The 5 Best Cheapest Cuts of Meat You Should Be Cooking With

If you’re doing your best to stretch your grocery budget then you’ve probably noticed that meat can really be expensive.

Here are my thoughts on 5 cheapest cuts of meat you should be cooking with, if you haven’t already.  

I’ve also rounded up some delicious recipes to help give you ideas on how to enjoy yourself while you’re saving money.

NOTE: The prices listed were gathered from an Aldi store in Central New York. Your prices may be lower or higher depending on the area where you live.  

Sales can also affect the pricing, but generally, these cuts are always a good value.

Key Takeaways

• Cost-Effective Cuts: Discover 5 affordable types of meat that are often overlooked, starting with chicken thighs and pork loin.
• Cooking Confidence: Learn how to make the most out of these cheaper cuts with helpful recipes.
• Enjoy Savings: Save money on groceries without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.
• Sales Variability: Remember that sales can influence prices but these cuts generally provide good value.
• Local Pricing Insight: Prices were checked at an Aldi in Central New York; check your area for local differences.

5 Cheapest Cuts of Meat You Should Be Cooking With

1. Chicken Thighs

• $1.19 per lb at Aldi

Chicken thighs may be the most versatile meat on our list. They’re tender and juicy and have much more flavor than the ever-popular chicken breast.

The thighs take on seasoning flavors very well and can be delicious when prepared sweet, tangy, spicy, or any way you like! Plus, the meat is juicy and doesn’t dry out as easily as chicken breasts.

Chicken thighs can be braised, roasted, grilled, slow cooking, deep fried, and probably cooked in almost any other method—and they’re really hard to overcook.

As long as the thickest part of the chicken thigh reaches a temperature of 165 degrees (not measuring directly on the bone), then your chicken is safe to eat.

Some chicken thigh recipes you’ll love:

• Lemon Awesome Chicken

2. Pork Loin

• $2.49 per lb at Aldi

Pork loin is one of my favorite go-to inexpensive meats.  It cooks perfectly with a long marinade or a quick seasoning rub.

You can cook pork loin on the grill, roast it in the oven, or throw it in a slow cooker for a hands-off meal that won’t overheat your kitchen.

To make sure the pork loin stays juicy and tender, cook it whole without slicing it up first.  

Let the internal temperature reach 145 degrees, and then let the roast rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the entire cut. Perfect every time!

I saw some sites recommending pork rib chops, but they were almost $5 per pound (which still isn’t bad), so it wasn’t cheaper for me. Also, you can get pork loin chops, but it’s cheaper to slice and dice it at home.

Some pork loin recipes you’ll love:

• Chili Lime Grilled Pork Loin

3. Ground Turkey

• 1.2 lb package is $2.99 at Aldi

Ground turkey can replace ground beef in most recipes. It’s much less expensive and almost always has less fat content than ground beef (make sure to check the label!).

Ground turkey can be browned in a frying pan, cooked in patties on a grill, or substituted into your favorite recipe that calls for ground meat.

You’ll want to make sure the ground turkey is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

I’m not gonna go crazy and tell you that turkey burgers are just as good as ground beef burgers… but turkey burgers can be pretty darned good.

We love turkey burgers, turkey meatballs, and even throwing in some ground turkey in our chili.  Yum!

Some ground turkey recipes you’ll love:

• Healthy Stuffed Peppers – Crockpot Recipe
• Healthy Turkey Meatballs
• or even throw in some ground turkey into your next batch of Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce

4. Italian Sausage Links

• $3.49 per lb at Aldi

Ok, so technically, sausage isn’t a “cut of meat,”… but it’s awesome and inexpensive, so I’ve included it.

Italian sausage links are juicy and full of flavor. They’re already seasoned, so you really don’t have to do anything besides cook them. You can usually buy them in sweet or spicy varieties.

You can pan-fry the links in a little oil, bake them in your oven, or poach them in water before throwing them on a hot grill.  Make sure to cook these thoroughly to 165 degrees internal temperature.

I love to throw any leftovers into a breakfast frittata or on top of a homemade pizza.

5. Top Round Steak

• $6.19 per lb at Aldi

The Top Round steak (also known as the London Broil) comes from the top of the rear leg and can be a fairly tough cut of meat since this is a muscle that is used often by the cow. So preparation is a must with this cut.

This cut of steak can be cooked on the grill, stir fry, kabobs, and cutlets for a tasty beefy flavor. When it’s done, make sure to slice against the grain so you don’t end up with long fibers of meat.

You should definitely marinate your steak in a tenderizing marinade for 12 – 24 hours. This will prevent the meat from getting tough and chewy.

Here’s another tip – use a Jaccard. Never heard of it? You need one! It basically makes a bunch of tiny cuts into your meat, making the marinade get in deeper.

You can then grill or pan-fry the steak, serve it up sliced thinly with extra marinade for a nice sauce, with veggies and potatoes as sides.

Now, some other cheaper cuts of beef include hanger steak, sirloin steak, corned beef, chuck steak, flank steak, skirt steak, and so on, but for me, it all comes down to sales and how I can prepare the meat.

Some do better slow cooked, marinated and grilled, or baked low and slow, but getting meat on sale is worth looking up some cooking techniques! 

FAQs

What is the cheapest cut of meat?

The cheapest cut of meat can vary depending on location and sales.

However, some generally inexpensive cuts include chicken thighs, pork loin, ground turkey, Italian sausage links, and top-round steak.

I watch for sales to see what steaks will be less expensive if there are low prices on meats like lamb breast or pork belly to change things up, and look up recipes to cook different meats better.

What is the best way to cook cheaper cuts of meat?

Cheaper cuts of meat can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, roasting, slow cooking, and pan-frying.

It’s important to marinate or season these cuts well and cook them to the recommended internal temperature for safety.

Are these meat cuts good quality?

The quality of the meat can vary depending on where it’s purchased and how it’s prepared.

However, with proper seasoning and cooking techniques, these cuts can be delicious and budget-friendly options.

Always make sure to check the labels and choose quality meats for the best results.

Final Thoughts

As a mom who constantly strives to balance budgeting with providing nutritious, flavorful meals for my family, I’ve found these affordable cuts of meat to be a lifesaver.

They not only help keep our grocery bills in check but also ensure that my kids get to enjoy a variety of delicious and nutritious meals.

Chicken thighs, pork loin, ground turkey, Italian sausage links, and top round steak are not only versatile but also perfect for creating an array of family-friendly dishes that my kids love.

By incorporating these cuts into our meal plan and experimenting with different recipes, I’ve been able to make the most out of our shopping budget without compromising on taste or quality.

Remember, with a little creativity and the right approach, feeding your family well doesn’t have to break the bank. Happy cooking!