to culinary excellence with a little creativity and culinary know-how. So, don’t be scared to experiment in the kitchen!
- Marinate: One of my go-to strategies for enhancing the flavour of budget-friendly beef is the power of marinades. Marinating not only tenderises the meat but also infuses it with a symphony of flavours, making every bite a burst of culinary delight. A family favourite of ours is to marinate thin slices of chuck roast in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey, which instantly makes a Japanese-inspired dish to fill your bellies!
- Slow cook: Another secret weapon in my kitchen arsenal is to go low and slow. Slow cooking allows the connective tissues in tougher beef cuts like the beef brisket to break down, resulting in succulent, tender meat that’s packed with flavour. If you don’t have a slow cooker at home, a Dutch oven or a simple pot can do the trick! Just thinking about a spicy tomato-based beef stew is enough to make my mouth water!
- Be generous with herbs and spices: Generously seasoning your beef with herbs and spices levels up your dishes to restaurant quality. I personally love dredging and rubbing a flank steak with fresh rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, and a touch of smoked paprika for that surprising kick!
- Don’t overcook: Finally, don’t forget the importance of cooking technique. Overcooking can quickly turn even the most flavourful cut of beef into a dry, chewy mess that will make your jaws ache until the next morning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you’re cooking your beef to the perfect doneness, retaining its juiciness, and enhancing its natural flavours.
FAQ
To ensure the optimal freshness of your budget-friendly beef cuts, adhere to these essential storage guidelines:
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Maintain Proper Refrigerator Temperature: Refrigerate beef cuts at a temperature of 4.4°C or below to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.
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Secure Wrapping: Tightly wrap beef cuts in plastic or aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn and moisture loss, preserving their texture and flavour.
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Label the Meats Accordingly: Label the packages with the purchase date to aid in tracking.
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Vacuum Sealing: Vacuum sealing is great for extending the shelf life of your beef.
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Odour-Proof Containers: Use airtight containers to prevent unpleasant odours from seeping into your meat.
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Organise: Arrange your beef cuts so they are easy to find and access when needed.
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Freeze: If you want to preserve your beef cuts for a longer period, it’s a good option to freeze them. Freezing maintains the quality and freshness of the beef as long as it is packaged correctly.
Transforming tougher cuts of beef into delicious dishes on a budget is a thrifty cook’s secret.
- Invest in a quality meat tenderiser for enhanced texture and flavour enhancement.
- Opt for marinades with soy sauce and acidity, allowing longer marinating times that break down tough connective tissues.
- Embrace slow cooking using a slow cooker or Dutch oven for succulent and fall-off-the-bone results.
- Purchase a sharp knife for easier cutting and portioning. These tips make handling tougher cuts a breeze, creating meals that satisfy cravings and keep your budgets intact.
Yes, of course. This is the sole reason why online butchers exist. Your local butcher may offer extra service through their online butcher shops. You can place your orders through their website, pay for them, and have them delivered to your doorstep. The Meat Inn Place has an online meat shop that delivers high-quality, locally sourced pork, beef, poultry, lamb, Wagyu, and more at cheaper prices.
